Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

South Melbourne

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A landmark building within South Melbourne's office precinct has been listed for sale.
The property, which neighbours Australian Unity’s Albert Road building, is expected to generate interest upwards of $15 million. 
Situated at 71-73 Palmerston Crescent, it offers 4,528 sqm across five levels including 40 basement and ground level car parks.
Servicing the five levels of office tenants and surrounding office and residential buildings is a ground floor café.  
“This landmark freehold is expected to generate significant interest from a diverse range of local and offshore groups due to its premium location, flexibility of future use and the surge in sentiment following the Federal Election and recent changes in fiscal policy,” Mr Wolman said. 
“There are very few remaining opportunities of this scale within the South Melbourne office precinct, as properties of this nature very rarely come to market."
Strategically located in the middle of the Domain and Albert Park precincts, Mr Stagg said the surrounding area remained one of the most popular locations in Melbourne for commercial tenants due to its convenience and accessibility to the CBD. 
Colliers International’s Daniel Wolman, Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay have the listing. 
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South Melbourne office landmark listed with $15 million expectations

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Two shops in the South Melbourne Clarendon Centre have been successfully leased, a restaurant and a medical centre.
Max Tsang of Mahjong, on St Kilda’s Fitzroy Street, has leased the 39 sqm space within the Clarendon Centre in South Melbourne, for his new dining venture Miss China.
Fitzroys Associate Director, James Lockwood negotiated the six-year lease for the corner shop at G08, 265 Clarendon Street (pictured above) at $65,000 per annum, equating to $1,666 per sqm.
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Another deal Lockwood has secured in the Clarendon Centre was to a new medical centre another on the ground floor opposite Coles supermarket.
Lockwood negotiated the eight-year deal at $150,000 per annum with CityMed Medical Centre. 
A doctor and practice manager, also with existing operations in St Kilda, will be opening their own centre with up to six practitioners.
Lockwood is also currently marketing a first floor space for lease, G20, targeting medical services such as dentists and allied health to complement the new GP clinic.
The Clarendon Centre leases were handled on behalf of Clarendon Property Group.
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Two South Melbourne Clarendon Centre shops leased 

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Travel website, Luxury Escapes has signed a 5-year lease at Market Lane in South Melbourne.
They are taking residence over 1,590 sqm of office floor space.
The deal brokered by Chris Meehan and Matt Cosgrave of Colliers International.
Joining Luxury Escapes will be owner, developer and builder, Hickory Group, which is taking up tenancy and moving its headquarters into the building at 68 Clarke Street.
Architect Elenberg Fraser has designed the building.
Market Lane features a ground floor laneway with retail concessions, underneath a central atrium.
Boasting a 5-star NABERS rating and a 4-star Green Star rating, Market Lane features landscaped terraces, indoor and outdoor working spaces, electric car charging stations, electric bike charging facilities, and high tech building management.
Only a short walk to the main commercial districts on Clarendon St and South Melbourne Market, Market Lane is also located with swift access to Melbourne's CBD.
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Travel website Luxury Escapes signs South Melbourne lease

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A renovated Grand Victorian terrace in South Melbourne has been listed for sale with a price guide between $5 million to $5.5 million.
It has been listed by Nicholas Hoo and Oliver Bruce from Marshall White.
Originally designed in c1864 by Charles Webb, the classic Victorian Hazelwood Terrace at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+melbourne-130438426" target="_blank">46 Howe Crescent </a>has been transformed into a four bedroom family home. 
It blends original Victorian features with contemporary design highlighting the distribution of light throughout the modern rear living spaces.
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The extension features an expansive kitchen, living and dining room with limestone floors and high ceilings.
The terrace comes with a gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances, a personal study overlooking the landscaped atrium, private leafy garden, three bedrooms, library or 4th bedroom and first floor private sundeck. 
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Other features include reverse cycle air conditioning, underfloor heating, gas fireplace to rear living room, generous storage, alarm system and garden irrigation.
It's close to Albert Park Village, South Melbourne Market and the Light Rail.
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South Melbourne terrace trophy home listed

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Wuzhong International (Australia) is making its first foray into the Australian residential property market with Bowen &amp; Queens. Located at 2 Bowen Crescent, South Melbourne, the 19-storey residential development has been designed by Plus Architecture and comprises 214 apartments offering views over Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay, the city and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Urban.com.au spoke to  Director of Wuzhong International (Aust) David Yihou Shen about the Bowen &amp; Queens development and its ambitions in the Australian market into the future.

<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/bq_inline_images.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bowen &amp; Queens exterior and interior. Images: Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bq_inline_images.jpg?itok=n0NPuuCF" title="Bowen &amp; Queens exterior and interior. Images: Floodslicer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bowen &amp; Queens exterior and interior. Images: Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: What prompted Wuzhong to choose Melbourne as the Australian city for its first foray into the Australian market? 

David Shen: Melbourne is well known globally as being the world’s most livable city and is therefore an attractive prospect for global developers. As a developer we think Melbourne is the place to be and expect the market will keep growing over the next decade or so as the population grows.

Bowen and Queens is our first apartment development in Melbourne, however we have done a boutique size project in Carrum Downs which consists of 23 lots land subdivisions and 21 townhouses.

U: And following on from that what was the appeal of South Melbourne?

DS: We love South Melbourne! We set up our Australian HQ at 1 Queens Road, Melbourne about 6 years ago; it is effectively 100 metres from our Bowen &amp; Queens project. South Melbourne is a dynamic and very liveable suburb; it has parks, markets, restaurants and cafes everywhere.

The location is arguably in the city but without the noise of the busy CBD. Our project is off St Kilda Road but away from all the traffic, and of course residents will get the amazing views to the bay, to the park and to the Albert Lake.

U: What was Wuzhong's vision for the Bowen &amp; Queens site and its brief to Plus Architecture?

DS: The location of Bowen &amp; Queens was carefully selected. The site has easy access to the city, beach, and suburbs. We chose this particular site because it is surrounded by parks and in a bigger context, it fits in with the natural elements of the nearby bay too.

We briefed Plus Architecture to enhance the healthy lifestyle that this site can offer. It’s designed for ease of living, and to encourage a healthy lifestyle with all the nearby parks. The Bowen &amp; Queens was crafted around the concept of nature – this is seen through the use of curves throughout that embrace the surrounding area.

U: There has been a lot of commentary recently around the state of the residential market in not just Melbourne but Australia as a whole. What are your thoughts on this and do you expect it to have an impact on sales in Bowen &amp; Queens?

DS: The market is slower than the last several years, this is a fact. The market is going soft due to tightening lending regulations. The demand is still there though thanks to the growing population. Melbourne still has very high population growth. While the sale rate will be lower than what we experienced in the previous years, I don’t think it will impact on the sale prices. Good stock is sought after and popular in every climate.

U: What buyer demographic do you expect Bowen &amp; Queens to appeal to?

DS: Local buyers and owner occupiers will be the main demographic we will be targeting. The finish of the building will be a high quality and local buyers who can attend the display suites will fully understand the quality and the craftmanship of the building.

U: Looking beyond Bowen &amp; Queens, what are Wuzhong's intentions for future projects in Melbourne and are you also looking at opportunities in other Australian cities?

DS: We have a full pipeline built up for the next 5 years already; not just in apartments but also in land subdivisions as well as commercial projects. Our focus is in Melbourne only as we think Melbourne market is a particularly exciting market to be in within Australia.
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Laurence Dragomir

Wuzhong's David Shen discusses Bowen and Queens

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International designer hotel owner operator, Ovolo, has been appointed as hotel manager for <a href="/developments?developer=Perri%20Projects">Perri Projects</a>' $50 million <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne hotel</a>, expected to open in 2020. Located at 183-199 Moray Street, the project comprises 100 rooms spanning six floors based around Ovolo’s ethos of ‘effortless living'.

Founded by Girish Jhunjhnuwala in 2002, Ovolo Hotels has become one of Hong Kong’s largest independent owner, operator hospitality firms. The company says it keeps in touch with the modern traveller through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, focused all-inclusive service and cutting-edge en suite technology, all done in Ovolo Hotel’s signature style.

<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/170516_smh_v01_hero_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ovolo South Melbourne will open in 2020. Image: Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/170516_smh_v01_hero_final.jpg?itok=8LAfI-8f" title="Ovolo South Melbourne will open in 2020. Image: Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ovolo South Melbourne will open in 2020. Image: Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>Ovolo says the <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> project represents a new phase of growth for the company, made possible through a shared vision with Perri Projects and is confident it will be well-received by the growing pool of higher-end established housing and major commercial office buildings emerging in South Melbourne.

According to Perri Projects, Ovolo’s international track-record for delivering innovative, design-led destination hotel concepts that empahasise lifestyle aligned with Perri Projects’ vision for the site. With a planning permit already in hand, Ovolo’s appointment paves the way for construction to commence in the second half of 2019.

Perri Projects has been keeping busy with a growing development pipeline of projects including a <a href="/new-apartments/23-29-victoria-street-melbourne">$150 million tower opposite the Carlton Gardens</a>, and its most significant, the West Melbourne Waterfront along the banks of the Maribyrnong River.

Following support from The City of Melbourne, Amendment C221 was considered and adopted by the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne mid-year, allowing for the project to progress. To this end, Perri Projects has engaged Woods Bagot, NH Architecture and Oculus for this significant 'place making project' which boasts over 250 metres of frontage along the Maribyrnong River.

Perri Projects says Amendment C221 will ensure the 2.8-hectare West Melbourne Waterfront site is successfully rezoned to Mixed Use, paving the way for a "dynamic, master-planned urban renewal precinct to revitalise the area into a pre-eminent waterfront destination."

<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/40_wmw_render-16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artisit's impression of West Melbourne Waterfront. Image: Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/40_wmw_render-16.jpg?itok=W56U5ovB" title="Artisit's impression of West Melbourne Waterfront. Image: Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artisit's impression of West Melbourne Waterfront. Image: Perri Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
“We are delighted to partner with Ovolo to realise our original vision for this site as a mixed-use lifestyle precinct featuring destination bars and restaurants, as well as leisure, event and function facilities.

Ovolo hotels are internationally renowned for their high-end, high-energy designs that blend form and function to ensure each hotel delivers a unique experience for guests and visitors. Ovolo is well established and revered, yet agile and bold enough to challenge convention and break the mold on new sites, ensuring that each design complements and enhances the location of their hotels.”

- David Scalzo, Managing Director of Perri Projects
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Ovolo is a proud owner and operator of hotels and this HMA will be the start of a new chapter in order to take our disruptive lifestyle designer hotel collection to the next level in Australia and internationally.

Ovolo is committed to ensuring our guests can expect the unexpected from us and like all our sites, Ovolo in South Melbourne will stand alone from a design perspective, but the experience will be unmistakeably Ovolo.

The underlying demographic of South Melbourne has been evolving steadily as creative industries in particular look to take advantage of the central location and raw industrial edge the suburb has to offer.

But while the suburb is on the rise with those in the know, local hospitality amenity has not kept pace with this change, and we believe Ovolo South Melbourne with its bars, restaurants and even a roof-top function and events space will be uniquely placed to provide a focal point for those local communities.”

- Dave Baswal, COO &amp; CFO of Ovolo Australia
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“The Hotel Management Agreement with Perri Projects represents a natural evolution for our business as we continually look to expand our offering in new markets.

While we each bring our respective expertise in property development and hospitality management to this project, this partnership was forged through our mutual affinity for delivering truly unique projects and a shared vision for the South Melbourne site."

- Girish Jhunjhnuwala, Ovolo CEO and Founder
</blockquote>
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Perri Projects and Ovolo combine for South Melbourne hotel

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Tim Gurner has bought a former church building in South Melbourne, which was offered for sale permit ready for 44 apartments and six townhouses.
The former Our Lady of the Assumption is operated as a childcare centre by ASX-listed G8.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+melbourne-502933094" target="_blank">The 1550 square metre corner site</a> is located at 77 Park Street and 286 Kings Way in South Melbourne.
It has been billed during its prior commercial property sales pitches as one of the busiest roads in Melbourne, although Gurner is unlikely to market the apartments as such.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/28/Kings2.jpg" alt="">
The 286 Kings Way last sold at $4,655,000 in early 2017, with 77 Park last trading in 1995 at $491,000.
The City of Port Phillip obtained an interim heritage protection for the church building from planning minister Richard Wynne in November last year.
It was offloaded through Knight Frank by the Melbourne property developer Mark Creelman.
Gurner bought the site for about $10 million, his fourth project in South Melbourne.
It is scheduled to be launch in early 2019.
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Mark Creelman sells Our Lady of the Assumption, South Melbourne site

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Following on from Apartments.com.au's piece looking at the <a href="/news/urbans-top-5-for-october-most-viewed-architects">Top 5 Most Viewed Architects</a>, today we look at the Top 5 Most Viewed Suburbs. Once again these will be favoured heavily towards Melbourne due to the site's history as Apartments.com.au.

As the database and Apartments.com.au's presence continues to expand into the other Australian cities no doubt these will change. But for now here are the Top 5 and their respective development pipelines;

<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/top_suburbs_oct.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/top_suburbs_oct.png?itok=uHeMnblK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">1. Melbourne</a></h2>

The Victorian capital is experiencing an unprecedented level of population growth as it races towards becoming Australia’s largest city by 2030. This is being reflected in Melbourne’s strong development pipeline and investment in key infrastructure projects at state and local level, to ensure it remains among the world’s most liveable cities.

While the residential development pipeline appears to be winding down, the likes of West Side Place, Queens Place, Premier Tower, and By The Gardens are just beginning. In other words: the flurry of cranes that have been a permanent fixture on the Melbourne skyline for the last decade are set to remain for quite some time.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">2. Southbank</a></h2>

Southbank will continue its transformation over the next five years as it reaches for the sky, but also turns its focus to improving the quality of the public realm.

Significant developments include some of Australia's tallest buildings, with Australia 108 (317m), One Queensbridge Street (323m), and Southbank by Beulah (356m) joining Eureka Tower (297m) to produce a dramatic cluster of buildings.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/southbank-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">3. South Melbourne</a></h2>

Having experienced a steady rate of residential development over the last few years, South Melbourne doesn’t appear to be showing any signs of slowing down. A number of apartments are planned for Albert Road, Eastern Road, and Dorcas Street, exploiting views of Albert Park Lake, the Bay, and the Melbourne skyline.

South Melbourne is also experiencing an increase in commercial development around the South Melbourne Market precinct and along Moray Street, reinforcing the suburb’s status as an emerging office precinct of low to mid-rise developments.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">4. Footscray</a></h2>

Best remembered in the 90s for Franco Cozzo’s furniture store and iconic ads, Footscray will soon become synonymous with high-rise living as the suburb fulfils its potential as an activity centre and employment cluster, with support from the State Government and Maribyrnong City Council.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">5. West Melbourne</a></h2>

Acting as a gateway into the Melbourne CBD, West Melbourne is expected to see considerable development activity, with support from the Council to transform the industrial suburb into a village.

The City of Melbourne has developed a new structure plan for the area including the extension of trams down Spencer Street which would be re-imagined as a ‘high street.’

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/west-melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

Keep an eye out for the Top 5 Most Viewed Local Government Areas tomorrow.
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Urban's Top 5 for October -  Most Viewed Suburbs

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The Block celebrity couple Elyse Knowles and Josh Barker have secured a tenant for their newly acquired South Melbourne investment property.
The couple paid $1.42 million for the home (pictured above), however elected not to renovate before seeking a $690 a week tenant.
The home has two bedrooms, one bathroom and a courtyard.
There's no doubt the couple will renovate when they get a break from their busy lives in the public eye.
Elyse is a model with Myer.
They won The Block Elsternwick last year when comedian <a href="/news/comedian-dave-hughes-buys-the-block-elsternwick-winner-from-josh-and-elyse">Dave Hughes spent $3 million on their reno. </a>
Josh and Elyse purchase came after they spent $1.35 million in the neighbouring Albert Park late last year. 
They moved in to the 1880s home and Josh painted everything white.
They appear to be set to renovate imminently.
Their purchase came after they scored $1.63 million for another renovation job, this one in Coburg.
They had paid $600,000 in 2014.
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The Block's Josh and Elyse spend $1.42 million on South Melbourne investment cottage

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The Mariana Hardwick bridal shop has taken a six-year lease in South Melbourne, having previously been on Sydney Road, Brunswick, one of Melbourne's great bridal shop strips.
It is at 234 Coventry Street (pictured above), next door to restaurant Lume and opposite the new Coles building.
She's paying $100,000 a year at $260 a sqm, according to Fairfax Media.
The bridal retailer plans to transform the 387 sqm Victorian building into a new showroom with a studio and production space, according to agent Paul Pellegrino from Knight Frank who brokered the deal.
Murals by street artist Peter Seaton, who was commissioned by then landlord Gary Brill, lined the exterior of the building.
Hardwick had moved out of the long-held Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, address in 2006 into a store at 459-475 Sydney Road Brunswick. 
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