Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Riverlee

The largest private construction project to begin in Melbourne since the beginning of the pandemic has officially commenced as construction begins on Riverlee&rsquo;s Seafarers mixed-use hotel and apartment development.

This exciting milestone was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, attended by Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp.

Icon Construction was appointed as the builder on the $500 million development in January.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173914]

&ldquo;The groundbreaking ceremony is an exciting milestone for the development and we&rsquo;re looking forward to bringing this world-class destination to life&rdquo;, Icon Construction CEO Evan Byrne said.

Situated between the CBD and Docklands, Seafarers will comprise 120 luxury hotel-branded residences atop 277 guest rooms, as part of Australia&rsquo;s first 1 Hotel &amp; Homes.

Riverlee&#39;s Development Director David Lee said the&nbsp;family is proud to have reached this stage following a 10-year journey of developing our vision that truly brings together the surrounding urban fabric and steers Northbank into an exciting direction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173917]

Colliers also noted the project had the highest level of enquiry over the Christmas and New Year period, and have secured&nbsp;$30 million in sales and reservations&nbsp;since October.

Limited two and three-bedroom residences remain at the development, which has been designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects.

With the retention of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5, Seafarers will also encompass Melbourne&rsquo;s newest 3,500 sqm public park, Seafarers Rest to provide open space to users, residents and visitors of the Northbank precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173929]

&ldquo;We welcome this significant development in our city,&quot; Lord Mayor Sally Capp added.

&quot;The Seafarers project complements City of Melbourne&rsquo;s game-changing transformation project Greenline, which will revitalise and renew Northbank.&quot;

Construction at Seafarers and Seafarers Rest is slated for completion in mid-2024.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27728]

Situated between the CBD and Docklands, Seafarers will comprise 120 luxury hotel-branded residences atop 277 guest rooms, as part of Australia’s first 1 Hotel & Homes. 

max.kwok_55688

Construction commences at Riverlee’s $550 million Seafarers development at the emerging Northbank precinct

Privately owned property group, Riverlee, has appointed Icon Construction to deliver the $500 million Seafarers development featuring residential, hotel and hospitality, in what is set to be the largest private construction project in Melbourne since the pandemic.

The 18-storey development comprises 123 luxury hotel-branded residences and 277 guest rooms as part of Australia&rsquo;s first 1 Hotel &amp; Homes from SH Hotels &amp; Resorts.

Revitalising the historic Goods Shed No.5, Seafarers is a flagship project within the Northbank precinct, located between the CBD and Docklands.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173912]

The project&rsquo;s multi-sector impact extends beyond construction and shows post-pandemic confidence in the residential, tourism and recreation markets.

The Seafarers build is valued at a nominal $275 million and is forecast to provide a total of 1,023 full-time equivalent construction-related jobs, with approximately 680 jobs generated upon completion.

The builder appointment of Icon comes as Seafarers records $20 million in sales and reservations since lockdown ended in Victoria last October.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173921]

Riverlee&rsquo;s development director, David Lee, says that the partnership with Icon marks a significant milestone for the next wave of Northbank as a destination in Melbourne.

&ldquo;Icon shares our vision for the precinct &ndash; for it to be a high-quality, sustainable and an outstanding place to live and visit.

He also made note of the positive uptake in sales since restrictions lifted in Victoria, showing the confidence in the owner-occupier apartment market and the shift to new lifestyle opportunities in a post-pandemic landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173942]

&ldquo;Construction of many residential projects in the city have been put on hold because of low sales during the pandemic, but we are proud to be progressing and are confident in our offering of a unique and differentiated residential product.&rdquo;

Construction at Seafarers will commence in early 2022 with completion slated for 2024.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27728]

The Seafarers build is valued at a nominal $275 million and is forecast to provide a total of 1,023 full-time equivalent construction-related jobs, with approximately 680 jobs generated upon completion.



alisonwarters@gmail.com

Riverlee appoints Icon Construction to deliver $500 million Seafarers development

Not often comes an opportunity where hotel&nbsp;and residential spaces find&nbsp;their way into one project, but one of the biggest trends sweeping the country is the mixed of both,&nbsp;catering to a new type of discerning buyer.

Development director at Riverlee, David Lee, noted growing interest for hotel residences in the Australian property market.

&ldquo;The hotel residence lifestyle has gained a lot of traction in places like New York and Asia, but there is a need for this type of home in Australia&rdquo;, Lee said.

&quot;There are various residential buildings out there with features such&nbsp;as a concierge service but hotel-branded residences, particularly those with an international focus, take it to another level,&rdquo; he added.

These mixed-use developments have become a new sector mainstay in Australia, according to Cromwell Property Group, with developers increasingly combining commercial, hotel, leisure and residential.

Urban takes a look at six of Australia&rsquo;s best mixed-use apartment and hotel developments available on the market.

1. Castle Residences, Sydney 
Developer: United Development Sydney

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=150458]

Castle Residences is a new masterful collaboration between United Development Sydney and architects Candelapas Associates and Stud​ioAria.

Situated on Castlereagh Street, a luxurious collection of 131 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations are on offer in an elegant new residential tower that soars above the historic Porter House.

The heritage charms of Porter House add to the luxurious feel of the 122-room MGallery boutique hotel, which extends their five-star amenities to apartment residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=150460]

The hotel will service the residences with room service, catering, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance, which can be accessed via a personalised mobile application.

Residents will also have full access to the hotel&rsquo;s facilities including the restaurants, bars, gym, pool, and business centre, along with 24-hour security, concierge, and valet parking.

2. Seafarers, Docklands 
Developer: Riverlee

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173914]

Incorporating a 280-room hotel, Docklands&rsquo; latest development, Seafarers, will feature Melbourne&rsquo;s first international hotel-branded residences, 1 Hotel &amp; Homes.

Sitting above Australia&rsquo;s first 1 Hotel, a world leading eco-luxury hotel brand, the Fender Katsalidis-designed apartments boast a limited collection of 123 riverfront residences.

The two and three-bedroom, light-filled residences offer sweeping views of Yarra River and the new Seafarers Rest Park, as well as unique five-star hotel services.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173938]

These include a botanical care and maintenance services, pet care and walking, in-home room services and chef-catered dinners.

The project will transform the city&rsquo;s last remaining Yarra River frontage into a new visionary waterfront precinct, with a rooftop barbeque, library and lounge exclusively available to residents.

3. Viv&eacute;re on Dorcas, South Melbourne 
Developer: BEKL

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108979 project_image_fid=181117]

Located in an elusive pocket of South Melbourne, Viv&eacute;re boasts a new collection of 36 upscale residences delivered by BEKL, Amazon Property Group&rsquo;s Australian operation.

The project soars above the Voco Hotel, which is operated and managed by internationally renowned IHG.

Designed by Plus Architecture, the 20-storey development offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with a sculptural fa&ccedil;ade inspired by Melbourne&rsquo;s Botanic Gardens and Port Phillip Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108979 project_image_fid=181109]

According to director-architect Jessica Liew, the recesses presented a creative opportunity to introduce an art installation, while the capsule between the stacked elements contains the hotel rooms of Voco.

Viv&eacute;re offers residents premium room services, and a range of recreational amenities, including a gym, sociable restaurant and bar.

4. Ocean, Surfers Paradise 
Developer: Meriton

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7974 project_image_fid=185035]

Rising 76 floors against the Gold Coast skyline, Ocean is the latest mixed-use development in Surfers Paradise that will feature both luxury residential and hotel suites under the Meriton Suites brand.

Set to become the third tallest tower on the Gold Coast, Ocean will be home to an impressive 404 apartments starting from level 33, offering views that tower over neighbouring buildings.

Designed by SJB Architects, the development offers residents world-class facilities including an exclusive sky pool and gym on level 33.

Located on a prime beachfront site, it will also include a vibrant retail precinct, caf&eacute;s and a purpose-built restaurant, and a beach club podium on the fifth floor.

5. Ryrie Home, Geelong 
Developer: Franz&eacute; Developments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

Situated on Ryrie S​treet, Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; new Geelong d​evelopment will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower, Ryrie Home.

Designed by Arch​itectus, Ryrie Home boasts an authoritative and restrained grid fa&ccedil;ade, pedestrian laneways, commercial retail, and F&amp;B spaces, as well as hotel and residential lobbies.

The collaboration with IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts will see the Geelong Quarter become a gateway to the region and delivering the largest new hotel in the region in almost 20 years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

Ryr​ie Home will feature a collection of 109 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that benefit from room service, gym and pool facilities, dining, housekeeping and a business centre.

It will also feature a number of retail tenancies located on the ground level facing both Ryr​ie Street and Fenwick Street.

6. M-City, Clayton 
Developer: Schiavello

[smartcode_project:default project_id=528 project_image_fid=46022]

Designed by Buchan Group, M-City boasts spacious new residential offers in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, as well as resort-style facilities and an international hotel.

Emblazoned with a distinctive bronze fa&ccedil;ade, M-City&rsquo;s own International Hotel is set to become a new local landmark, providing understated yet luxurious accommodation for visitors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=528 project_image_fid=46027]

Developed by Schiavello, the development is situated in the lively Clayton and provides residents with a range of function venues that offer entertaining and corporate spaces, such as meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a hotel bar.

Each apartment contains floor-to-ceiling glazing, spacious, private balconies, and luxury resort-style facilities, including a heated pool, landscaped gardens, and barbeque zones.

Mixed-use developments have become a new sector mainstay in Australia, according to Cromwell Property Group.

Australia's best mixed-use apartment and hotel developments on the market

The Melbourne developer Riverlee has seen an interesting buyer demographic emerge at its&nbsp;luxury mixed-use Docklands development, Seafarers.

Entrepreneurs and executives have swarmed the Fender Katsalidis-designed development, which incorporates a 280 room 1 Hotel, as well as 123 apartments, which together have been dubbed 1 Hotel and Homes.

Around 70 per cent of buyers so far have been business owners or those in C-suite and executive positions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=161090]

They&#39;ve been drawn to Seafarers, with the under construction development giving buyers the ability to customise their apartments, including adding home office spaces.

They&#39;ve also been keen on the unique inclusion of the hotel support staff, who they can lean on for tasks similar to personal assistants.

David Lee, development director at Riverlee, says they are catering to those that are accustomed to or seeking an international way of living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=161089]

&ldquo;The hotel residence lifestyle has gained a lot of traction in places like New York and Asia, but there is a need for this type of home in Australia.

&quot;There are various residential buildings out there with features such&nbsp;as a concierge service but hotel-branded residences, particularly those with an international focus, take it to another level,&rdquo; Lee added.

&ldquo;Business owners and executives are a key target market at Seafarers with its connectivity to the city and the airport as well as the lifestyle on offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73042]

&quot;Looking at hotel-branded residences globally, they hold their value extremely well, showing that their enduring appeal is also a savvy investment.&rdquo;

Residents will be able to use&nbsp;the hotel amenity, including the swimming pool, gym, sauna and spa, housekeeping and personal shopping, in home room service and wellness treatments, and 24-hour concierge services.

Residents will also have access to exclusive resident only amenities, including a rooftop BBQ and garden overlooking the Yarra River, bookable private dining rooms, and library and lounge areas.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27728]

Around 70 per cent of buyers so far have been business owners or those in C-suite and executive positions

Entrepreneurs and executives favour hotel lifestyle as Seafarers, Docklands sales surge

Riverlee&rsquo;s highly-anticipated Melbourne development, Seafarers, is a collection of 123 one, two and three-bedroom riverfront residences.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, each apartment boasts luxury touches, abundant light and sweeping Yarra River and park views.

Seafarers will feature 1 Hotel &amp; Homes, above Australia&rsquo;s first 1 Hotel. These residences will become Melbourne&rsquo;s first international hotel-branded residences.

Through 1 Hotel &amp; Homes, Seafarers residents will enjoy unlimited access to five-star hotel amenities including pool, gym, housekeeping, room service, pet care and catered dinners.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73046]

Celebrating the site&rsquo;s maritime past, Fender Katsalidis centre their design on the restoration and re-use of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5 and its distinctive travelling crane.

Forming the ground floor of the 1 Hotel, the repurposed goods shed will open onto the wharf, enlivening the riverfront.

&ldquo;The Seafarers precinct will breathe new life into this forgotten stretch of the Yarra&rdquo;, the developers said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73042]

Inspired by Melbourne&rsquo;s unique caf&eacute;, bar and dining cultures, the project will deliver world-class hospitality to residents and Melburnians.

To the shed&rsquo;s immediate east is Melbourne&rsquo;s newest, waterfront parkland, Seafarers Rest.

The landscaped haven will boast 3,500sqm of riverfront parkland, with mature trees, lush plantings and green space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=97029]

Seafarers is set to become a tourist destination, with vibrant eateries and great sites on offer in the surrounding Docklands area.

Crown Melbourne, Ponyfish Island and the Capital City Trail are all within walking distance of the luxury dwelling.

Art lovers will also be able to close by the street art that characterises the Melbourne streetscape, as well as the National Gallery of Victoria.

<blockquote>
&ldquo;[Seafarers] will reveal itself as Melbourne&rsquo;s most diverse, most fascinating and most easily explored neighbourhood&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.
</blockquote>

Families will also enjoy being in close proximity to leading schools and universities, as well as within two kilometres of the Melbourne CBD.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27728]

“The Seafarers precinct will breathe new life into this forgotten stretch of the Yarra”, the developers said

Find out the top reasons why buying in Melbourne's Docklands precinct could be a smart move

The Docklands development Seafarers will be immediately recognised with its unique and striking facade when it is completed in 2024.

The $500 million development by the Melbourne-based developer Riverlee on the banks of the Yarra River is part of the rejuvenation of the Northbank precinct at the end of Flinders Street.

The global architecture firm Fender Katsalidis were tasked with reimagining the&nbsp;heritage-protected Goods Shed 5, preserving&nbsp;the only intact remnants from the days before containerisation.

Recently Urban caught up with Nicky Drobis,&nbsp;director at Fender Katsalidis, to discuss the development and how the design came to fruition.

JR: What was the brief for Seafarers from Riverlee?

ND: The brief was to design Melbourne&rsquo;s most dynamic mixed-use precinct, which restored and celebrated the site&rsquo;s heritage as the heart of the development.

It was also to create a development that connected to the Yarra River and the natural environment, resulting in plans for the new park at Seafarers Rest.

The goal was to achieve true diversity within the building with entertainment, health and wellbeing, as well as luxury hotel accommodation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73048]

JR: What interested you in the project? 
 
ND: Beyond the brief itself, and the opportunities it afforded to create a new community within Melbourne, the most interesting part of the project would be the actual building. This is an important part of the revitalisation of the broader Northbank section of the Yarra River, which is undergoing a metamorphosis. The resulting building and community will soon make Seafarers a destination in its own right.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73049]

JR: What were the key priorities?

ND: The careful retention and restoration of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5 and the Malcolm Moore Electric Crane were key to celebrating Melbourne and the Yarra River&rsquo;s industrial heritage.

We also prioritised the view opportunities across the site, not only to the river, but back towards the CBD and Docklands areas.

Looking at it holistically, we focused on an environmentally sustainable design that incorporated key initiatives for a development of this scale.

Finally, we wanted to create enchanting and intriguing journeys through unique building experiences for hotel visitors and residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=161091]

JR: Was the string of amenities high on the priority list?

ND: A focus on health and wellbeing was fundamental in the design process of the building. We have designed numerous wellness spaces which directly engage with the natural environment and incorporate living green, in addition to the landscaped terrace spaces.

A selection of private amenities includes a library and lounge, dining rooms, spa and sauna spaces and a rooftop garden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=97028]

JR: What was the biggest challenge in conceiving the design? 
 
ND: As much as a mixed-use development can be a challenge, this adds increased complexity, requiring a higher level of design thinking and execution.

The numerous challenges of design and construction start with the heritage shed, then work through those associated with the different uses.

In a planning sense, you have a cantilevered element of the building laid on top of the heritage shed, as well as the addition of a basement, while multiple uses are split horizontally throughout the building.

JR: Was it difficult to combine the residential apartment element with the hotel space?

ND: There are great synergies afforded by residents being able to utilise all the food and beverage offerings provided by the hotel. However, we&rsquo;ve worked carefully to create independent spaces for residents to provide them with a sense of exclusivity and privacy within the building. This way we can offer residents their own exclusive spaces, while allowing them to use every bit of the hotel.

JR: Had you done this on a previous project? 

ND: Yes. A lot of our work has involved precinctual design and mixed-use buildings, with all the complexities and opportunities that come with each. Seafarers is not dissimilar, albeit in a singular building.

One example we have currently in construction is Merdeka118, which upon completion will become the second tallest skyscraper in the world.⁠⁠ Its incredibly complex infrastructure and mix of uses includes a shopping centre, commercial floorplates and luxury hotel accommodation, each atop one another.

JR: Where did you draw inspiration from for the building?

ND: The components of the building&rsquo;s form are derived from their uses and are defined as such externally. Most visibly, the heritage shed is retained, restored and celebrated at the base of the tower with the next seven levels being hotel accommodation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=97032]

Above that, reading quite distinctly, we have the apartment levels with a highly articulated floorplan edge, which enables the fa&ccedil;ade glazing to reflect light in a way that is reminiscent of the movement of water.

JR: How did you collaborate with Carr Design to make sure the interiors of the apartments were in keeping with the rest of the building?

ND: The Carr team worked very carefully to design interiors that are both elegant and luxurious.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73043]

The overriding idea in the design the of the apartments was to maximise the view opportunities for residents. There is a rigour to the planning which is experienced as you move through the plan, creating a seamless experience. The apartments are also very generously sized with finely considered details and a warm, classic palette of materials.

JR: What part of the design are you most proud of/what are you most looking forward to seeing? 
 
ND: We are eagerly looking forward to how the building will function, fostering a vibrant series of uses for residents, guests and visitors. We are proud of how it celebrates an important part of Melbourne&rsquo;s heritage in its retention of the shed, and thus its distinctive reflection of uses as a former industrial site.

This also has us looking forward to seeing the building as a sculptural built form to the precinct along the river frontage and a marker for the wider precinct.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27728]

Fender Katsalidis were tasked with reimagining the heritage-protected Goods Shed 5, preserving the only intact remnants from the days before containerisation



The Design Details: Fender Katsalidis Architects discuss Riverlee's mixed-use Docklands development Seafarers

Residents at Seafarers, a new luxury Northbank development, get access to substantial&nbsp;luxury amenities&nbsp;thanks to a collaboration with&nbsp;1 Hotel that form Melbourne&#39;s first-ever hotel-branded residences.

Located on the final piece of Melbourne&#39;s original waterfront,&nbsp;Seafarers will integrate luxury residences and&nbsp;luxury hotel amenities, management and services. Everything from valet parking and concierge, to personal shopping and pantry stocking.

There will be a dedicated team of over 140 staff, with the aim of developer Riverlee to create a home life of pure, effortless simplicity.

David Lee, development director at Riverlee, says Seafarers, being Melbourne&rsquo;s first international hotel-branded residences, is&nbsp;a&nbsp;completely&nbsp;new level of quality, lifestyle and convenience.

&quot;Imagine the comfort, control and permanence of your own home, complemented by the dedicated staff, elite amenities and immaculately maintained surrounds of a world-class, five-star hotel,&quot; Lee told Urban.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173916]

&quot;There is truly nothing like Seafarers in the market at the moment with&nbsp;the service and amenity offering the first of its kind in Melbourne.&quot;

Lee says that, beyond quality, product and amenity, people are seeking a higher level of convenience that is linked with their home.

&quot;The demand for convenience is only increasing and will continue to&nbsp;be of great importance well&nbsp;after the pandemic,&quot; Lee added.

&quot;Seafarers offers this lifestyle,&nbsp;with 140 support staff from 1 Hotel available to truly offer ease of living. The services include valet parking, concierge, personal shopping, pantry stocking, pet care and botanical care in addition to business services for those working from home.&quot;

Lee says, prior to enquiry, not many buyers really understood the hotel-branded residence concept until they had the chance to see and hear it from the team.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173927]

He says however once&nbsp;they understood it, it was seen as really&nbsp;one of the things that sets Seafarers apart.

&quot;A large portion of our buyers are executives and business owners who live notoriously busy lives. The services and amenities have been curated by Riverlee and 1 Hotel to cater to every need to give people time to spend on the things they love.

&quot;Other buyers include frequent travellers, young families and downsizers who also seek a seamless life with everything at their fingertips.

&quot;It&rsquo;s also perfect for those who like to entertain with private dining rooms available, as well as relaxation with our pool, spa and wellness facilities. We absolutely expect our purchasers to be making the most of the amenity and services available to them.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173942]

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the Melbourne fringe project in Northbank also features a library, dining and lounge space, as well as&nbsp;the lush surrounds of its&nbsp;elevated outdoor garden, Riverview Terrace.

Architecture and interior design firm Carr Design created the apartments to maximise external views, space and natural light, with interiors including reflective surfaces, natural and concealed doors.

Boasting uniquely large floorplans, Seafarers&rsquo; residences are situated on levels nine to 18 of the building, which is an inspired reimagining of the heritage-protected Goods Shed 5.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173915]

Not only does it deliver five-star hotel amenities, but it also boasts&nbsp;convenient access&nbsp;to a number of nearby restaurants, caf&eacute;s, markets and some of the best educational facilities and universities in Melbourne.

The development is expected to reach completion in 2024.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=97028]

Below features a full list of the 1 Hotel &amp; Homes owners&#39; privileges available at Seafarers:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>24-hour concierge, mail collection and access control</li>
	<li>Valet parking and bellman services</li>
	<li>On-demand maintenance</li>
	<li>Eco-conscious housekeeping and linen services</li>
	<li>Personal shopping and delivery services</li>
	<li>Babysitting</li>
	<li>In-home pet services</li>
	<li>Botanical care</li>
	<li>Local organic grocery shopping</li>
	<li>Private catering private chef</li>
	<li>In-room dining</li>
	<li>Residential signing privileges and direct billing services at signature restaurant and hotel bars</li>
	<li>Business services, including a fully-equipped business centre</li>
	<li>A curated selection of spa treatments</li>
	<li>Indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steamroom</li>
	<li>Personal trainer and full-service fitness centre</li>
	<li>Priority status for hotel reservations across 1 Hotels, globally&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27728]

"There is truly nothing like Seafarers in the market at the moment with the service and amenity offering the first of its kind in Melbourne."

What extra luxuries Seafarers residents get as part of 1 Hotel partnership

Queer visibility in the workplace remains just as necessary as it was ten years ago to normalise LGBTQI+ leaders as corporate role models that young people can look up to.&nbsp;

Only 21 per cent of LGBTQI+ leaders are &lsquo;out&rsquo; to the whole of their organisation, according to global data from <a href="https://www.accenture.com/us-en/blogs/accenture-research/the-surprising-reasons-most-lgbt-people-are-not-out-at-work" target="_blank">Accenture Research</a>.

But visible &lsquo;out and proud&rsquo; leaders provide a path for others to follow, with over 70 per cent of queer professionals claiming that these role models help&nbsp;them to thrive.&nbsp;

Broader conversations about equality and representation have been a catalyst for more inclusive practices in the workplace. However, the property industry is indeed lagging behind.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Unless LGBTQI+ people see people like them having successful careers in property and construction they&rsquo;ll look elsewhere,&rdquo; said Lendlease special projects executive Aaron Spicer.

Urban sits down with four change-makers transforming the face of the property industry to discuss the importance of queer visibility, the targets currently in place and what&rsquo;s next for the property industry. 
&nbsp;

<h2>Who are they?</h2>

<hr />
&nbsp;

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Michael Vavakis</figcaption>
</figure>

Michael Vavakis, Chief Operating Officer &ndash; Europe, Lendlease: Michael has worked in Human Resources roles for over 25 years at Hewlett-Packard and Lendlease. Formerly the Lendlease Australia CPO, Michael played pivotal roles in implementing initiatives to build a true culture of inclusiveness, where diverse employees are not only represented but truly engaged and integrated into their workplace. These include the Property Male Champions of Change collaboration.

&nbsp;

<hr />
&nbsp;

<figure class="align-left "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Meg Patten</figcaption>
</figure>

Meg Patten, Marketing Manager, Riverlee | Co-Founder, Queers in Property: Current Chairperson and Co-Founder of Queers in Property, an independent network connecting LGBTIQ+ people in the property industry, Meg has sought to foster safe spaces and empower the community. They also sit on the Property Council of Australia&rsquo;s diversity and inclusion committee.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<hr />
&nbsp;

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Aaron Spicer</figcaption>
</figure>

Aaron Spicer, Special Projects Executive, Lendlease: Aaron has been very involved in progressing LGBTQ+ inclusion at Lendlease and more broadly in the property sector over the last few years. Aaron is the present Chair of the Lendlease Pride Network, where he has driven numerous strategies that helped the company to be recognised in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards. Lendlease was named a Platinum Employer at the 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards.

&nbsp;

<hr />
&nbsp;

<figure class="align-left "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Marcus Skeggs</figcaption>
</figure>

Marcus Skeggs, Account Manager, DisplaySweet | Board Member, Queers in Property: Marcus is a committee member on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW, and is the Chair of their subcommittee for diversity, inclusion, and leadership. Marcus also sits on the Queers in Property board, alongside Meg.

&nbsp;

<hr />
&nbsp;

<h2>Why visibility makes all the difference</h2>

Young queer people want to know they can be themselves at work and that being LGBTQI+ will not hold back their careers.

According to a <a href="https://offers.indeed.com/AU_en_081820_DIReport_CON-EBOOK_CM" target="_blank">2020 report by Indeed</a>, 61 per cent of LGBTQI+ Australian workers say they either some or all of the time feel the need to hide their sexual orientation at work.

For over half of all LGBTQI+ employees to hide this part of their identity points to an underlying fear of stigmatisation &ndash; that perhaps there is a price to pay for being openly queer. Many workers hold a&nbsp;<a href="https://everfi.com/blog/workplace-training/lgbt-workplace-issues-hide-their-identity/" target="_blank">persistent feeling of being unwelcome</a>, while others remain &#39;closeted&#39; due to&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/coming-out-at-work-is-not-a-one-off-event-101118" target="_blank">legitimate career risks</a>, including fewer job opportunities and fears of discrimination.

This is why visibility plays such an important role in breaking down these fears and stigmas, allowing employees to feel more comfortable to bring their whole self to their workplace.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="3648" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_1177679803.jpg" width="5472" />

As for Riverlee&rsquo;s marketing manager Meg Patten, seeing others gave them the courage to be an &ldquo;out and proud, non-binary lesbian in the workplace.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Visibility has the power to inspire and cultivate change within the property industry which is known to be male-dominated and heteronormative&rdquo;, they said.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
&ldquo;There is nothing more empowering than seeing another LGBTQI+ person letting their individuality shine.&rdquo;
</blockquote>

DisplaySweet&rsquo;s Marcus Skeggs echoed this sentiment, &ldquo;Visibility equals empowerment,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;

Feeling hopeful that the industry has moved beyond &ldquo;having a conversation&rdquo;, Skeggs has started to see real change and action, including support for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras from development groups by gong rainbow for the festival,&nbsp;and diversity and inclusion training for workplaces.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I would like to see this happen more often and workplaces start to celebrate significant days for the LGBTQIA+ community, like Wear it Purple Day for example where we celebrate our rainbow youth.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s important we keep the momentum going&rdquo;, he concluded.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

With industry initiatives like Pride in Diversity, <a href="http://www.interbuild.online" target="_blank">InterBuild</a> and <a href="https://queersinproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">Queers in Property</a>, it is likely we will continue seeing this push for action.

Executives who embrace these initiatives can become more successful leaders and boost the empathy, efficiency, and productivity of their organisations. 
&nbsp;

<h2>The blue-collar identity gap</h2>

While &ldquo;good progress&rdquo; is being made in corporate office roles, more work needs to be done on site-based roles, Spicer said.

Within the construction industry, homophobia was more present than on average, reported <a href="https://www.pwc.com.au/publications/pdf/pwc-workplace-inclusion-report-sep17.pdf" target="_blank">PwC&rsquo;s GLEE team</a>.

<blockquote>
75 per cent of respondents indicated&nbsp;they had observed homophobia, compared to 56 per cent in other sectors.&nbsp;
</blockquote>

&ldquo;The initial focus has been on corporate [and] white-collar environments and much more needs to be done here, but we also need to consider regional, site and blue-collar workforces.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&ldquo;Given the subcontract nature of those environments we can only create truly inclusive workplaces if the industry works together to achieve a base level of expectations and behaviours&rdquo;, he added.

However, Patten, despite co-founding Queers in Property, still feels like they are always learning about how to tackle this issue. It&rsquo;s all a learning curve.&nbsp;

&ldquo;People don&rsquo;t generally understand what they can&rsquo;t see which reinforces how important visibility is&rdquo;, they noted.&nbsp;

Executives and diversity and inclusion teams can follow Patten&rsquo;s lead in adapting initiatives to be &ldquo;as inclusive as possible.&rdquo;

The young change-maker immerses themselves in the community and listens to stories to help drive the change the industry needs.

Chief operating officer at Lendlease, Michael Vavakis adds: &ldquo;Conversation, role models, product design, calling out positive and negative behaviours [&hellip;] is really what creates an inclusive environment and each of these things needs to be relentlessly pursued.&rdquo;

Lendlease is similarly working to increase its focus on inclusion, partnering with UNSW to research the barriers to LGBTQI+ inclusion on construction sites.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We look forward to sharing the results of that research and recommendations for the industry to address later in the year&rdquo;, Spicer said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h2>Building inclusivity into communities&nbsp;</h2>

According to Vavakis, it is not only employees that developers and industry associations should be helping, but homeowners too.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Outside of all the activities we are doing to create inclusive workplaces, I believe that this point about designing and creating and building with inclusivity in mind is a unique proposition that has only begun to be explored in the property industry.&rdquo;

<blockquote>
&ldquo;[This] is something unique that the property industry can contribute. That is how do we design, create and build places that reflect the importance of inclusiveness and the sometimes uniqueness of the LGBTQI+ community&rdquo;, he said.&nbsp;
</blockquote>

Patten echoed: &ldquo;We have so much influence on the built environment, we need to understand how we can create LGBTQI+ friendly spaces for people as well.&rdquo;

Although it&rsquo;s unlikely we&rsquo;ll be seeing queer design hitting residential projects in the mainstream anytime soon, dialogue about inclusiveness and community-making should continue across the property industry.&nbsp;

&quot;Diversity is more than a box ticking exercise, it&#39;s about creating meaningful change to ensure the homes that we&#39;re building meet the needs of the communities we serve&quot;, said Apartments.com.au CEO Mike Bird.

For Spicer, this might include discussions on&nbsp;the &ldquo;bigger picture,&rdquo; such as &ldquo;are the placemaking needs of our community different and how are they likely to evolve.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Inclusiveness does need more of a conversation across the property industry and [I] think it is starting to happen.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

Urban sits down with four change-makers transforming the face of the property industry to discuss the importance of queer visibility

LGBTQI+ Leader Series: Four change-makers transforming the face of property

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The Melbourne developer Riverlee have commenced construction at their $2 billion New Epping community in Melbourne's north.

Stage one, which was fast-tracked under the Victorian Government’s Building Victoria Recovery Taskforce, will include a mix of 151 social and affordable homes to be operated by the homelessness services provider Haven; Home, Safe, as well as the $133 million Northern Private Hospital, to be operated by Ramsay Health Care.

They will make up part of the 51 hectare New Epping, a redevelopment of the former Epping Quarry, which Riverlee bought in 2015, around 15 years after the quarry ceased its operations.

There is slated to be over 2,500 townhouses and apartments as part of the development, as well as a new health and commercial office precinct.

The stage one residences are estimated to be completed by May 2022.

<img alt="Test" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/epping_riverlee_2.jpg" style="width: 1600px; height: 695px;">

It will take between 10 to 15 years to complete the whole urban renewal project which will drive $4.7 billion in economic benefit to Victoria.

Minister for Housing and Minister for Planning Richard Wynne was in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony around 20 kilometres north of Melbourne.

Riverlee development director David Lee says the groundbreaking milestone is significant for the community in Melbourne’s north, positioning Epping as the centre of activity in the region, following collaboration with the City of Whittlesea, state government and project partners to achieve the works. 

“Together with our project partners, local council and the state government, we are excited to be commencing Stage 1 at New Epping –a project that will play a huge role in meeting the healthcare and housing demands of this growing area," Lee says.

"The diverse mix of housing, health and commercial uses will create a vibrant culture and community with a focus on wellness and sustainability. 

“Our vision for New Epping will take urban regeneration to a new level and bring an inner-city offering to the suburbs. The site no doubt has its challenges and we thank the state government for recognising the needs of this region by fast-tracking the work under the Building Victoria Recovery Taskforce,” he says. 

"Riverlee carefully selected its project partners to ensure that New Epping would be a leader in healthcare and support services for residents, with Ramsay Health Care the largest private hospital operator in Australia and Haven; Home Safe known for its integrated approach to housing and services.

<img alt="Epping" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/epping_riverlee_3.jpg">

Haven; Home Safe chair, Damien Tangey says that the Stage 1 residences area truly collaborative partnership project which will increase the supply of safe, secure, social and affordable housing in Melbourne's north.

“The Stage 1 residences area sound investment in the community and demonstrates how the private and community housing sector can work with government to deliver quality forms of housing in terms of architectural design, environmental outcomes, and internal space planning,” he says

In addition to the Stage 1 residences and the new Northern Private Hospital, the works include key supporting infrastructure including the development of the 11ha central green spine that will connect all components within New Epping.

Riverlee are developing the luxury mixed-use hotel and apartment project Seafarers in Melbourne's Docklands.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728] 
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It will take between 10 to 15 years to complete the whole urban renewal project which will drive $4.7 billion in economic benefit to Victoria.

Construction begins at Riverlee's $2 billion New Epping community 

Seafarers offers a boutique collection of 123 sublimely crafted one, two and three-bedroom residences.

Delivered by Riverlee, the development heralds a new era in luxury inner-city living in Melbourne&rsquo;s Yarra River.

Urban takes a look at seven things you need to know about buying a home at the Seafarers development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

1. Rich, unique history

Paying homage to the site&rsquo;s unique industrial past, Seafarer&rsquo;s celebrates the enthralling history of the Yarra River and the Port of Melbourne.

Centred on the inspired reimagining of the heritage-protected Goods Shed 5, the project promises to preserve the only intact remnants from the days before containerisation.

This involves extensive public works including the refurbishment of the wharf and restoration of the Malcolm Moore electric crane, under the stewardship of Riverlee. 
&nbsp;

2. Integrated residence and hotel

Partnering with Australia&rsquo;s first 1 Hotel, Seafarers offers an integration of residences and hotel that provides residents with exclusive access to the hotel&rsquo;s luxury amenities, management and services.

Resident privileges include eco-conscious housekeeping and linen services, personal shopping services, babysitting, private catering and a 24-hour concierge. 
&nbsp;

3. Architectural design

<a href="/new-apartments/seafarers-docklands-731-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" height="1200" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seafarers-731-flinders-street-docklands-3846244afd3c9eecdbaf384e9856ede4.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the striking building&rsquo;s geometric fa&ccedil;ade is inspired by the movement and reflections present in the Yarra River, as well as the project&rsquo;s industrial history.

&ldquo;The site&rsquo;s heritage components are what make it so special,&rdquo; said Fender Katsalidis&rsquo; Karl Fender. &ldquo;We wanted to represent them respectfully but in a new light.&rdquo;

The project&rsquo;s tripartite layering and rectilinear forms create a striking urban presence. 
&nbsp;

4. Expansive residences

<a href="/new-apartments/seafarers-docklands-731-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" height="2100" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seafarers-731-flinders-street-docklands-bd91db8f1683a90f935eab10cb48fd13.jpg" width="5000" /></a>

Boasting uniquely large floorplans, Seafarers&rsquo; residences are situated on levels nine to 18 of the building.

The interiors, designed by award-winning CARR, maximise natural light, external views and space, with natural stones, reflective surfaces and concealed doors.

Other features include integrated joinery, open-plan layouts and quality finishes. 
&nbsp;

5. World-class amenities

<a href="/new-apartments/seafarers-docklands-731-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seafarers-731-flinders-street-docklands-6c3d56e26cf81934aaa9b0a21a959050.jpg" width="1920" /></a>

Seafarers provides countless amenities to its residents within an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, full-service fitness centre and spa.

To complement the convenience of hotel luxuries, a further suite of amenities is reserved for the private enjoyment of residents, including dining rooms, lounge, library and the lush surrounds of Seafarers&rsquo; elevated outdoor garden, Riverview Terrace.

Providing the ultimate walking neighbourhood, the precinct will also benefit from 3,500sqm of new riverfront parkland at Seafarers Rest. 
&nbsp;

6. Snaidero kitchen

<a href="/new-apartments/seafarers-docklands-731-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" height="3000" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seafarers-731-flinders-street-docklands-906dabad6771ae17e75be7a39b3a18d2.jpg" width="5000" /></a>

Heralding a new era of luxury living, each kitchen within the complex will feature porcelain fronted joinery designed and crafted by the luxury Italian kitchen designer, Snaidero.

Purpose-built as the &lsquo;heart of the home&rsquo;, each kitchen will utilise low emission panels, water-based lacquers and energy-efficient technologies, with the option to integrate a PITT Cooking burner system into the countertop. 
&nbsp;

7. Riverfront setting

Situated on 220-metres of uninterrupted riverfront, residents benefit from sweeping views from the Yarra to Port Phillip Bay at Docklands&rsquo; Seafarers.

Set amongst Melbourne&rsquo;s most diverse neighbourhood, Seafarers boasts close access to the waterside caf&eacute;s, restaurants and bars at South Wharf Promenade, as well as the laneways, arcades and grand boulevards of the nearby Melbourne CBD.

Prices at Seafarers begin from $825,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from $2.46 million for a three-bedroom apartment.

The development is expected to reach completion in late 2023.

Delivered by Riverlee, the development heralds a new era in luxury inner-city living at Melbourne’s Yarra River

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