Brisbane’s riverfront is about to welcome Queensland’s most ambitious wellness living precinct, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/kokoda-property">Kokoda Property Group</a> unveiling nearly 12,000 sqm of dedicated health, fitness and social amenity within its $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks development, the largest of its kind in the state.&nbsp;

Australia is now the four largest market in the USD 584 billion Global Wellness Real Estate sector, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> is setting the benchmark locally, offering residents a complete lifestyle precinct that balances wellness, community and luxury.

From rooftop wellness retreats and 5-star co-working spaces to curated retail and dining, lush green spaces and riverfront walkways, the development has been designed as an ecosystem for modern living. Community gardens, a riverfront amphitheatre and community centre further anchor Teneriffe Banks as a destination that connects residents and the wider community in a way Brisbane has never seen before.&nbsp;

Each of the four residential buildings offers an expansive rooftop retreat featuring infinity pools, mineral plunge pools, hydrotherapy zones, and steam and sauna suites. These spa-level amenities eliminate the need for external memberships, seamlessly integrating exercise, recovery and relaxation into daily life.&nbsp;

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Residents of Teneriffe Banks will enjoy exclusive access to The Canopy Club, one of Brisbane’s largest private members' venues. Drawing inspiration from international icons like Soho House but uniquely tailored for Brisbane, the club will feature private dining rooms, a wine cellar and tasting lounge, library, cinema, sports simulator and five-star work spaces, overlooking the Brisbane River.&nbsp;

Complementing this lifestyle is Banks Athletic, a private, residents-only health club offering personalised fitness and holistic wellness programs.

The precinct will also be home to Brisbane’s first five-star Kimpton Hotel Urban Resort, offering guests access to a luxury spa, a fitness centre, signature restaurants, pool club, rooftop cocktail bar and large-scale event spaces. Also forming part of the masterplan is a proposed reimagined marina and landscaped green spaces and gardens among a curated collection of waterfront restaurants, laneway cafes, and boutiques — creating a complete live, work, play lifestyle.&nbsp;

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A recent report by Global Wellness Institute found Australia boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing wellness economies, growing at an annual rate of 7.5 per cent from 2019-2023.

“Luxury living today is about more than just design, it is about how well a place supports mind, body and connection,” said Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens.

“With Australia now ranked among the world’s top five global wellness real estate markets, Teneriffe Banks has been designed to meet that growing demand. By blending curated wellness spaces with riverfront greenery and vibrant community amenities, the precinct will set a new benchmark for holistic urban living.”&nbsp;

Stephens said that wellness-focused design is resonating strongly with downsizers and lifestyle-driven buyers alike.&nbsp;

“We’re seeing overwhelming interest from buyers who are drawn to the idea of expansive amenity beyond their own residence, particularly those seeking space without the upkeep. The ability to enjoy a sunrise coffee by the rooftop pool, or build movement and recovery into their daily routine without leaving home, is a drawcard. Low maintenance, high impact living is what today’s market is looking for, and that’s exactly what Teneriffe Banks delivers."

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Set across five architecturally distinct buildings, Teneriffe Banks will deliver over 200 residences, ranging from apartments to modern penthouse residences and woolstore-inspired lofts, each crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studio-mccue">Studio McCue</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/carr-design">Carr</a>.&nbsp;

Further reflecting its commitment to fostering an active, connected lifestyle along the river, Teneriffe Banks is now the naming partner of the Brisbane Marathon Pacers, now known as the ‘Tenerrife Banks Pacers’. The Brisbane Marathon hosts over 10,000 participants from around the world and is only growing in size.&nbsp;

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Joel Robinson

Kokoda's Teneriffe Banks introduces Queensland’s largest residential wellness offering

Summary:&nbsp;

<ul type="disc">
	<li>A new&nbsp;Golden Age Cinema&nbsp;with multiple screens and creative performance spaces</li>
	<li>Approximately&nbsp;60 metres of retail frontage&nbsp;along Oxford Street for small-scale, street-activating businesses</li>
	<li>53 apartments, including 15 affordable housing apartments</li>
	<li>Landscaped public connections between South Dowling and Verona streets, improving walkability and accessibility.</li>
</ul>

<hr />
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Developer WT Malouf has confirmed plans to transform the much-loved Verona Cinema site on Oxford Street in&nbsp; Paddington into a new mixed-use destination centred on culture, creativity and community.

The proposal, a State Significant Development Application (SSDA), will deliver a balanced mix of uses including 53 apartments, including 15 affordable, a new Golden Age Cinema with multiple screens and creative performance spaces, and several small-scale, street-activating businesses across its 60 metres of retail frontage.

The development will retain the Verona’s iconic brick façade, recognising the building’s role in Paddington’s cultural life for nearly three decades.

<img alt="Verona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efed0828-5cc4-4d77-a6df-83e7fa5d24ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.19.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xHbLRgjfTSkScuLsLW_nRjX0Zi5Cwalo" />

WT Malouf has entered into exclusive arrangements with the operators of Golden Age Cinema &amp; Bar, a much-loved Surry Hills institution named among the Top 100 Cinemas in the World by Time Out. Golden Age will bring four screens and versatile creative spaces back to Paddington, helping to anchor Oxford Street’s future as a cultural and entertainment corridor. 
&nbsp; 
“At a time when Sydney is losing suburban cinemas, we’re committed to creating a bigger and better cinema experience for Paddington,” said Jack Joseph, Director at WT Malouf.

“Golden Age’s arrival will ensure Oxford Street continues to be a home for independent film, live performance and community events.” 
&nbsp; 
The project has been designed in line with the City of Sydney’s Oxford Street Cultural and Creative Precinct strategy, which encourages new investment in cultural space, night-time economy and creative industries. It also aligns with the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy, contributing to the revival of Oxford Street as a safe, vibrant and connected cultural precinct that operates by day and night.

<img alt="Verona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac1895bd-d09f-4cf6-aed4-9a2739c2d9b2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.19.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NcwfjdR0oF5xPbatoSGOR4oWAZm9yJJT" /> 
&nbsp; 
“This development is about more than apartments,” Joseph said. “It’s about contributing to Oxford Street’s restoration as one of Sydney’s great cultural boulevards, where people come to live, create and socialise.” 
&nbsp; 
‘’The new Verona is a once -in-a-generation opportunity to restore this important part of Oxford Street,’’ said Tim Greer, Director of Tonkins Zulaikha Greer (TZG). 
&nbsp; 
Alongside cultural and creative space, the Verona development will deliver new housing in one of Sydney’s most tightly held suburbs. 15 apartments will be set aside as affordable rental homes for essential workers, ensuring Paddington retains a diverse and connected community. 
&nbsp; 
The project is expected to be determined by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in 2026, with construction planned to start later that year and delivery within three years.

Paddington’s Verona Cinema set for luxury apartment transformation and new Golden Age Cinema

The Chatswood CBD is the latest city centre in the cross hair of the Minns Labor Government's push to support new housing.

They're pushing for up to 1,500 apartments on the former Sydney Metro construction site, which will include 180 build-to-rent apartments for essential workers, as well as new retail and commercial spaces and outdoor areas.

<img alt="Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec539e11-accf-4844-bbce-1b453e0ee907" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.09.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=64L8ymb0LbjKbxcmvUux9TI9qXL8hnkR" />

The remaining mix will be build-to-sell, and incorporate affordable housing. The development will see the adaptive re-use of local heritage building Mowbray House, which operated as a boarding school from 1906 to 1954, for future community use.&nbsp;

Construction on the site is expected to start in late 2026, with the first essential workers expected to move in by late 2028.

Landcom is inviting feedback on the proposal from the community and stakeholders until 9am, Monday 27 October 2025.

<img alt="Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01cc2e55-a585-4a3f-afb2-bb6213dc59b8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-03%20at%209.09.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZaaHSI.h_CLRCYloljNdXSa4eigU6vae" />

The Chatswood site is the second&nbsp;to be secured under the Minns Labor Government’s $450 million investment in Landcom to deliver 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney, with 220 essential worker homes already being delivered in Annandale.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Work is also underway on new build-to-rent apartments on the NSW south coast and work is set to start later this year on new build-to-rent housing in Lismore to boost rental supply in the NSW Northern Rivers.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community.

“This will be life changing for essential workers, who will get to live not only near their job but in one of the best-connected areas in all of Sydney.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said people should be able to live, work, relax and play all within one community.

"Delivering both 180 new essential worker homes and 1300 further market and affordable homes will give that opportunity and choice back hundreds of people.

“We’ve dedicated another 180 homes to essential workers in this project so workers like our teachers, nurses, paramedics and police offices can build a life close to both their home and job.

“This is yet another example of density done well, providing additional, homes and jobs in an area that’s already well serviced by public transport, shops, restaurants, schools and health centres.”

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said this is a highly productive time for Landcom where we are sustaining strong momentum across our entire delivery program.

"Here at Chatswood, we are leading the development of a major city precinct to do density well and make homes happen. This is a great example of Landcom making the government’s policy ambitions a reality and bringing to life the kind of housing options our city needs.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community.

NSW Gov, Landcom plan 1,500 new apartments in Chatswood CBD

Dexus' push into the residential development space is moving down to Melbourne, with the real estate asset giant taking on a x at the southern end of St Kilda Road.

Dexus, who has recently starting developing luxury apartments in Sydney's Northern Beaches, is planning a 27-storey tower with over 400 new apartments at the intersection of St Kilda Road and Queens Road.

The proposal, now with VIC Planning, seeks to replace the ageing 19-storey former Cadbury office building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/636-st-kilda-road-melbourne-vic-3004">636 St Kilda Road</a> with a contemporary high-density apartment complex designed by architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>.

According to the Urban Context Report filed to VIC Planning, the development will respond to the site’s landmark location through a "refined and sculptural built form that mediates between the scale of St Kilda Road and Queens Road” while reinforcing “a sense of civic address at this prominent intersection.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Dexus proposes 27-storey residential tower at 636 St Kilda Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfd2ebd1-e311-4348-9c7d-b3d73b64ade4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/St%20Kilda%20bldg.png?VersionId=_DHkdNAj1U3wcH0BX51t2MJYeIMrbG2w" />

The architectural design features active frontages, new pedestrian through-links and an extensive landscape strategy that integrates with the surrounding boulevard character.

The apartment mix is varied, comprising 40 studios, 87 one-bedrooms, 203 two-bedrooms, 66 three-bedrooms, and six penthouses, with each dwelling designed to meet the standards set out in Clause 58 of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme.&nbsp;

A key element of the proposal is a $9.6 million contribution, equivalent to three per cent of the project’s estimated development cost, to the Social Housing Growth Fund, aimed at supporting affordable housing outcomes across Victoria.

<img alt="First look: Dexus proposes 27-storey residential tower at 636 St Kilda Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f138f11-5277-461f-8d12-9533b2960586" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/St%20kilda%20rd%20site.png?VersionId=m_ZioKYhwkvekE3ZUF6y7bz.5_5yFPnZ" />

The site’s three street frontages, St Kilda Road, Queens Road, and Queens Lane, enable significant setbacks and design flexibility.

Bates Smart noted the proposal "reinforces the intent for St Kilda Road North to accommodate higher-density, mixed-use development,” leveraging its location near the soon-to-open ANZAC Station tram-rail interchange and the principal cycling corridor along the boulevard.

They emphasised&nbsp;the building’s role as a city-shaping gateway, writing that the proposed tower is “designed to contribute positively to the skyline and urban character of St Kilda Junction,” and would offer visual connections to key city landmarks, including Albert Park Lake and the Shrine of Remembrance.

Public realm upgrades are also proposed as part of the scheme, including a 138 sqm linear park, extensive landscaping, and around 188 metres of active frontages to enhance permeability and safety at the ground plane. A total of 449 car spaces and 120 bicycle spaces are planned across the four basement levels.

<img alt="First look: Dexus proposes 27-storey residential tower at 636 St Kilda Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfdbccd3-6954-417e-8543-c6b1f1b5df1b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/St%20KILDA%20rooftop.png?VersionId=.xI5fkVYETzG1WJaiOsOt8Yd4BgQx0DA" />

Dexus is positioning the project as a strategic redevelopment aligned with the St Kilda Road North Precinct Plan. The Planning Report by Urbis states that the distinct features of the site, the emerging context to its interfaces, and the surrounding policy context justify consideration of a taller building” despite the site being subject to Design and Development Overlay – Schedule 26 (DDO26).

St Kilda Road has been one of the most popular streets for residential development in recent years. The likes of Victoriana, The Muse, and St Boulevard are the most recently completed buildings, oriented to look over the adjacent Albert Park Lake, while Gamuda Land is currently developing <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fareham-st-kilda-95-st-kilda-road-st-kilda-vic-3182">Fareham</a>, and Hirsch &amp; Faigen has a building in the precinct they will soon launch, just off St Kilda Road on Queens Road.

First look: Dexus joins St Kilda Road apartment ranks with gateway tower proposal

Melbourne’s City Circle tram loops past a dense matrix of culture, education and commerce, but few intersections offer as much access in so little walking distance as the northern end of King Street.

Here, Aspire Melbourne rises 64 storeys from the edge of Flagstaff Gardens, with immediate connectivity to tram and train networks, and pedestrian access to Queen Victoria Market, Marvel Stadium and Melbourne’s major university precincts.

Developed by ICD Property with design by Fraser &amp; Partners, Aspire Melbourne brings 570 apartments to one of the CBD’s most spatially balanced positions, directly between civic green space and key employment infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=248847]

Everything from retail and dining to sporting events, art, theatre, and festivals, or the serenity of the city’s gardens, is within walking distance of Aspire.

Melbourne's thriving coffee culture is showcased in the CBD's cobblestoned laneways, with popular cafes such as Brother Baba Budan, Krimper, Stagger Lee's, Higher Ground, and Manchester Press all nearby.

For culinary enthusiasts, Melbourne offers a variety of dining experiences. Highly recommended establishments include Maha, Farmer's Daughter, Coda, and MoVida Next Door, offering everything from Middle Eastern dinners to a night out.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=79443]

Getting around Melbourne is as effortless as finding a great cup of coffee, thanks to the city’s clean, reliable and extensive public transport network. Aspire’s curved tower is a short walk from Melbourne Central Station, Southern Cross Station and the Free Tram Zone, offering seamless connections across the CBD and out to suburban precincts.

This inner-city accessibility is complemented by Aspire’s rare proximity to green space. The tower directly overlooks Flagstaff Gardens, the city’s oldest park, with Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens also nearby, framing the CBD in natural beauty.

Just 11 minutes on foot, Queen Victoria Market adds another layer of amenity. A longstanding hub of culture and commerce, it offers fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal goods and vibrant multicultural fare, all woven into the daily rhythm of city life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=79445]

To the west, the CBD’s entertainment quarter features Marvel Stadium, just 750 metres from Aspire, ideal for sports fans and major events.

To the south, Crown Casino along the Yarra River offers entertainment, dining and family-friendly activities, accessible in under 10 minutes by tram.

The Arts Centre Melbourne, a hub for visual art, theatre, music and performance, is also within easy reach by public transport or car.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=311]

For families looking to set up roots in the CBD, education options abound within a one-kilometre radius of Aspire.

The prestigious Haileybury opened its Melbourne CBD campus in January 2017 offering Melbourne's first Early Learning Centre to Year 12 private school campus in the CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> Primary School, South Melbourne Primary School, Ozford College, and Simonds Catholic College are among the other choices, while universities like Victoria University, La Trobe University, and Monash University are less than 600 metres away.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2575 project_image_fid=79444]

A limited selection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments remain for sale, with pricing starting from $647,000.

“The Melbourne CBD apartment market has evolved in response to both the strong growth of the overall city as well as the increasing attraction of the CBD which offers unique lifestyle appeal, especially to the fast-growing cohorts of young professionals and university students,” <a href="/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>&nbsp;Managing Director Residential Tim Storey said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=2575]

On the fringe of Flagstaff Gardens: Aspire Melbourne's prime location

Smith Street

Smith Street, the edgy Collingwood strip of food joints and bars,&nbsp;was recently named the coolest street in the world&nbsp;in a poll by the entertainment and exploration guide, Time Out.

It beat out the likes of London&#39;s South Bank on the River Thames and the famous Sunset Boulevard strip in LA.

But the street wasn&#39;t always the go-to hangout for Melbourne&#39;s inner residents.

Developer Tim Gurner, who leads the residential development firm GURNER, said people thought they were crazy when launching projects just off Smith Street around 14 years ago, long before it had taken off.

&quot;I remember our first display suite kept getting broken into and the TVs and electrical equipment would get stolen,&quot; Gurner recalled.

&quot;But I just fell in love with the incredible heritage buildings and warehouses and felt that gentrification would change the face of the area and attract the young professionals that would eventually lead to all the best restaurants, bars, shops and then eventually more demand.&quot;

He said one of the things he looks for when deciding on where the develop a project is the area&#39;s &#39;cool factor&#39;.

&quot;Have the artists and creators moved into an area? Are new restaurants opening up? Does the area tell a story? If the answers are yes, I know culturally the area is set for a massive resurgence and know that&rsquo;s where we should be looking for sites, so that we can play a role in that cultural regeneration.&quot;

Of course the rich-lister developer goes in to each development knowing that that data is crucial, with rental vacancy rates, walkability scores, and median price points analysed.

But Gurner says that he also needs to personally love the area.

&quot;I need to feel like it&#39;s somewhere I could imagine myself living,&quot; Gurner says.

&quot;Often when I&rsquo;ve walked around streets of areas we are looking at, it&rsquo;s reminded me of places I&rsquo;ve been to in New York, Brooklyn or LA. That&rsquo;s when I know we are onto something really exciting and we often end up developing multiple projects there over many years.

GURNER&#39;s latest development on Smith Street is E.S Smith, the contemporary, New York-style development of 41 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5615 project_image_fid=166290]

&quot;I think E.S&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;is my 17th&nbsp;project within a two kilometre radius, so you can tell I really love the area and believe in it on a much deeper level than data alone.&quot;

The design by&nbsp;Warren and Mahoney Architects draws inspiration from private clubs in New York&#39;s hip borough Brooklyn.&nbsp;Completion is slated for early 2023.

&quot;Collingwood&nbsp;has a distinct NY Meatpacking feel to it so we wanted to celebrate that with our projects, rather than compete with it,&quot; Gurner says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5615 project_image_fid=166292]

The development will see the 100 year old facade retained at street level, where there will be retail space.

Gurner says Smith&nbsp;Street has so many incredible heritage buildings still intact from the Foy &amp; Gibson era so we were really keen to be able to play a part in another project with historic appeal.

&quot;E.S&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;is our latest development on&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;Street and it ticked all the boxes for us &ndash; a heritage fa&ccedil;ade surrounded by all the best restaurants and cultural elements. We knew this was going to be something special.&quot;

Gurner says it was well foreseen that Smith Street was going to take off.

&quot;Collingwood and Smith Street in particular are so close to&nbsp;East&nbsp;Melbourne, which is one of this city&rsquo;s most prestigious suburbs, so I knew some of that demand would soon start to be reflected in the surrounding areas. &nbsp;

&quot;Collingwood and Fitzroy have seen the progressive transformation of so many key streets from Gertrude Street and Cambridge Street through to Brunswick and Johnston Streets, so&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;Street was the natural next step of this gentrification process.&quot;

He said one of the things he looks for when deciding on where the develop a project is the area's 'cool factor'.

Why Tim Gurner chose Collingwood's Smith Street, the world's coolest street

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The gradual transition of Smith Street's northern reaches to a higher density built form has seen another project join the queue.

Developer GURNER will know at the earliest by late next month whether its bid to transform Collingwood's 368-374 Smith Street has been successful. Designed by Warren and Mahoney, the residential development spans 9 storeys and sits behind a quartet of partially retained heritage buildings.

For Warren and Mahoney, the Smith Street design is their fourth high-density residential project of note in Melbourne, their third for GURNER, and their second in Collingwood.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image22_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Angelo Group's two Smith Street developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_14.jpg?itok=DP_Rj1jk" title="Angelo Group's two Smith Street developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Angelo Property Group's two Smith Street developments</figcaption></figure>The Apartments.com.au Project Database currently has 10 projects along Collingwood's Smith Street in active status, with the majority located north of Johnston Street. 

Angelo Property Group has a hand in two projects, with the Kennedy Nola-designed Haus Collingwood recently hitting completion. Huas' northern facade is finished in a Brutalist style, but the majority of people will view the modern podium complete with canvas awnings.

For their other Smith Street development, Angelo Property Group has utilised Cera Stribley Architects to transform 365 Smith Street. The adjoining historic brick facade of 377-379 Smith Street will incorporate into the development which is currently at sales, whilst the modern add-on structure will be replaced with what amounts to a triple height void.

Most intriguing, or disappointing depending upon the readers perspective, is SPEC Property's Trilby development which required the existing brick facade be demolished. Later in the project's construction phase, the facade will be rebuilt to better provide continuity along the historic streetscape.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7807.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7807.jpg?itok=Xg5cEk-8" title="SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade</figcaption></figure>Among a number of other projects with the ability to redefine the area is 423-425 Smith Street, but perhaps more so in what was not delivered.

Kahlon Group were behind a recent planning application to add a John Davey Architects-designed multi-level extension to the rear of the site that would have added near on 10,000 square metres of creative office space.

As it is 423-425 Smith Street is nearing the end of its restoration, with no mid-rise commercial complex in sight; under the United Co name, the complex is now slated to open next month as a new coworking space.

The existing facade has for the most remained unchanged.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_15_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_15_0.jpg?itok=ySDO5hBg" title="423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Warren and Mahoney add to Smith Street's changing face

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Not another apartment development on <a href="/buildings/e-s-smith-368-374-smith-street-collingwood">Smith Street</a>? Well, no, Trilby is not like any other in certain regards with the team at SPEC Property going to great lengths in order to tailor the development toward the owner-occupier market.

Apartments.com.au visited the display at 410 Smith Street Collingwood in recent days following SPEC Property's latest residential release. The broad-ranging discussion encompassed topics such as the shifting dynamics of the residential sector, successfully designing a project relative to its surrounds and harnessing the target buyer for a development aiming to achieve an 80% owner-occupier buyer rate.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shot01-hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot01-hero.jpg?itok=XUrZsymn" title="Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>SPEC Property like many local developers has recognised a shift toward smaller scale, non-CBD developments which are more intimate in nature than the sizeable towers within Melbourne's CBD. Shying away from large, investor-grade apartment stock is nothing new to SPEC Property, with a sweep through the Apartments.com.au Project Database showing <a href="/developers/samma-property-group">eight small and medium-scale residential developments</a> currently under the guidance of the Cremorne-based property outfit.

<a href="/buildings/trilby-466-smith-street-collingwood">Trilby Apartments</a> is the latest to join this stable of projects. Upon purchasing the site the developer immediately went about redesigning the initial scheme which was still with Yarra City Council. Chief architect Ariel Lopez of Inhabit Design explained that the previous scheme was not in line with the developers expectations and ethos, thus the decision was made to rework every aspect of the project to better suit its setting.

Consequently Trilby apartments now presents as being more open to Smith Street, and with a softer exterior relative to the previous proposed design. Timber and greenery have been introduced, as has been a revised podium that better integrates with the retained facade.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shot06-loft-apartment.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot06-loft-apartment.jpg?itok=f0qzsgkM" title="Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>Maintaining every aspect of development from design to delivery in-house, SPEC Property have gone with a revamped interior layout in order to create living options that will best suit the target market. The in-house nature of the business allows for, and almost demands that the developer taps into their customer database in order to gain critical feedback on issues of design, livability and the like.

Consequently loft apartments have been introduced throughout the Trilby podium; a direct result of the success of their experience of placing lofts within <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a> on Flemington Road.

The sales team have been delighted to date with the volume of foot traffic through the display suite. Quizzed on the catchment area of both prospective and actual purchasers, it's explained that the bulk of traffic to date is from Collingwood and surrounding suburbs, with a skew to areas such as Kew and Hawthorn. Tram 86 which stretches to Bundoora also accounts for a notable amount of display traffic, with a tram stop in close vicinity to the display front door.

Downsizers have also been prevalent in the buyer profile, with the most notable being a couple who have chosen to leave Shepparton behind in favour of a podium loft-style apartment.

In addition to the lofts, terrace apartments are located over level three with the balance of the building's 106 dwellings dedicated toward one and two bedroom apartments; all of which have been given the touch befitting of an apartment set to be owner-occupied. As Ariel Lopez explained, it serves no purpose going to such great design lengths to simply churn out further investor-driven apartment stock.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image55_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_2.jpg?itok=DmBd6IZ1" title="A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>As such the apartments are finished to an exceedingly high level and carry a number of features previously unseen by Apartments.com.au. The surprise within the display are the kitchen kickboards which are actually draws, providing additional storage space.

All apartment finishes carry an industrial edge in their design. Aged bronzed tapware, Smeg appliances and powder-coated steel island benches define the kitchen spaces, with a similar motif throughout the bathrooms. Resembling plywood in appearance, the novel finish to the joinery continues the industrial theme, but with an underlying quality.

Crowning Trilby will be an external rooftop deck incorporating a lounge and kitchen, library, bar, ping pong facilities, playground, outdoor cinema and Teppanyaki grill. Bricks salvaged from the site demolition will be reused throughout the rooftop deck, bringing a lived-in quality to the communal area while avoiding the perception of sterility which tends to define many communal areas of recent residential projects through Melbourne.

In-house builder TriUrban Construction is set to commence construction works on Trilby Apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image56_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_1.jpg?itok=NF_Ey5xE" title="Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>
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Trilby Apartments a reflection of its target market

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Having <a href="/news/you-i-enters-construction-phase">commenced construction during July 2013</a> with Apartments.com.au present at the <a href="/news/you-is-ground-breaking-ceremony">ground breaking ceremony</a>, this month saw the first residents of ICD Property's YOU &amp; I development begin moving in which also marks the developer's first completed apartment development in Melbourne.

Located along one of Melbourne’s most iconic streetscapes, YOU &amp; I at 450 Smith Street Collingwood consists of 63 apartments designed by Orbit Solutions. Apartments.com.au toured the recently completed building with ICD Property Director of Operations and Development Manager, Sal Quah, who said the team was thrilled to deliver its first project in its expanding development portfolio.

<blockquote>
We’ve had a busy few years and are pleased to see all of our efforts come to life through the completion of YOU &amp; I where buyers have been quick to recognize our vision in creating developments that contribute to Australia’s urban fabric.

YOU &amp; I is just one chapter completed of the ICD Property story with a series of developments underway including Eq. Tower and our latest collaborative project, Maple in Hawthorn, with Melbourne developer, ANGLE also completely sold out.
<cite>Sal Quah</cite>
</blockquote>

ICD recognised the potential of Collingwood as an emerging and desirable suburb due to the popularity of Smith Street and its restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and retail outlets which are considered some of the best in Melbourne. As a result YOU &amp; I is one of the first larger scale residential developments to be built on Smith Street, acting as a visual landmark, particularly when approaching from the north.

<blockquote>
The building represents one of the suburb’s largest residential gentrification projects along the famed Smith Street shopping strip, and we are pleased to breathe new life into this emerging Melbourne suburb.

Considered as one of Melbourne’s most exciting and highly coveted new lifestyle precincts, its little surprise the response we have received in the project from buyers and the local Collingwood community alike.
<cite>Sal Quah</cite>
</blockquote>

With Collingwood once famed for its local artisan residents during the 60s, 70s and 80s, the project team strived to assemble the best collaborators in order to design a development that would contribute to Collingwood’s unique character.

YOU &amp; I has integrated a selection of artworks from local Melbourne artist, Steve Rosendale, turning what would be an otherwise static and blank façade into a visually interesting storyboard which alludes to and draws upon Collingwood's eclectic and artistic history.

Rosendale has created five custom, larger-than-life stencil-style artworks which adorn the façades, referencing the retro and underground cinematic culture that was once synonymous with the area.

At 7-storeys tall and with significant upper level setbacks, the building features a robust base with timber highlights to soffits with a vertically expressed veil that acts to create "visual ambiguity" for the pedestrian. Residents will have access to the communal terrace located on level three of the development which opens out and holds views over Smith Street and back towards the Melbourne CBD skyline.

The setback was employed to alleviate planning concerns about the height and bulk of the building to the street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/you_i_023.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The upper veiled volume setback from Smith Street. Image courtesy ICD Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/you_i_023.jpg?itok=qLhxWnIw" title="The upper veiled volume setback from Smith Street. Image courtesy ICD Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The upper veiled volume setback from Smith Street. Image courtesy ICD Property.</figcaption></figure>The now fully sold apartments feature soft, neutral interiors with quality fittings and finishes used throughout, with buyers offered a selection of either a light or dark colour palette. Kitchens feature stone benchtops and Miele appliances with apartment afforded ample daylight coupled with generous ceiling heights, giving even the smaller apartments a spacious feel.

Bathrooms feature concealed in-wall cistern and chevron-patterned tiling that tie in with the contemporary look and feel of the apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/you_i_002.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical one bedroom apartment. Image courtesy ICD Property,"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/you_i_002.jpg?itok=j-r6znfT" title="A typical one bedroom apartment. Image courtesy ICD Property," width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A typical one bedroom apartment. Image courtesy ICD Property,</figcaption></figure>Sustainability has been considered and included within the building's design via a grey water harvesting system and solar panels that contribute to the building’s energy needs whilst reduce hot water bills.

A ground floor retail tenancy fronting Smith Street has been reserved for a potential café or restaurant space to be occupied with the option to also accommodate multiple smaller tenancies. The tenancy appears to float above the street with planting beds sitting below the projecting plates. Operable windows allow the space to open up to the street and allow for passive surveillance and visual interaction with the action along Smith Street.

Residents access the building via an entry lobby off Mater Street that also accommodates the mailboxes and can also be accessed from the basement car parking level which features triple height car stackers per parking bay and a bicycle storage area. Storage cages are located within a mezzanine level that has been created as a result of the basement's double height space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/you_i_024.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="YOU &amp; I Entry lobby. Image courtesy ICD Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/you_i_024.jpg?itok=GCwBxXOl" title="YOU &amp; I Entry lobby. Image courtesy ICD Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>YOU &amp; I Entry lobby. Image courtesy ICD Property.</figcaption></figure><h2>Key facts</h2>

<ul>
<li>Address: 450 Smith Street, Collingwood</li>
	<li>Developer: ICD Property</li>
	<li>Architect: Orbit Architecture</li>
	<li>Builder: Harris HMC</li>
	<li>Number of apartments: 63 (28 x 1 bedroom apartments and 35 x 2 bedroom apartments)</li>
	<li>Sizes of apartments in square metres internally:
	<ul>
<li>1 bed 1 bath apartment size 40.3-62.6 m2 (Internal)</li>
		<li>2 bed 1 bath apartment size 61.3 m2 (Internal)</li>
		<li>2 bed 2 bath apartment size 63.8-86.9 m2(Internal)</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>Who is buying: 50% owner occupier, 50% investor</li>
	<li>Prices:
	<ul>
<li>1 bedroom apartments from $385,000-418,000</li>
		<li>2 bedroom / 1 bathroom apartments from $519,000-580,000</li>
		<li>2 bedroom / 2 bathroom apartments from $530,000-680,000</li>
	</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

ICD Property delivers its first project: YOU & I

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Earlier during 2014 Apartments.com.au highlighted the strengthening momentum <a href="/news/hot-or-what-the-collingwood-apartment-juggernaut-rolls-on">Smith Street</a> Collingwood was gathering as one of Melbourne's must-live destinations. With the apartment development landscape in the area changing rapidly, it pays to once more visit the current state of play in terms of Smith Street and Collingwood as a whole.

While many have now progressed to construction, a second wave of apartment projects are emerging as a multitude of developers look take advantage of continuing buyer interest in the suburb.

<h2>At construction</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="All Collingwood projects currently under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="763" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22.jpg?itok=Kno1Nc95" title="All Collingwood projects currently under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>All <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood projects</a> currently under construction</figcaption></figure>Eight major apartment projects are currently at various stages of construction, yielding in the vicinity of 980 apartments. With completion for the majority expected mid to late 2015, Collingwood will see an appreciable swell in residents at these projects progressively achieve completion.

Seen above in clockwise fashion are <a href="/buildings/you-and-i-450-smith-street-collingwood">You and I</a>, Oxley Apartments, <a href="/buildings/41-peel-street-collingwood">41 Peel Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/yorkshire-1-robert-st-collingwood">Yorkshire Brewery</a>, <a href="/buildings/little-ox-2-johnston-street-collingwood">Little Ox</a>, <a href="/buildings/tapestry-apartments-80-stanley-street-collingwood">Tapestry Apartments</a> and <a href="/buildings/oxford-peel-22-peel-street-collingwood">Oxford &amp; Peel</a>. Last but not least is <a href="/buildings/smith-co-132-172-smith-street-collingwood">Smith&amp;Co.</a> which under developer Banco Group announced on Apartments.com.au yesterday the final release of extra spacious apartments over the top levels of the development.

<h2>Registration and sales</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image27.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ever closer to construction; projects at registration and sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27.jpg?itok=gGOtAWce" title="Ever closer to construction; projects at registration and sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ever closer to construction; projects at registration and sales</figcaption></figure>In between the construction boom and surge of new projects in their infancy a handful of developments are seeking to make the transition from sales to reality. Shown as accepting registrations of interest on developer Preview Property's website, <a href="/buildings/this-is-collingwood-60-66-islington-street-collingwood">Islington Apartments</a> joins Angelo Property Group's <a href="/buildings/haus-apartments-416-smith-street-collingwood">Haus Apartments</a> as the two projects most likely to progress to construction next, with the latter having already completed site demolition.

Factoring in <a href="/buildings/this-is-collingwood-60-66-islington-street-collingwood">9 Smith Street</a> and The Patersons which also at sales and front Smith Street yet are considered to be in Fitzroy, the four projects may well add in excess of 250 apartments to the area.

<h2>The new wave</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image35.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The next wave lining up Collingwood"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="889" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35.jpg?itok=cUp3S1lG" title="The next wave lining up Collingwood" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The next wave lining up Collingwood</figcaption></figure>Here are the seven latest Collingwood projects in waiting, with only <a href="/buildings/the-lantern-195-wellington-street-collingwood">195 Wellington Street</a> holding approval. Clockwise once more <a href="/new-apartments/386-smith-street-collingwood">386 Smith Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/peel-by-milieu-47-peel-street-collingwood">109 Wellington Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/little-oxford-7-little-oxford-street-collingwood">7 and 9-15 Little Oxford Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/trilby-466-smith-street-collingwood">466-482 Smith Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">24-28 Stanley Street</a> find themselves at planning while Koúl Property enters the suburb with their proposed predominantly brick building at 203-205 Johnston Street which has yet to hit the official planning channels.

These projects combined are slated to hold in excess of 250 apartments; while the number of apartment developments continues to flow, the smaller site size dictates that fewer apartments will be contained within each development on average.

Not yet submitted for approval are two additional projects which will add approximately 200 additional apartments. Angelo Property Group is set to go again with 365 Smith Street which in time will host in excess of 100 one and two bedroom apartments and retail tenancies fronting Smith Street. Gurner also plans a return with 107 Cambridge Street (following 24-28 Stanley Street) which is expected to carry 92 apartments in an Elenberg Fraser-designed complex highlighted by an almost lace-like facade.

All in all the mass of residential developments within Collingwood ensures Apartments.com.au will be writing about the area for some time to come.
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Hot or what? The Collingwood apartment juggernaut rolls on

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Last Thursday Apartments.com.au glossed over <a href="/news/hotspot-video-smith-street-apartment-boom-in-focus" target="_blank">16 separate residential projects</a> within close proximity to, or located on Smith Street which bisects Collingwood and Fitzroy. Later that day we received a press release from the Smith Street Action Group entitled "Rear Window becomes Next Window as Inappropriate Density Invades."

A full copy of the media release is available for reading.

SSAG's release is worth reading and carries some valid points. "Appropriate gentrification is good, considering that living spaces do allow people to live well" is their overall stance, however the approved 237 Smith Street development has raised the group's level of discontent.

I'll play the devil's advocate today in order to further explore the issues at hand by posing a series of questions.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/231%20smith%201.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="237 Smith Street. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/231%20smith%201.jpg?itok=oABMMLrc" style="height:405px; width:580px" title="237 Smith Street. Image © Hayball"></a>

<h2>Free market</h2>

<blockquote>
A 6 level building, proposed to sit atop the hugely popular Messina Gelato, 237 Smith Street is an example of the new micro and highly dense apartment building that will soon populate Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
</blockquote>

Are apartment buyers/investors required to purchase micro and highly dense apartments? Last I checked, no. 33 square metre apartments are insanely small, yet if the developer sees fit to cater for (perceived) demand by adding micro apartments to their development profile, good luck to them. The market will dictate whether this is an act of frivolity or otherwise.

<h2>Lines of sight and sighting the sun</h2>

<blockquote>
“The building has sight lines directly into my apartment, not only does it completely cancel my northside view, but what I will be serving for dinner will be clearly visible to my neighbours, they will be able to count the peas on my plate.” Owen Harris
</blockquote>

What can I say? To lessen confusion, 231 Moor Street and 231 Smith Street occupy the same buildings - Panama House on the intersection of Smith &amp; Moor. Directly north of the recently completed Panama House apartment conversion at 231 Smith Street will sit 237 Smith Street.

One obscured light well (material 9 in image below) and one 700mm high glazed southeast corner window are the only non precast/metal areas to the southern boundary. Unless Inspector Gadget is counting your peas, overlooking is a moot point. Having said that the prospect of being greeted by a blank wall every day is somewhat depressing.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/237smith.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="237 Smith Street southern elevation. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/237smith.jpg?itok=D_Wox5PK" style="height:413px; width:580px" title="237 Smith Street southern elevation. Image © Hayball"></a>

<h2>Developer on the cross</h2>

<blockquote>
231 Moor Street developers Neometro were given written notice for 237 Smith Street proposal as early as September 2012 and the 229 Smith Street development as early as March 2013 and did not inform their purchasers.
</blockquote>

What place for Caveat emptor? I was always under the impression that developers had no requirement to inform buyers of proposed neighbouring developments, rather the onus was on the individual - after all the burden rests with the individual buying the property to consider and essentially accept that at some point in the future, a development may encroach upon their amenity and views. "Views are a privilege, not a right."

Why attempt to hold Neometro to account when the rest of the industry does not operate to that standard.

<h2>Paterson's conversion</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/PageImage-519722-4255759-VIEW1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Homeworks Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/PageImage-519722-4255759-VIEW1.jpg?itok=Ogh0UXXI" style="height:435px; width:580px" title="Image © Homeworks Design"></a>

Is this an acceptable development? One that escaped attention in last week's article is the conversion of the most magnificent Patersons Building from a general arts/office space into private apartments. The redeveloped apartments will be <a href="http://www.thepatersonsfitzroy.com.au/images/patersons_fitzroy_floorplans.pdf" target="_blank">positively spacious</a> compared to what is proposed for 237 Smith Street yet will prospective buyers for <a href="http://www.thepatersonsfitzroy.com.au/index" target="_blank">The Patersons</a> consider that airspace surrounding their complex may be lost in years to come...unlikely.

Ultimately as much as action groups serve their purpose and highlight poor outcomes in both planning and development, from a buyer's perspective future disputes and disappointments can be for the most avoided by genuinely considering the dynamics of the location of your intended purchase both now and into the future. Sometimes that's easier said than done.

Feel the need to disagree, correct or corroborate any of the above content by posting a comment below.
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Smith Street Action Group's take on development

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Apartments.com.au couldn't possibly write a finer preamble to today's video/article than what is found on the exceptional <a href="http://smithstreetlife.com.au" target="_blank">Smith Street Life</a> website which dedicates itself to all things Smith Street. Regarding the increasing number of apartment developments on and immediately surrounding the famed strip, the website states of the Street itself:

<blockquote>
Smith Street's public face is under reconstruction, with at least three major development works in progress presenting a shift to Smith Street's cultural and community evolution. 
Melbourne’s oldest shopping strip, Smith Street’s revival is likely to be enhanced with construction taking place at various stages, and faces, along Smith Street's historical façades. 
With history and heritage dating back to the early 1800’s there is no doubt that Smith Street’s changing facades are providing a new pillar in Melbourne’s history. The changing identity of Smith Street, from a place of diversity, history and heritage, towards a more likely gentrified future is reflected in three different property developments each with their own different approach.
<cite><a href="http://www.smithstreetlife.com.au/the-changing-faces-of-smith-street" target="_blank">Smith Street Life: The changing faces of Smith Street</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The newest addition to <a href="/architects/grimshaw-architects" target="_blank">Grimshaw Architects</a> Melbourne office and regular Apartments.com.au contributor Laurence Dragomir along with <a href="/developers/neometro" target="_blank">Neometro</a>'s founder Jeff Provan feature in Apartments.com.au's most recent video - produced by our partners <a href="http://www.thevideoagency.com.au/" target="_blank">The Video Agency</a> - Hotspots: Smith Street

<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/87231917" width="100%"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vimeo.com/87231917">Hot Spot: Smith Street</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user19840635">The Video Agency</a> on Vimeo.

See below a summary of the aforementioned 16 current apartment projects on and around Smith Street.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px">Under Assessment</td>
			<td style="width:245px">Registration and Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"><a href="/new-apartments/atrium-fitzroy-230-moor-street-fitzroy">229 Smith Street</a></td>
			<td style="width:245px">
<a href="/buildings/9-smith-street-9-smith-street-fitzroy" target="_blank">9 Smith Street </a>(moved to sales post video)</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px">Approved</td>
			<td style="width:245px"><a href="/buildings/oxford-peel-22-peel-street-collingwood">Oxford &amp; Peel - 22 Peel Street</a></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px">7 Hodgson Street</td>
			<td style="width:245px"><a href="/buildings/tapestry-apartments-80-stanley-street-collingwood" target="_blank">Tapestry - 80 Stanley Street</a></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"><a href="/buildings/the-lantern-195-wellington-street-collingwood" target="_blank">195 Wellington Street</a></td>
			<td style="width:245px"><a href="/buildings/haus-apartments-416-smith-street-collingwood" target="_blank">Haus - 416 Smith Street</a></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"><a href="/buildings/221-kerr-street-fitzroy">221 Kerr Street</a></td>
			<td style="width:245px"><a href="/buildings/41-peel-street-collingwood" target="_blank">41 Peel Street</a></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"><a href="/new-apartments/237-smith-street-fitzroy" target="_blank">237 Smith Street</a></td>
			<td style="width:245px"><a href="/buildings/little-ox-2-johnston-street-collingwood" target="_blank">Little Ox - 2 Johnston Street</a></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"><a href="/new-apartments/305-311-smith-street-fitzroy" target="_blank">305-311 Smith Street</a></td>
			<td style="width:245px">Under Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"><a href="/buildings/yorkshire-1-robert-st-collingwood" target="_blank">Yorkshire - 1 Robert Street</a></td>
			<td style="width:245px"><a href="/buildings/smith-co-132-172-smith-street-collingwood">132 Smith Street</a></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"> </td>
			<td style="width:245px"><a href="/buildings/you-and-i-450-smith-street-collingwood" target="_blank">You &amp; I - 450 Smith Street</a></td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width:243px"> </td>
			<td style="width:245px">Oxley - 46 Stanley Street</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/9SMITH_IMAGES_FINAL_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="The latest project to reach sales - 9 Smith Street. Image © Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/9SMITH_IMAGES_FINAL_1.jpg?itok=tB9M6nSt" style="height:336px; width:580px" title="The latest project to reach sales - 9 Smith Street. Image © Neometro"></a>

With 9 Smith Street the most recent project to proceed to sales, it breaks the sequence of all projects currently at sales or under construction being located on the eastern side of Smith Street.

It would be an interesting social study to track over the coming months and years how the influx of new dwellings and residents will affect Smith Street's current dynamic. With an abundance of suitable development sites on and within close proximity to Smith Street, the trend of higher density living and increased population looks set to continue.
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Alastair Taylor

Hotspot Video: Smith Street apartment boom in focus

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Last month Apartments.com.au spent the better part of a day on Smith Street to film today's hotspot <a href="/news/hotspot-video-smith-street-apartment-boom-in-focus" target="_blank">video</a> - a rich, layered tapestry of people and places. Best characterised as a heritage streetscape and boasting an abundance of food offerings, street art, buzzing nightlife and a host of equally eccentric characters to boot.

Enjoy below a comprehensive photo essay of Smith Street - focusing particularly on the established buildings and places that have over time given Smith Street its well deserved title as one of Melbourne's quintessential experiences.
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Smith Street Super Thursday - A pictorial essay

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Time today for another installment of some of Melbourne's best street art. As the title suggests, a pocket of Collingwood bound by Johnston Street, Alexandra Parade, Wellington Street and Smith Street forms the boundary in which today's photo tour is located.
The area is also subject to a number of quality small and medium sized property developments, but for the purposes of today the subject matter is that which is visible for all to see.
From random skeletal figurines to totem poles to a 15 metre long mural in the most unusual of places, this area of Collingwood is supremely interesting. Enjoy.
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Smith Street

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