Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Joel Robinson

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

South Yarra

South Yarra&rsquo;s once hidden industrial area, known as the For​rest Hill Precinct, has undergone a complete transformation into a microcosm of a&nbsp;cosmopolitan city.

While a City of Stonni​ngton Council masterplan only came into effect in 2008, development was in the works as early as 2005/2006. In 2005, just over 100 homes adorned the streets between the South Yarr​a railway station and Chap​el Street, with a local council report forecasting an extra 350 homes by 2015.

That was until 2008 when the precinct - strategically important in the context of the Melbourne 2030 Plan - was designated as a key area within the surrounding City of Ston​nington for higher density housing, mixed use and intensive built form.&nbsp;

The masterplan for the precinct&rsquo;s street level development included&nbsp;the widening of footpaths and new paving materials, vibrant colours and patterns, landscaping treatments, the development of east/west pedestrian links, pedestrian priority, under grounding of power lines and installation of public art.

The former industrial area, bounded by Toorak Road, Ch​apel Str​eet, Alexandra Avenue and Yarra Street, is now not only a high-density residential area with retail offerings, it has been directly connected to&nbsp;Chapel Str​eet,&nbsp;Yarra Street and the station.

Developer EcoWorld took advantage of the burgeoning area, and created their $250 million apartment tower, Yarra One.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31085]

To fit in with the cool-vibe of Chapel Street, architect Fender Katsa​lidis created a luxury atrium entry from&nbsp;Claremont Street, reminiscent of the bustling laneways that Melbourne is famous for.

Residents also get access to Yarra One&#39;s exclusive resident only app Lifestyle One,&nbsp;an all-round app which allows residents to do everything from making&nbsp;massage appointments to hiring a butler.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181983]

In partnership with Scarisbrick International, a Singapore-based company that developed a new concept in luxury retirement living, the&nbsp;monthly subscription-style service fee, brings a different level of service to residents of all ages,&nbsp;Yarra One&nbsp;General Manager Jeffrey Ong says.

&ldquo;By offering our residents 6-star services 24 hours a day, we aim to further amplify the&nbsp;Yarra One&nbsp;living experience as a beautiful, luxurious home that pampers, comforts, and inspires our residents,&quot; Ong says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181268]

&ldquo;People often associate apartment living with a compromised lifestyle, but our vision is to provide residents both convenience and lifestyle under one roof.

&ldquo;EcoWorld&nbsp;is excited to be one of the first developers to bring apartment residents a premium resort lifestyle in Australia and hopes to explore similar initiatives for future projects.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3127]

Developer EcoWorld took advantage of the burgeoning area, and created their $250 million apartment tower, Yarra One

How Yarra One apartments fit in to South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct

Last year EcoWorld completed their second&nbsp;Australian apartment development, Yarra One, offering&nbsp;a high end point of difference in Melbourne's South Yarra.

There are a limited selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments still for sale in the Claremont Street development, which was designed&nbsp;by the award-winning Fender Katsalidis team.

They took inspiration for the tower from the surrounding areas,&nbsp;focusing&nbsp;on pure geometry throughout their design.

There was a higher level of finish at Yarra One compared with other high-rise towers, from&nbsp;the fine grain of the chevron timber floors to the custom-designed pendant lights.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181268]

Orientated to take in the maximum possible views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the living spaces of each apartment have been created as open plan as possible, with the kitchen, dining and living spaces&nbsp;ordered to take in the views.

Some apartments feature a butler's pantry, island benches, and premium Miele appliances

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31089]

The amenity has been designed as an extension of the apartments, with soaring double-height ceilings across&nbsp;a resident dining room, library and wine cellar.

Residents also have exclusive access to a wellness precinct that homes&nbsp;a gym, outdoor spa, dance studio and yoga room.

Luxuries continue down to the car parking, with Yarra One offering a Tesla car-share service, and pet wash facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181270]

Fender Katsalidis wanted to create a striking entry from Claremont Street. The atrium design is&nbsp;reminiscent of&nbsp;the bustling&nbsp;laneways that Melbourne is famous for.

“The timber look trellis enclosing the atrium is a signature feature that acts to create a sense of retreat and allows light to filter within the space throughout the day resulting in an ever-changing environment,”&nbsp;Fender Katsalidis&nbsp;Director Nicky Drobis said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31093]

EcoWorld recently&nbsp;has launched Lifestyle One, a 24/7&nbsp;all-round app which allows residents to do everything from making massage appointments to hiring a butler.

Apartments at YarraOne start from $455,000.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3127]

Fender Katsalidis took inspiration for the tower from the surrounding areas, focusing on pure geometry throughout their design.



Inside EcoWorld's Yarra One, South Yarra apartment development

There wasn't too much to know about South Yarra's old jam factory on the buzzing Chapel Street, until the prominent, now national developer, Tim Gurner took control of a part of the massive 18,000 sqm site.

Now Gurner's development firm, GURNER, are set to submit plans for a massive $1.5 billion&nbsp;mixed-use precinct, comprising&nbsp;retail and entertainment, office and residential towers, an ultra-luxury hotel and a new public realm.

The globally renowned architects Bates Smart have put together the plans for the project, which is intended to create a vibrant new heart for Chapel Street while revitalising and restoring the Nineteenth Century heritage facades along Chapel and Garden Streets.

The development sees Gurner team up with the real estate manager&nbsp;Newmark Capital, who will deliver and retain ownership of the office space, and the leading real estate financier Qualitas, who will work with Gurner on the residential side. Gurner and Qualitas bought a chunk of the site from Newmark last year.

<a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">Be the first to know the next stage by tracking the project</a><a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">&nbsp;here.</a>

The expected public benefits include the creation of 1000 jobs during construction, 3200 ongoing jobs at capacity and $490M annual ongoing GVA to the Victorian economy.&nbsp; The project is slated to launch publicly to the market in early 2022 with completion earmarked for 2025.

Gurner says the exciting precinct represents the alliance of three passionate property businesses working in harmony to create something that will do the incredible site justice and take everyone’s breath away.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="557" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_jam_factory_2.jpg" width="1200" />

&nbsp;“Our vision for the residential offerings will raise the bar in the luxury market even higher; I wouldn’t be surprised if we create a penthouse collection that will fetch prices of up to $50 million," Gurner said.

“The depth of the ultra-high end of the market is certainly there and we believe there will be significant investment from wealthy expats and global investors returning to Australia after considerable time abroad, along with a doubling-down of local luxury buyers.

“This project will see us take what we have learnt over the past 17 years - in particular our recent experience with Hawksburn Place Residences and Saint Moritz - and take these residences to a new level of exclusivity and luxury once again.

“I have always been drawn to heritage sites and the Jam Factory represents one of the most exciting revitalisation precincts in Australia. I am truly excited to be working on a project that will rediscover and celebrate a heritage that has been hidden from public view for many decades.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_jam_factory_5.jpg" width="1200" />

Gurner says the team have been working&nbsp;closely with council to align the proposal with their feedback and advice, to ensure the development&nbsp;can be a precinct for the entire community – with something for everyone who will work, live, shop or even just pass through the area.

The centrepiece of the precinct will be a new&nbsp;split-level central public space&nbsp;with a large open staircase creating an amphitheatre for events

Open laneways and spaces will link Chapel Street with the retail and entertainment precinct, creating a 24/7 shopping, food, dining and entertainment destination.

There will be four luxury residential towers, which will have over 400 apartments.

In keeping with Gurner's love for heritage buildings, the facade of the jam factory will be retained. Above will sit a&nbsp;curvilinear office building and a the residential towers, sat on stilts to welcome both people and light through.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="802" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_jam_factory_4.jpg" width="1200" />

Simon Swaney, director at Bates Smart, said there is a multiplier effect for the development given it combines&nbsp;hotel, retail, residential, cinemas and commercial - creating&nbsp;a greater whole.

"This will be an extraordinary place to work, visit and live," Swaney said.

“It is a key Melbourne cultural site, a part of urban life in South Yarra, a very significant artefact of the industrial heritage of this area.

<a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">Be the first to know the next stage by tracking the project</a><a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">&nbsp;here.</a>

“The high-quality residential component will offer outstanding views to surrounding districts and even toward the bay.

“We feel excited and proud about the opportunities, both architecturally and as a development that will enliven this area and Melbourne,” he said.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="799" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_jam_factory_3.jpg" width="1200" />

Fast Facts

The proposed revised scheme, which is expected to be submitted to council this week, includes:

● A new public civic space in the form of a 1,700sqm, two-level plaza and amphitheatre

● Four luxury residential towers totalling over 400 ultra-luxury residences

● A 5-star hotel totalling around 180 keys

● A commercial floorspace totalling 22,500sqm of NLA

● Three levels of experiential retail and entertainment totalling 21,000sqm NLA, including the retention and redevelopment of the existing cinema offering

● A series of integrated laneways, based on the area’s original 1864 master plans

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Our vision for the residential offerings will raise the bar in the luxury market even higher; I wouldn’t be surprised if we create a penthouse collection that will fetch prices of up to $50 million

$50 million penthouses: Gurner to raise the bar as $1.5 billion development plans for South Yarra's Jam Factory are unveiled

The developer&nbsp;EcoWorld International Australia has taken looking after its residents to another level at its recently completed Yarra One apartment tower in South Yarra.

EcoWorld, in partnership with Scarisbrick International, a Singapore-based company that developed a new concept in luxury retirement living, has launched Lifestyle One, an all-round app which allows residents to do everything from making&nbsp;massage appointments to hiring a butler.

The service, which is a monthly subscription fee, brings a different level of service to residents of all ages,&nbsp;Yarra One General Manager Jeffrey Ong says.

&ldquo;By offering our residents 6-star services 24 hours a day, we aim to further amplify the Yarra One living experience as a beautiful, luxurious home that pampers, comforts, and inspires our residents,&quot; Ong says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31092]

&ldquo;People often associate apartment living with a compromised lifestyle, but our vision is to provide residents both convenience and lifestyle under one roof.

&ldquo;EcoWorld is excited to be one of the first developers to bring apartment residents a premium resort lifestyle in Australia and hopes to explore similar initiatives for future projects.&rdquo;

Yarra One, on Claremont Street, was designed by&nbsp;Fender Katsalidis and completed its construction last December.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31085]

There are 247 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as three penthouses.

The project boasts a wide range of amenities including a wellness precinct equipped with a gymnasium, outdoor spa, dance studio and yoga room; a resident dining room, library and wine cellar; Tesla car-share and pet wash facilities.

The Lifestyle One app allows residents to book:

<ul>
	<li>Butler</li>
	<li>In-Residence Dining</li>
	<li>Housekeeping</li>
	<li>Laundry</li>
	<li>Concierge</li>
	<li>Nurses and Caregivers (attendance in residence)</li>
	<li>Massage</li>
	<li>Personal Trainer (gym, swimming, water aerobics and yoga)</li>
	<li>Pet Services (grooming and walking)</li>
	<li>Beauty Salon Services (hair, nails and skin treatments)</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3127]

Yarra One, on Claremont Street, was designed by Fender Katsalidis and completed its construction last December

EcoWorld in Australian first, launching six star, 24-hour app at Yarra One, South Yarra apartments

Developer EcoWorld International is selling a newly Yarra One completed apartment via an online auction system.

The apartment is in its recently completed Fender Katsalidis-designed project, located in South Yarra on Claremont Street.

Yarra One general manager Jeffrey Ong said the online auction provided a &quot;new exciting&quot; way of selling apartments within a multi-residential sales setting.

The auction date is scheduled for September 15 for 1508/16 Claremont Street, South Yarra.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31085]

To be qualified to partake in the online auction, interested parties will be required to submit an opening bid, alongside their settlement terms and deposit, which will then be reviewed by the team at Yarra One.&nbsp;

If the opening bid, deposit and settlement terms are deemed acceptable, purchasers will be qualified to participate in the online auction.

If the reserve price is not met, the auction will be paused and the team at Yarra One will negotiate as to whether the bid is acceptable or if a counter offer is required.

&quot;If successful, Yarra One will look to auction off other apartments within the project,&quot; Ong said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31092]

One-bedroom apartments within Yarra One range in price from $450,000 to $650,000.

Yarra One encompasses 247 one, two and three-bedroom luxury apartments, as well as, three penthouses and a wide range of innovative amenities throughout including a wellness precinct equipped with a gymnasium, outdoor spa, dance studio and yoga room.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3127]

Yarra One general manager Jeffrey Ong said the online auction provided a new exciting way of selling apartments within a multi-residential sales setting

jchancellor

EcoWorld International puts new Yarra One, South Yarra apartment up for online auction

A South Yarra office property with significant development potential is expected to sell for more than $4 million at upcoming auction through the Melbourne estate agency, Dawkins Occhiuto.

The 48 Wilson Street property is set to become a multi-level office, residential or mixed use development (STCA).

Grant said there had been height precedents set by a number of, predominantly residential, developments in Wilson Street of eight or nine levels, according to a preliminary planning report prepared by Pro Urban.&nbsp;

Mr Dawkins said city fringe development sites were becoming increasingly difficult to find as demand for residential and office space continued to grow.&nbsp;

The property will be auctioned August 12.

It currently comprises a single level, 304 square metre office building on a 401 square metre site with Activity Centre 1 zoning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=35250]

It is currently occupied by vendor Hatched Media which is offering a 12 month, holding income, leaseback, at $160,000 per annum net.

Located within the South Yarra Activity Zone Dawkins Occhiuto directors Tim Grant and Andrew Dawkins suggest the site provides significant potential for a multi-level office or residential development (STCA).

``We expect the market response to reflect what is a very real scarcity of such opportunities, which in this case offers the additional attraction of 12 months holding income,&rsquo;&rsquo; Mr Dawkins said. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The property will be auctioned on Thursday, August 12 at 12pm.

South Yarra has been a hive of apartment construction with one of the most recent completions being 661 Chapel Street, that has become a landmark of South Yarra since its construction, towering over the heritage-listed Melbourne High School.

A South Yarra property is expected to sell for more than $4 million at auction through the Melbourne agency, Dawkins Occhiuto

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

$4 million plus hopes for South Yarra apartment development site

The priciest resale apartment listing since completion of South Yarra&#39;s Capitol Grand, known by many as LK Tower after its developer, has hit the market.

It is a 45th floor apartment in the Bates Smart complex on Chapel Street.

It has separate wings, with one devoted to the main suite, the second wing offering the flexibility of two further bedrooms or a guest suite and home office/study.

The apartment, officially known as 4501/1 Almeida Crescent, is for sale by expression of interest.

There is an indicative selling price of $9.2 million to $9.75 million through Andrew Sahhar at Kay &amp; Burton.

It first sold off the plan in 2018 at $9.2 million.

There is an asking price of&nbsp;$20,400,000 for&nbsp;unit 4701 in the Capitol Grand.

South Yarra continues to offer luxury off the plan purchasing opportunities including 661 Chapel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600 project_image_fid=13472]

Earlier this year there was a $17 million penthouse sale at 661 Chapel Street through Burtons estate agent Taylor Dow.

A local resident bought the penthouse that crowns the 126 apartment, 30-storey apartment tower by Malaysia-based developer Gamuda Land.

The 720-square-metre penthouse is across three full floors.

It sold as an empty shell allowing the new owner to customise the fit-out.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600 project_image_fid=94632]

Gamuda Land&#39;s $134 million project was its first in Australia.

South Yarra&#39;s previous penthouse sales include a $16 million apartment at the top of Beulah International&#39;s Fawkner House project opposite Fawkner Park.

The $50 million penthouse atop the Capitol Grand high-rise on the corner of Chapel Street and Toorak Road was retained by its developer, Larry Kestelman.

In 2019 the South Yarra penthouse of developer Michael Fox sold for $9.12 million in the 2015-built Central South Yarra block that he built.&nbsp;

The 30-level, 367-apartment block was designed by Rothelowman in collaboration with Plus Architecture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600 project_image_fid=94605]

There&#39;s been a long pause on the 402-416 Chapel Street island site, which since 2015 has been set to be a 12 level mixed-use development holding 75 metres of frontage to Chapel Street and bound by Simmons Street, Bray Street and Grey Street.&nbsp;

The design the Fried Spotlight family was by Plus Architecture.

In 2016 there were plans for a $120 million Aloft Hotel on the site.

There&#39;s a project in the works at the flagship Jam Factory, which will be redeveloped under a new partnership between Newmark Capital, Gurner and Qualitas.

The new plans for a mixed-use precinct comes with an expected end value of about $1.4 billion.

Franze Developments remains in planning with their site at 430-438 Chapel St, the site known through past decades as the Chapel Street Huts.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=600]

The $50 million penthouse atop the Capitol Grand high-rise has been retained by its developer, Larry Kestelman.


Luxury apartment listings on Chapel Street, South Yarra

Cbus Property will be partnering with Sterling Global on building 39 residence in the boutique Como Terraces, South Yarra apartment project.

It is on Alexandria Avenue, South Yarra, with a 7900sq m site overlooking the Yarra River.

The 39-unit residential project will have city skyline views in a designed by Carr and Taylor Cullity Lethlean.

Expressions of interest in Como Terraces will be taken from May 2021, with construction anticipated to be completed in 2024.

Kay &amp; Burton Projects's Damon Krongold is marketing the apartments.

The low-rise luxury apartments will come with prices starting at $2.3 million with building due to start early 2022.

The $200 million high-end residential project marketing will be aimed at wealthy local right-sizers wanting to avoid the CBD.

Como Terraces will feature eight individual buildings with internal living spaces ranging from 130 to 323 square metres for two- and three-bedroom residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3138 project_image_fid=134335]

More than half of the master-planned site will be dedicated to botanical gardens with the hotel-like project to also feature a guest lounge and concierge service desk.

There will also be a private dining room for up to 20 guests.

Sterling Global has a $1.4bn-plus project pipeline including a nearby project, Heyington Toorak, with a delivery date of late 2021.

Its major completed project is Ralston, 56 apartments and commercial tenancies on Toorak Road in South Yarra completed in 2016.

Its recently appointed development director, David Morgan joined Sterling Global in January after five years as Victorian general manager at the ASX-listed Sunland.

Sterling Global's projects include a master-planned community in Oakleigh in Melbourne's south-east that will deliver 1000 residences with an end value of $700 million.

Cbus Property will partner with Sterling Global on the 39 apartments in the boutique Como Terraces, South Yarra complex

Cbus Property partners with Sterling Global on a boutique Como Terraces, South Yarra apartments 

Despite its prime location on the sought-after Chapel Street, residents of the completed 661 Chapel Street in South Yarra will feel they don&#39;t have to leave the development to exercise or socialise.

661 Chapel Street is the first Australian project of the Malaysian-based developer Gamuda Land, who made it a focus to offer their residents the best in onsite facilities.

Local architecture firm Bird de le Coeur designed the 30 level building of just 116 apartments.

The hotel-feel&nbsp;of 661 Chapel starts from the private porte-cochere entry, where the concierge is located.&nbsp;Behind the concierge is a meet and greet-style break out room with seating and dining facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600 project_image_fid=140800]

Also the ground level is a grand library and music corner, as well as private dining rooms and board rooms.

There&#39;s further dining rooms on level six, where the majority of the hotel-style facilities are located.

The most impressive is the 25 metre indoor/outdoor lap pool, which is accompanied by a sun deck, sauna and a steam room.

<a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="947" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/661_chapel_st_pool.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

Level six also features a mini theatre room, lounge, gym and a wine cellar.

Entry level is from $546,000&nbsp;for a one bed apartment, $798,000 for two bedrooms and $1,841,000 for the three bedroom apartments. 
 
<a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="972" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/661_chapel_theatre.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

The hotel-feel of 661 Chapel starts from the private porte-cochere entry, where the concierge is located



Why would you leave? 661 Chapel St offers residents health and social amenities

<html><body>
A block of 12 two bedroom units has been listed in one line in South Yarra.

The complex is being marketed for April auction as having a potential annual income of $265,000.

The Darling Street offering has been listed through Bill Cook at Williams Batters with a $6 million to $6.6 million price guide. 

The land holding is 624 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

South Yarra has a $620,000 median price for apartments, according to realestate.com.au, with a compound growth rate of 0.7% for units over the past five years.

The typical South Yarra units rents for $410 a week with a rental yield of 3.4%. 
</body></html>

The block of 12 apartments is marketed as having a potential annual income of $265,000

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