The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

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Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

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Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

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More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

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SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Ryrie Home

As Australia&rsquo;s fastest-growing regional city, Geelong has evolved rapidly over the past few years and become a popular destination for people looking to make a city swap.

Its close proximity to Melbourne, while still having the small-town community feel, makes it an attractive place for buyers to call the suburb home.&nbsp;

Set to be the next boomtown, construction is well-underway on the&nbsp;Franz&eacute; Development, which&nbsp;will play an important role in the revival of Ryrie Street creating a vibrant arts, entertainment, and hospitality precinct.

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Paul Franze, Founder of Franz&eacute; Developments, said that the area has undergone a massive change since they purchased the site back in 2017.

&ldquo;We knew Geelong was on the cusp of transformation and to be at the forefront of the magnitude of the revitalisation is inspiring,&quot; Franze said.

&quot;The Geelong Quarter is to be the Ryrie Street gateway to the city. The new hotel, luxury residences above the hotel and Ryrie Home apartments will create a vibe which will be enhanced by the street level retail and hospitality venues.&quot;.

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Post-pandemic, people are now seeking quality-living and desire a place to live that can provide them more than just a home, but a lifestyle also.

&ldquo;There has been a huge increase in people moving from Melbourne to Geelong who don&rsquo;t just need but expect to be able to have a choice of venues and services that they are accustomed to and Geelong is certainly on the way to creating that choice,&quot;&nbsp;Franze added.

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Inspired by popular mixed-use developments in other metropolitan cities, Geelong Quarter will offer a hotel, luxury residences and apartments, complimented by an activated ground floor urban precinct, anchored by premium dining and hospitality experiences.

Franze Developments has announced it is actively seeking hospitality operators with unique concepts for Geelong locals to enjoy.

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The six available spaces provide opportunity for local business&rsquo; to be part of Geelong&rsquo;s rejuvenated cultural precinct and performing arts centre.

Allan Forsdick, Senior Food and Hospitality Consultant at Future Foods said that Geelong&rsquo;s growth trajectory is likely to accelerate over the coming years with the addition of major projects such as the new home of the Spirit of Tasmania and the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88242]

&ldquo;Future Food are very excited to be involved with Geelong Quarter, a premier mixed-use development in Geelong&rsquo;s CBD. From a hospitality perspective we believe that Geelong Quarter will become a new benchmark in this fast-evolving city, complementing the Performing Arts Precinct and the vibrant laneways around Little Mallop Street,&rdquo; Allan said.

Future residents will also benefit from a variety of high-end amenity, including room service, housekeeping, a swimming pool, business centre, flexible meeting, and function spaces, all atop the first newly built hotel in Geelong in over 20 years, Holiday Inn and&nbsp;Suites Geelong.

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The new lifestyle precinct is strategically located 500-meters from the foreshore and the same distance to the CBD, with parks, theatres, public transport, galleries, restaurants, and cafes all within walking distance.

Construction is estimated to be complete by the end of the year.

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Set to be the next boomtown, construction is well-underway on the Franzé Development, which will play an important role in the revival of Ryrie Street creating a vibrant arts, entertainment, and hospitality precinct.



alisonwarters@gmail.com

Geelong Quarter development construction on track for 2022 completion

Investors have been flocking to Ryrie Home, Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; latest mixed-use development that forms part of the new Geelong Quarter.

Located at 44 Ryrie Street, Ryrie Home sits in the heart of the regional city&rsquo;s art precinct, pitching its proximity to Melbourne and cheaper housing prices as a drawcard for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

The project was listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021 thanks to Geelong&rsquo;s low vacancy rate of 1.7 per cent and the 10 per cent per annum growth in apartments over the last three years.

And the transport improvements in Geelong, including the $100 million fast rail and the&nbsp;$6.7 billion Westgate Tunnel which will shave 20 minutes off any commute, has investors keen on securing a property in the growing area.

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Population growth is always a key driver for increased demand in the residential market, especially in regional areas.

With Geelong&rsquo;s population growth forecast at 3.14 per cent per annum, the demand for housing tends to&nbsp;yield consistent returns.

Geelong supports over 100,000 jobs, with Greater Geelong&#39;s output of economic development pegged at over $31 billion.

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The previously industrial city on the western edge of Port Phillip Bay is changing into one driven by services, as a range of major businesses shift head offices to Geelong.

Among these include Qantas, KFC, WorkSafe, Jetstar and the NDIA federal government agency administering the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

There&#39;s further development of new buildings, including the $174 million Geelong Convention Centre on the waterfront which will have 1000 seats and an exhibition centre.

There will be a new $91 million HQ for the Geelong council with 10,000 sqm of office space. Nearly $175 of increased tourism expenditure will come from the Spirit of Tasmania, which will relocate to the Geelong Port by 2029.

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Property investors are also being drawn to the region with the Bellarine Village Shopping centre selling for $38 million, and investment giant Brookfield looking to sell their 50 per cent stake in Geelong Port, which some investors say has a $1.8 billion value.

Ryrie Home is a short walk from the train station, shopping, dining, and the foreshore, as well as educational offerings, including Deakin University, which has over 60,000 students.

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The ground floor of the development will be activated with a curated selection of retail stores for buyers&rsquo; convenience.

The new development is a contemporary residential space in a well-connected village.

Designed by Architectus, the project 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.

Each residence has been cleverly planned to deliver great amenity, comfort and abundant storage, including a dedicated laundry room.

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Investors have been flocking to Ryrie Home, Franzé Developments’ latest mixed-use development that forms part of the new Geelong Quarter

max.kwok_55688

Why Ryrie Home, Geelong apartments have been a hit with investors

Over half the residences in the 14-storey Ryrie Home tower, the first stage of Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; Geelong Quarter project, have been sold.

Presales in this stage were &ldquo;north of&rdquo; $30 million and apartments in that building sold on average for $9,000 per square metre, MaxCap&rsquo;s state director for Victoria, Johnny Woodhouse, told the AFR last month.

Non-bank lender MaxCap Group is providing the development with a $97 million first-mortgage facility for the construction of the two-tower residential and hotel complex.

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Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home is set to deliver 109 apartments in the heart of Geelong&rsquo;s arts precinct.

Designed by Architectus, the distinctive building of glass and sleek, contemporary lines exudes a bold character.

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The material choices are a nod to the strength that defines Geelong&rsquo;s character, said principal architect Oliver Mayger.

<blockquote>
&ldquo;Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design&rdquo;, he said.
</blockquote>

The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to ensure efficient, flowing spaces, and feature open-plan living space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an abundance of natural light.

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According to the developers, project completion is on track for late 2022 with privately-owned Maxcon Constructions leading the construction.

Construction is well underway with the tower crane up and the structure now seen coming out of the ground.

<img alt="" height="667" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-08-13_at_9.43.46_am.png" title="construction image" width="988" />

Ryrie Home is a connected vertical village, featuring a communal rooftop lounge with barbeque and dining facilities overlooking Corio Bay and Geelong CBD.

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Over half the residences in the 14-storey Ryrie Home tower, the first stage of Franzé Developments’ Geelong Quarter project, have been sold

Over 50% of Ryrie Home, Geelong apartments sold as structure comes out of the ground

If you&#39;re looking for an affordably priced home, without compromising on quality or style, Geelong Quarter&#39;s latest addition,&nbsp;Ryrie Home, is a truly unique find.

With exceptional design by&nbsp;Architectus&nbsp;and delivered by the innovative team at&nbsp;Franz&eacute; Developments, these apartments won&#39;t be on the market long.

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Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home puts the focus on what really matters, and joy in the simplest pleasures.

We recently spoke with Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; director Paul Franz&eacute; to discuss the project&rsquo;s high-quality apartments.

MK: What are the highlights of Ryrie Home and what is attracting buyers to the project?&nbsp;

PF: There&#39;s a number of features that have been attracting buyers to Ryrie Home and helping it stand out in the marketplace.

Firstly, the central location in the arts precinct of Geelong CBD has&nbsp;even very appealing, as has the Residents Rooftop and&nbsp;private dining room with views over the&nbsp;city and bay.

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The interior design of the apartments by&nbsp;Architectus, 2.85m high ceilings and the high-quality&nbsp;finishes and fixtures have also been a big drawcard.

MK: What was the design brief for Architectus?&nbsp;

PF: To create high quality, liveable apartments that will stand the test of time.&nbsp;

MK: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?&nbsp;

PF: A lot of our buyers have come locally from Geelong. Ryrie Home is appealing to&nbsp;first home buyers and young&nbsp;professionals as well as investors, some of whom are planning to downsize into their apartment at a later date.&nbsp;

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MK: What else does the Geelong Quarter community offer residents?&nbsp;

PF: The Ryrie Home residents have access to a Residents Rooftop with BBQ&rsquo;s, generous gardens and lots of seating, and of course the Northern bay views.

There is also an internal dining room that can be booked by the residents to host larger dinners or parties. On the ground plane, there is an abundance of retail offerings which will include restaurants, cafes, wine bars and a&nbsp;Gelateria.&nbsp;

MK: Why did you choose Geelong? Does this area offer strong investment opportunities?&nbsp;

PF: Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia and it&#39;s truly a city on the rise. It&rsquo;s the perfect place to invest.&nbsp;

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MK: Where is the current buyer enquiry coming from?&nbsp;

PF: The majority of our enquiry is from local buyers in Geelong and the surrounding region. We have also had a spike of enquiry lately from Melbourne residents looking for a sea change.

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Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home puts the focus on what really matters, and joy in the simplest pleasures

Everything a buyer needs to know about Ryrie Home at Geelong: Five minutes with Franzé Developments

Ryrie Home, the latest development from Franz&eacute; Developments, is set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

The development will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at&nbsp;Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower,&nbsp;Ryrie Home.

Ryrie&nbsp;Home encapsulates timeless style, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own in Geelong.

We recently spoke with the&nbsp;principal architect Oliver Mayger at&nbsp;Architectus to discuss the luxury development.

MK: How many residential projects have Architectus done in Victoria?

OM: Nationally we have completed approximately 25.&nbsp;The residential sector in Victoria is relatively new, with focused growth over the past six years.&nbsp;

In Victoria, we have completed three, currently have three&nbsp;under construction, and 18 in the&nbsp;design&nbsp;stage.

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MK: What spoke to you about Ryrie Home in particular?

OM: Primarily the opportunity to propose a higher density living typology outside of the City of Melbourne, and to create a new mixed-use precinct, and public realm, which keyed into and capitalised on Geelong&rsquo;s Cultural Precinct.

MK: What was the brief from Franz&eacute; Developments for the mixed-use development?

OM: A contemporary Architectural response, providing diverse living typology&rsquo;s from one to four-bedroom apartments and a new hotel, all capitalising on the stunning views across Corio Bay and the Botanical Gardens

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MK: Where did you take your inspiration from?&nbsp;

OM: Geelong is a city with a rich heritage of prominent buildings that mark the corner of intersections and are recognisable meeting points. These buildings define the structure of the central city grid and are typically characterised with increased height, a chamfered corner to the building mass and a canopy at street level.

The repurposing of this site is another example of Geelong&rsquo;s transition from a primarily agricultural and manufacturing base to a centre for services and innovation. The site&rsquo;s vision is to embrace and support this new direction whilst celebrating what Geelong was built on.

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The material choices and fa&ccedil;ade articulation are a nod to the strength and robustness that define Geelong&rsquo;s character and its legacy of craftsmanship and quality.

Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design. &nbsp;

Automotive production underpinned Geelong&rsquo;s economy for almost 90 years, with the first Model T rolling out of an improvised wool storage warehouse in 1925. That history has left a legacy of metal manufacturing and craftsmanship that is reflected in the upper levels of the proposal.

MK: How important is the choice of materials in a project such as this?

OM: Critical, our work is always aspiring to be contextual and of its place.&nbsp; The study of materials and textures and neighbourhood scale within the precinct and the city of Geelong informed a material palette and strategy for addressing all components of the building.

An authoritative and restrained grid is articulated on every fa&ccedil;ade in various but consistent compositional forms. This element assists in referencing the central Geelong building street wall presence.&nbsp;

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The formal motive and materiality of the street wall creates a composition that is considerate of a human experience of its scale. The hand-laid brick element also binds the different programs together and creates a notion of material consistency in the proposed building.

MK: Which part of the project are you most looking forward to seeing when completed?

OM: We have created a new public connection through our site from Ryrie Street to Cuzens Place, driving our built form response and allowing us to activate these resulting laneways and edges with commercial retail and F&amp;B spaces aswell as the hotel and residential lobbies. &nbsp;

This new lane connects visually with the existing connections through to Johnstone Park and reinforces the pedestrian connectivity through to the foreshore.&nbsp;

We are keen to see these spaces activated and hope they enable additional pedestrian connections from our site to the south through to Fenwick Place and Little Ryrie Street

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"Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design"

The design details: Architectus discuss the design principles of Ryrie Home at Geelong

Ryrie Home is the most recent mixed-use project delivered by Victorian developer Franz&eacute; Developments.

Having officially broken ground in April, the tower is on its way to become Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia, driven by employment opportunities, education, infrastructure and its coastal lifestyle.

Urban chats with a local first home buyer, who has recently secured their first property at the luxury project, which was listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021.

MK: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?

FBH: The government grants on offer as well as the price certainty of buying off the plan. I&rsquo;ve wasted too much time researching and inspecting established properties and then being blown out of the water at auction!

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MK: Which apartment configuration did you opt for, and what led you to narrow down your decision to the apartment you have purchased?

FHB: I opted for a one-bedroom apartment with the easterly aspect! It enjoys views over the city and towards the bay aswell as the morning sun.

MK: Were you already looking for property when you discovered Ryrie Home?

FHB: Yes, I have been looking around the Geelong area for the best part of a year.

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MK: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?

FBH: I wanted a property in a convenient location with a good clean layout and high-quality design.

MK: What do you love most about what Ryrie Home has to offer residents?

FHB: The Residents Rooftop area and the ground level retail amenity. It&rsquo;s going to be a great place to host a BBQ on a warm summers night.

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MK: What was it like negotiating with the sales agent and the team at Franz&eacute; Developments?

FBH: The sales agents were great to deal with. Very knowledgeable and helpful. It was actually a fun experience learning more about the project and selecting the perfect apartment for me!

MK: Is this your first property purchase? How did you find the due diligence research and purchase process?

FBH: Yes, it was my first purchase. The sales agents at the display suite gave us lots of information and we found the internet a great source of information too.

Lots of helpful websites to help refine our search which ultimately led to our decision to buy at Ryrie Home.

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MK: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?

FBH: Do your homework and find an agent that genuinely wants to help you make the right decision.

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First home buyers at Ryrie Home purchased an off-the-plan property after wasting too much time inspecting established homes only to be “blown out of the water at auction”


Why I purchased: Local first home buyers secure an apartment at Geelong's Ryrie Home development

Ryrie Home is the latest development from Franz&eacute; Developments.

The mixed-use development, which broke ground earlier this year, is set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

Designed by&nbsp;Architectus,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home.

As <a href="/news/vic/urbans-most-popular-vic-apartments-for-investors-in-q1-2021" target="_blank">Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021</a>, it&#39;s more than just the location&nbsp;that stands out. But with prices starting as low as $350,000, its both affordable and appealing.

Ryrie Home has been so popular with investors&nbsp;likely due to them eyeing its huge potential to downsize later in life.

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Geelong is well-known and much loved for its big city feel, without the congestion. Affectionately called G-Town, everything is within easy reach, so you can spend more time doing the things you love, be it sports, shopping, or exploring the caf&eacute;s and diverse eateries.

Situated at 44 Ryrie Street, Ryrie Home holds a prime position in the center of Geelong a short walk from the acclaimed Geelong Gallery.

Placed on a main thoroughfare the development is 5 minute walk from shopping centres,&nbsp;boutiques and a number of dining establishments.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong.png" /></a>

Slightly beyond those is a Cinema and the MoPa Museum. And further afield&nbsp;are acclaimed dining institutions like&nbsp;Restaurant IGNI and the&nbsp;Empire Grill

Try taking the bike for a ride along the Geelong waterfront and experience the beaches and Royal Geelong Yacht Club, or enjoy an evening out by the water at bars like the Sailors Rest or Edge Geelong.

If you are looking for an exercise alternative to the nearby Fitness First, there is always Johnston Park

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The project features exposed concrete ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, merging a minimalist aesthetic with a sense of modern luxury in the bayside location.

Every&nbsp;home in the development features&nbsp;a private balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic bay views and alfresco dining year-round.

The 109 residence mixed use tower draws on its Geelong Quarter location part of the fastest growing regional city in Australia.



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Walking tour: What's within walking distance from Geelong's Ryrie Home apartments?

Victorian developer Franz&eacute; Developments has officially broken ground at their Geelong Quarter development, set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

The development, which broke ground on Wednesday, will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower, Ryrie Home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

Designed by Architectus, Ryrie Home encapsulates timeless style, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own in Geelong.

Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia, driven by employment opportunities, education, infrastructure and its coastal lifestyle.

&ldquo;Life is simpler in Geelong&rdquo;, the project marketing reads. &ldquo;You can take your time, and have everything you need for the way you want to live.&rdquo;

All homes at Ryrie Home feature a private balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic bay views and alfresco dining year-round.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" height="5529" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-39bfcf2a4e4c879d068aec6f67c34916_0.jpg" width="5026" /></a>

The project features exposed concrete ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, merging a minimalist aesthetic with a sense of modern luxury in the bayside location.

The median sale price for apartments in Geelong has grown significantly, on average 10 per cent per annum over three years, suggesting strong capital growth returns for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

Boasting the perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity, the development is located within walking distance to a selection of eateries and is situated nearby the Geelong train station.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" height="4784" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-7a2d09ff003d91982e5f40427c457856.jpg" width="8210" /></a>

Ryrie Home offers a unique opportunity to enter a developing market, with an entry price at just $375,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.

The project is expected to be completed in 2022.

The Victorian developer has officially broken ground at their Geelong Quarter development on Wednesday, set to deliver Geelong’s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years

Franzé Developments break ground at mixed-use Geelong project, Ryrie Home

If you&#39;re looking for an affordably priced home, without compromising on quality or style, Geelong Quarter&#39;s latest addition, <a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong">Ryrie Home</a>, is a truly unique find. With exceptional design by Architectus and delivered by the innovative team at&nbsp;Franz&eacute; Developments, these apartments won&#39;t be on the market long.

Check out our video tour:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C6-kjIF3XfQ" width="660"></iframe>

RYRIE HOME&nbsp;AT A GLANCE

Developer:&nbsp;<a href="/developers/franze-developments">Franz&eacute; Developments</a>

Architect:&nbsp;<a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>

Location: 44 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220

Number of residences: 109

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong" rel="gallery-all" target="_blank" title="Ryrie Home. Image supplied. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="908" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ryriehome-urban_2.jpg?itok=8cWOKpNU" title="Ryrie Home. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Ryrie Home. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

The minimalist aesthetic of each property features exposed concrete ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows bringing a sense of modern luxury.&nbsp;All homes feature a private balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic bay views and alfresco dining year-round.

<figure><a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="497" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-08f4d1601c99a1f02cf738ed60234039.jpg?itok=AgJJ3pag" title="Ryrie Home. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Ryrie Home. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

<figure><a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="381" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-47ce5c5e6acc5dd4f56565391fc135e5.jpg?itok=oChMGo76" title="Ryrie Home. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Ryrie Home. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

Each kitchen has been designed with spacious island breakfast bars and includes state-of-the-art Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and if you don&#39;t feel like cooking one night, Geelong Quarter has a superb selection of eateries within walking distance or if you&#39;d like to travel further afield, the Geelong Train Station provides a direct route to Melbourne CBD.

<figure><a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="678" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-8b9bf1ee905f2b81c4ea7acbc665b1ba.jpg?itok=bxygf9_4" title="Ryrie Home. Image supplied. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Ryrie Home. Image supplied.</figcaption>
</figure>

The bathrooms feature large-format floor and wall tiles with floating vanities and brushed nickel tapware - every detail has been considered.&nbsp;

Ryrie Home&#39;s material palette encapsulates timeless style, with stunning wooden flooring, and your choice of a light or dark design scheme, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own.

If you&#39;d like to enjoy year-round holiday living at Ryrie Home, then <a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong">request a call from a Ryrie Home sales consultant</a> today via Urban.&nbsp;

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