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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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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It endured as a paper design for years, but now a new scheme is on show for 41-49 Bank Street, South Melbourne.

Initial overtones of development for the site landed with Port Phillip during 2009, but amounted to nothing even though the project was marketed at one stage as Aero Apartments. Enter Virgate Property (Bank Street) Pty Ltd who are driving the current bid to transform the plot into a substantial residential tower.

Moved on during 2016, 41-49 Bank Street's sale at the hand of CBRE City Sales was <a href="http://www.australiannationalreview.com/chinese-developers-invest-56-million-melbourne-apartment-sites/">reportedly</a> to Chinese developer Guangdong Carrington Real Estate Group, with the previous permit for a 16-level tower of 180 apartments in tow.

Their local development arm, Virgate Property Group, is now pushing for a tower of 19 levels and 174 apartments.

<h2>41-49 Bank Street application summary</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/image40_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bank Street perspective. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="608" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_7.jpg?itok=67TYFLVR" title="Bank Street perspective. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bank Street perspective. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>1,441sqm holding with in excess of 60 metres of frontage</li>
	<li>Currently a tri-level commercial building</li>
	<li>Proposed 19 level tower at 59.7m</li>
	<li>174 apartments: 37 x 1BR, 11 x 1BR+S, 126 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Apartment sizes: 46-82sqm</li>
	<li>Common areas on Levels 5 and 6</li>
	<li>Basement and above ground provisions for 124 vehicles &amp; 58 bicycles</li>
	<li>2 retail premises of 106sqm and 55sqm</li>
</ul>
Planning &amp; Property Partners are guiding the Bruce Henderson Architects-designed tower through the planning process.

The tower itself features strong vertical elements by way of white metal slats set over silver, grey and dark grey glass. The main north elevation of the proposed tower is dominated by the slats, save for a few sections of unobscured glazing, including an architectural feature within the podium which houses the development's gym. 

Having taken on a modest apartment project in Mont Albert, 41-49 Bank Street represents Virgate Property Group's first Melbourne highrise, although it's certainly not the area's first. Wedged between Dorcas Street and Park Street, 41-49 Bank Street is in the middle of a mushrooming precinct that spreads across Southbank and South Melbourne.

41-49 Bank Street is surrounded by a very healthy number of residential towers (from planning to construction) with 14 listed within the Apartments.com.au Project Database in the immediately surrounding blocks.

<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/image41_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Views from the site. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_3.jpg?itok=v1tPXCHF" title="Views from the site. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Views from the site. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure><h2>41-49 Bank Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Virgatee Property Group</li>
	<li>Application Plans: Bruce Henderson Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Planning &amp; Property Partners</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Daylight Assessment Report: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: One Mile Grid</li>
	<li>Transport Impact Assessment: One Mile Grid</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Take it to the Bank: South Melbourne's latest tower on show

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A former linen warehouse converted into a house at South Melbourne has been sold.
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-south+melbourne-124571470" target="_blank">251-255 Moray Street</a>, Irish Linen House sits on two titles of over 340 sqm of land.
It was amalgamated in two acquisitions - $1.8 million in 2007 and then $552,000 in 2012.
No latest sale price has been given, but $4.5 million plus was tipped.
Retaining its rich period personality it has a modern design that offers either a unique lifestyle, investment or even redevelopment possibilities.
Title one, consisting of Number 251, is a two bedroom townhouse with a zoned open plan living and dining spaces with gas period style open fire.
The other title, Number 253, is a 158 sqm office that has a large reception, two meeting rooms, a large open plan office with kitchenette along with bathroom and landscaped courtyard.
Number 255 is a former warehouse thar has been converted into a residence.
The one bedroom property with exposed original brickwork and timber floors comes with a home office, two open plan living and dining areas alongside a kitchen.
The property was offered through Abercomby’s Real Estate agents Jock Langley and Sam Goddard.
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

South Melbourne historic property, Irish Linen House, sold

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A South Melbourne office building has been listed with price expectations of $18 million plus.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-south+melbourne-502336386" target="_blank">31 Market Street, South Melbourne</a> property comprises a fully leased, three level, building with undercover parking for 41 cars.
It has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of four and a half years to a range of ASX listed, national, and government funded tenants, returning $1,055,000 per annum.
The 2565 square metre building sits on an 1150 square metre site with the corner situation has been recently refurbished.
The property is being marketed by Clinton Baxter, Nick Peden and Benson Zhou of Savills in conjunction with Danny Clark, Andrew Hansen and George Burbury of Knight Frank.
Baxter said fringe properties were now very much on the agenda of investors as opportunities in CBDs dried up.
A record $1.39 billion was spent on Melbourne fringe property in 2016, up 31% over the previous year, with yields at an average 6.63% compared to CBD yields at 5.75%, according to Savills Research.
Foreign investors dominated sales with 84% of purchases.
“CBD investment markets have been hot over the last four years and inevitably that has led to a shortage of stock and record low yields,’’ Baxter said.
“At the same time a pick-up in CBD leasing has seen vacancy tighten and rents rise.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

South Melbourne office listed with $18 million plus hopes

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Early in the year Apartments.com.au highlighted a squad of <a href="/news/south-melbourne-a-magnet-for-new-residential-tower-applications">new residential towers looking to call South Melbourne home</a>. Fast forward and the considerably lengthy backlog of residential projects at planning within City of Port Phillip is a little lighter, with a number of earlier tower applications given the go-ahead.

A VCAT-issued permit for 2 Bowen Crescent was obtained by Wuzhong International last month, clearing the way for a 19 storey residential building for Chinese-backed outfit. The work of Plus Architecture, 2 Bowen Crescent holds 213 apartments across a 1,800sqm site.

The tower planning application was lodged during December 2015, and at the time included a healthy number of apartments in a single bedroom format. Property advisory and project management practice Gallagher Jeffs have indicated the project will proceed to sales mid this year.

<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/600600p450ednmain17plan_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Bowen Crescent. Image: Gallagher Jeffs"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/600600p450ednmain17plan_0.jpg?itok=rA2tPVZ5" title="2 Bowen Crescent. Image: Gallagher Jeffs" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Bowen Crescent. Image: Gallagher Jeffs</figcaption></figure>A few doors away, and Melbourne-based GURNER is all but ready to advance its 7 Bowen Crescent development to sales after gaining a VCAT-issued permit last year. Currently, the project has been noted as at appeal within City of Port Phillip's planning system, with the supplemental action taking place earlier this month.

Initially submitted with a heavier apartment count, 7 Bowen Crescent's internals have been rejigged to carry just over 120 apartments, with 64 noted as having three bedrooms. 

<blockquote>
Set to be one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings set on a triangle site with uninterrupted views of Albert Park lake, the bay and Melbourne’s skyline, it will rival the best in the world.

A design collaboration between Elenberg Fraser and David Hicks will provide the market something never seen before!!!
<cite>GURNER</cite>
</blockquote>

Meanwhile another Asian developer is poised for success, as City of Port Phillip have issued a delegated notice of decision last month for 596 St Kilda Road; the final stage prior to a permit being issued.

Having landed at planning mid last year, Singaporean outfit Lian Beng Group are in the box seat to move ahead with the tower designed by Bates Smart. Included are 170 apartments, split between one and two bedroom options. The tower was designed as a mixture of vertical fins, protruding balconies and hanging greenery running the height of the tower.

<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/image41_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="596 St Kilda Road. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="442" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_2_0.jpg?itok=Vjmur8I8" title="596 St Kilda Road. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>596 St Kilda Road. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The trio above is in addition to Australian Unity's 114-130 Albert Road which was given the go-ahead late last year. Alterations and additions to the existing commercial building will see an adjoining 19 storey tower constructed.

The approval and pending redevelopment of the Albert Road property into an aged care and retirement development is in addition to Australian Unity squaring away and their new commercial home on Spring Street, with construction due to begin shortly.
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Multiple towers given the green light within Port Phillip

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South Melbourne is experiencing a tightening in the office leasing space owing to strong tenant demand for office space, says real estate firm Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
The trend is similar to that of Southbank, which in 2016 saw vacancies drop to 4.1 percent, the lowest levels since 2011 (PCA Office Market Report, Feb. 2017).
During a number of recent leasing transactions completed in the South Melbourne area, Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Melbourne office leasing team has witnessed unprecedented demand amongst tenants for limited space, particularly in and around the South Melbourne Market Precinct. 
Cushman &amp; Wakefield has recently completed a number of leasing transactions including: 
Level 1, 280-286 Coventry Street – 725 sqm leased to sales performance firm, Maverick Rose. The leasing campaign was managed by Grant Tinker and Edward Maas.
5 Union Street South Melbourne – 260 sqm at $351 per sqm leased to independent advertising agency, Zoo Group. The leasing agent was Tristan Parker.
Suites 1.14 and 3.07, 87 Gladstone Street – 52 sqm and 53 sqm spaces leased to anti-bullying and education group, Project Rockit and Architects, de.arch, respectively. Both were leased at approx. $500 per sqm also managed by Tristan Parker.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Edward Maas said the market was very tightly held, with existing tenants were rolling on lease options, essentially locking out potential tenants.
“We have seen Southbank experience a sharp increase in vacancies over the past 12 months, falling to 4.1% at end of 2016 from 9.3% at the end of 2015. This has been compounded by the strongest net absorption in five years over 2016, and ongoing stock reduction, which is impacting leasing opportunities in the broader South Melbourne area.”
Matt Rose, partner at ZOO Group — one of the new tenants in South Melbourne — said South Melbourne has established itself as a strong hub for businesses in the creative industries, but conventional spaces in the area are largely locked up.
“As a rapidly emerging creative agency, we were seeking access to the same ecosystem and amenities as creative hubs like Richmond or Cremorne and South Melbourne continues to offer a fantastic location for staff and clients. With little on offer in the area, we moved very quickly on an old furniture store and re-designed the space to accommodate the flexibility a business like ours needs.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

South Melbourne vacancies decrease sharply as tenants vie for space 

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A rush of planning applications either side of the festive break are cumulatively seeking to add to South Melbourne's robust development scene, with four major apartment projects lodged.

City of Port Phillip will now assess the respective merits of the fresh applications, along with a handful of other noteworthy towers already at planning that when combined, would provide the popular suburb with thousands of new apartments.

Most recent to planning was 9-13 Park Street, landing with Council in the new year. The current low-rise commercial complex spanning the site is expected to make way for a multi-storey apartment building.

The arrival of 9-13 Park Street follows on from December's lodgement of plans for the adjoining 5-7 Park Street, with that application landing at Council four days prior to Christmas. Located next to Sol Sapir-designed Hallmark which spans 19 levels and includes 155 apartments, the prime 5-7 Park Street plot is currently occupied by a nondescript house that is home to brothel Cherry Blossoms.

Expected to replace the venue is a 20 storey mixed-use building set above basement car parking.

<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/image39_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="5-7 Park Street's days look to be numbered. Image: Google"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_4.jpg?itok=ylawX-Ur" title="5-7 Park Street's days look to be numbered. Image: Google" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>5-7 Park Street's days look to be numbered. Image: Google</figcaption></figure>41-49 Bank Street also entered planning last month, with developer Guangdong Carrington Real Estate Group seeking the right to deliver a 19 level residential tower comprising 174 apartments.

Having secured the 1,441sqm site during late 2015 for over $15 million, Guangdong elected not to proceed with an approved scheme which at a point was known as Aero Apartments during its failed marketing campaign.

Rounding out the quartet is 1-13 Cobden Street which has been subject to development overtones for some years. Agent Lemon Baxter handled the site's sale during 2014, with the plot now subject to a mixed use building containing 229 dwellings and retail spaces at ground level.

<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/image38_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artisan Architects' revised design for 200-204 Wells Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="648" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_7.jpg?itok=-efyGqcT" title="Artisan Architects' revised design for 200-204 Wells Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artisan Architects' revised design for 200-204 Wells Street.</figcaption></figure>With this South Melbourne pocket underpinned by Park Street and Albert Road perennially popular with developers and soon to boast its <a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/locations/domain">own metro station</a>, Apartments.com.au is tracking 7 additional projects with 14 levels and above in the immediate area.

Projects that have yet to reach a planning outcome, or have yet to begin construction include Australian Unity's <a href="/buildings/the-grace-114-130-albert-road-south-melbourne">114-130 Albert Road</a>, Milbex's <a href="/buildings/park-ave-39-park-street-south-melbourne">37-43 Park Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">Niche at 33 Park Street</a>, the combined <a href="/new-apartments/13-21-palmerston-crescent-south-melbourne">13-21 Palmerston Crescent</a> / <a href="/new-apartments/first-light-28-albert-road-south-melbourne">28-32 Albert Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/200-204-wells-street-south-melbourne">200-204 Wells Street</a>.

The latter, seen above, is a recent candidate for approval and consists of an Artisan Architects-designed 20 level tower with 201 apartments.

Set on a 1,543sqm plot, the scheme for 15 Park Street Pty Ltd includes 75 single and 126 dual bedroom apartments.

Lead image: Bob Mical, Flickr
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South Melbourne a magnet for new residential tower applications

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This 1860s converted shop and adjoining stables sold in South Melbourne at weekend auction for $2.18 million.
It last traded at $1.13 million in 2007.
Set on a 200 sq m block, the recently renovated two story property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-south+melbourne-124084586" target="_blank">315 Moray Street</a> was marketed as having had a chic residential update.
Its fireplaces and lofty ceilings remain in a minimalist, modern polish finish.
<img src="/images/2016/12/14/South%20Melbourne.jpg" alt="">
Bifold doors to the rear deck and courtyard connect the kitchen and meals area.
The two storey former stables, with a private entry from Cobden Street, comprises a bedroom, bathroom, with open plan living/dining room.
Marshall White’s Justin Holod was expecting about $1.9 million. 
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Converted corner shop becomes South Melbourne

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A laneway office with a caretaker residence tucked away in one of South Melbourne's historic cobblestone lanes recently sold for $1,380,000.
The architect-designed office spaces spread over four levels at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-south+melbourne-502116922" target="_blank">7 Emerald Way, South Melbourne, Vic 3205</a> offer a fully air conditioned and flexible floor plan.
The property with a floor area of 250 sqm comprises a first floor open office and two studio/offices plus full bathroom. The second floor has an office and living area with a kitchen opening to a sunlit terrace. The top floor has a master bedroom with ensuite and a private terrace with CBD views.
The property is close to Clarendon Street, The Arts complex, Southbank and the city.
The selling agent was James Keep of Cayzer Real Estate.
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Elegant office property near Melbourne's Southbank sold

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At $4 million Toorak has Melbourne’s highest median house price but South Melbourne and nine other suburbs command more by the square metre, new Real Estate Institute of Victoria data shows.
South Melbourne tops the list for land value city-wide – at an impressive $11,212 per square metre.
The suburb also has an impressive median house price of $1.6 million.
Homes in Albert Park and Carlton North also attracted top dollar by square metre, at $10,495 and $9,966 respectively. 
REIV chief executive officer Geoff White said many of the city’s most expensive suburbs by square metre were located in the city’s south east, including St Kilda East, Richmond and South Yarra. 
Further from the city, bayside suburbs Brighton, Black Rock and Hampton commanded the most by square metre - $4,412, $3502 and $3,251 respectively.  
Of Melbourne’s outer suburbs, Knoxfield in the east had the highest price per square metre - $2,440 – and a median house price of $706,000.
<table style="width: 477px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Sep-16 Median</td>
<td>Price Per m2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>SOUTH MELBOURNE</td>
<td nowrap>$1,600,000</td>
<td nowrap>$11,212</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>ALBERT PARK</td>
<td nowrap>$1,650,000</td>
<td nowrap>$10,495</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>CARLTON NORTH</td>
<td nowrap>$1,400,000</td>
<td nowrap>$9,966</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>ST KILDA EAST</td>
<td nowrap>$1,635,000</td>
<td nowrap>$9,869</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>FITZROY</td>
<td nowrap>$1,300,000</td>
<td nowrap>$9,717</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>NORTH MELBOURNE</td>
<td nowrap>$1,292,500</td>
<td nowrap>$8,549</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>PORT MELBOURNE</td>
<td nowrap>$1,427,500</td>
<td nowrap>$8,206</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>RICHMOND</td>
<td nowrap>$1,152,500</td>
<td nowrap>$7,917</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>SOUTH YARRA</td>
<td nowrap>$1,780,000</td>
<td nowrap>$7,451</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>ABBOTSFORD</td>
<td nowrap>$1,153,750</td>
<td nowrap>$7,437</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap>TOORAK</td>
<td nowrap>$4,000,000</td>
<td nowrap>$7,255</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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South Melbourne leads price per square metre land pricing: REIV

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A freehold office building at South Melbourne is for auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-south+melbourne-502172590" target="_blank">33 Tope Street</a> the two level property is currently vacant and has high levels of natural light.
It has a prominent corner location providing 360 sqm of office space and 193 sqm of land with a Commercial 2 zone land.
Fully fitted the office is ready to be occupied and includes a kitchen, meeting room, partitioned offices and open plan work area.
Cafes, bars, corporate headquarters and Albert Park Lake are in close proximity providing the perfect environments to set up a business or attract tenants.
The auction is December 15 through CBRE agents Tim Last and Nick Lower and Dgi Properties agents Tony Gargaro and David Gargaro.
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