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]

Joel Robinson

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

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

Southbank

<html><body>
With its Southbank by Beulah ‘Future Cities’ Symposium sold out to a 1,000 strong crowd, <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International</a> handed over the stage to the 6 competing architectural teams to reveal their design responses for the <a href="/news">118 City Road</a> site.

Working to a maximum height of 360m above street level and accommodating a GFA of in excess of 250,000 sqm, each of the teams took a unique approach to site reflecting on its position adjacent to the soon to be greened Southbank Boulevard which links the Royal Botanical Gardens to <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank's</a> promenade and the river beyond.

The teams initially pitched their respective designs for the site to Beulah International across two days at the recently installed Beulah Pavilion situated at Queensbridge Square, Southbank.

Designed by Samson Tiew from <a href="/architects/one-design-office">One Design Office</a>, the pavilion will act as an exhibition space for all of the design entries now that they have been publicly revealed.

<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/southbank_pop_up_pavilion.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_pop_up_pavilion.jpg?itok=LKHAchxh" title="Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah</figcaption></figure>Below is a summary of each of the designs;

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-big-fk-the-lanescraper">BIG + FK - 'The Lanescraper'</a></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/54b6eb4e85df98fa8a5cf9a915846f0e.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/54b6eb4e85df98fa8a5cf9a915846f0e.jpg?itok=PFnb8dRX" title="The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG</figcaption></figure>Celebrating <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's laneways</a>, 'The Lanescraper' introduces a series of laneways rising up the height of the tower providing spaces for various programmatic uses and assisting in reducing the visual mass while also providing areas of respite.

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-coop-himmelblau-architectus-the-beulah-propeller-city">COOP HIMMELB(L)AU + architectus - 'The Propeller City'</a></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/57cd5cc9f84cc869dfa9edc0747109ac.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/57cd5cc9f84cc869dfa9edc0747109ac.jpg?itok=peJzkIqL" title="COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au</figcaption></figure>The Propeller City concept is named so because of its propeller-like element which crowns the building and can be programmed as penthouses, or potentially a restaurant or function space.

At ground level on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and City Road's the BMW Experience centre draws on COOP Himmelb(l)au's BMW Welt in Munich as an invitation for the public to enter and explore the building.

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-mad-architects-elenberg-fraser-the-urban-tree">MAD Architects + elenberg fraser - 'The Urban Tree'</a></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/03_mad_southbank-by-beulah-768x500.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_mad_southbank-by-beulah-768x500.jpg?itok=CHg1nBaW" title="The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Defying the typical glass, box-like buildings of Melbourne that appear detached from the city’s historic parks and natural local terrain, MAD’s organic design introduces a silhouette of natural forms – mountain, tree, cloud – into the dense city center, offering a distinct and iconic scheme for the skyline, that reconnects citizens with nature.

The pinnacle of the design is ‘the cloud’ – a cantilevered structure that houses the public amenities for the hotel (lobby, restaurant, bar, and observation deck), and offers 360° views of Melbourne. 

- MAD Architects
</blockquote>

 

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-mvrdv-woods-bagot-the-stack">MVRDV + Woods Bagot - 'The Stack'</a></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/mvrdv_wb_sbb_media_image_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mvrdv_wb_sbb_media_image_01.jpg?itok=5QAuHCCs" title="The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
MVRDV and Woods Bagot have proposed a “new kind of skyscraper” for a landmark mixed-use site in Melbourne’s Southbank. The Stack is one of six invited entries in an architectural competition organised by the site’s owners Beulah International, a Melbourne-based developer known for its commitment to excellence in local design.

Eschewing Southbank’s typical model of podium and tower – a typology that has always promised but seldom delivered – the Stack is a confident prism with public interface on all sides.

- Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-oma-conrad-gargett-the-base">OMA + Conrad Gargett - The Base</a></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/oma_conrad_gargett.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="549" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oma_conrad_gargett.jpg?itok=60TfboMU" title="The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
At a height of 345m and total GFA of 255,000 m2, the project would be the largest building that OMA designed after CCTV.  

OMA’s design proposes a tower stemming from a base that acts as a 24/7 mixed-use vertical city with cultural, commercial, educational and social program elements bound together with the more generic programs of retail, food and beverage.

In this vertical city, there are highways of movement through large express escalators, shortcuts by elevators, and laneways to wander on through normal escalators, stairs, and voids.

The Base follows the outline of the site and then tapers back to a slab 100m above the city

- OMA
</blockquote>

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-un-studio-cox-architecture-the-green-spine">UN Studio + COX - 'The Green Spine'</a></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/unstudio_cox.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="517" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unstudio_cox.png?itok=jUDyOmQC" title="The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Cox Architecture and UN Studio have imagined ‘The Green Spine’ for International design competition ‘Southbank by Beulah’.

The distinct design is the product of the two firms’ collaborative, conceptual thinking of future living. Characterised by twisting cascades of greenery that appear to be cut out from the tower forms, Cox Architecture and UN Studio’s submission considers nature, culture and well-being within the urban framework.

- COX Architecture
</blockquote>

The Southbank by Beulah designs will be exhibited at the Beulah Pavilion until August 1, located in front of the Red Stair Amphitheatre in Southbank.

The winning design for the “Southbank by Beulah” competition will be announced on August 8th, 2018.

Editor's note 06/08/2018: Links have been added to each individual entry as they are published on the site. Click on the heading of each to open the corresponding article.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Southbank by Beulah designs revealed at Future Cities Symposium

In stark contrast to our growing database of <a href="/news/top-20-sydney-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">Sydney projects</a>, Melbourne's been in <a href="/">Apartments.com.au's</a> DNA for over five years.&nbsp; And what a difference it is with postcode 3000 (actually, the suburb name Melbourne, but you know what I mean) leading the pack among the top 20 suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne with the largest development pipeline.

Not to be outdone, <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, home to some of the largest skyscrapers (and proposals) in the city comes in second with a 5 figure number in its development pipeline and spilling over from Southbank, <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> takes the third top spot.

<a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a> are two suburbs in the top 10 which stand apart from the trend of much of inner Melbourne ruling the roost and <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a> in that inner-city to middle-ring transition area are present within the top 20.

In fact, beyond the top 20, there are many middle-ring Melbourne suburbs with over 1000 dwellings in the development pipeline including <a href="/new-apartments/carnegie-vic-3163">Carnegie</a> (1602), <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-vic-3040">Essendon</a> (1527), <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> (1407) and <a href="/new-apartments/maribyrnong-vic-3032">Maribyrnong</a> (1279).

For a while I've been saying both privately and publicly, <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> is on the same level as <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> - similar distances from the centre of Melbourne and with the rail transport to match - and lo and behold Footscray is well ahead of South Yarra's pipeline numbers at this time.

<a href="/new-apartments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a> (2668) outstrips <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> (1169, ranked #35) by a long margin and <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a> (3369) is way out ahead of all the other suburbs on the High Street / South Morang corridor.

The monster numbers at the top can be explained that the suburb 'Melbourne' applies to St Kilda Road as well as the CBD, however when we look exclusively at postcode 3000, there are still over 18,000 dwellings in the pipeline.

The number of dwellings below are&nbsp;for all projects on the Apartments.com.au project database across all four main statuses - Planning Assessment, Approved, Registration &amp; Sales and Under Construction.

Click on a suburb name to view a summary of the development pipeline for each region.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">Rank</th>
			<th scope="col">Suburb</th>
			<th scope="col">Number of Dwellings</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>20,035</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a></td>
			<td>16,015</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>6573</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a></td>
			<td>6526</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a></td>
			<td>6276</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a></td>
			<td>5645</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>4980</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a></td>
			<td>4402</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a></td>
			<td>4124</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a></td>
			<td>3808</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a></td>
			<td>3369</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a></td>
			<td>3044</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a></td>
			<td>2828</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>2793</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a></td>
			<td>2749</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a></td>
			<td>2668</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>17</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a></td>
			<td>2618</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>2493</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a></td>
			<td>1792</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/hawthorn-east-vic-3123">Hawthorn East</a></td>
			<td>1757</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Alastair Taylor

Top 20 Melbourne suburbs with the largest development pipeline

<html><body>
Laurence and I discuss the news in Melbourne this week.

We're getting toward the end of 'developing' Docklands, Southbank Boulevard changes kick off, Infrastructure Victoria has surprisingly gone out early for its first 30-year strategy refresh and shots fired! - the Victorian state opposition has announced their first public transport-focused election initiative.

And remember to subscribe to the Apartments.com.au podcast through your favourite podcasting app - just search for Apartments.com.au.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/470561079&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

Weekly Podcast: Episode 23 - Docklands, Southbank Boulevard, Infrastructure Victoria and Cranbourne-Clyde

<html><body>
The design release for <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International's</a> coveted 58 Southbank Boulevard site is drawing near, with a ‘Future Cities’ symposium to be held later this month.

Shortlisted designs for the approximately $2 billion Southbank by Beulah development will be on show during the event, to be held on Friday July 27. <a href="/news/a-design-tour-de-force-beckons-for-beulah-internationals-bmw-southbank-site">Covered previously</a> by Apartments.com.au, Southbank by Beulah's design process has seen six teams consisting of both domestic and international architecture firms vie for the right to take the project through to reality.

The shortlisted design partnerships taking part in what shapes as Melbourne's largest design competition include:

<ul>
<li>Bjarke Ingels Group with <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> Architects</li>
	<li>Coop Himmelb(l)au with <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>
</li>
	<li>MAD Architects with <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>
</li>
	<li>MVRDV with <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>
</li>
	<li>Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with <a href="/architects/conrad-gargett">Conrad Gargett</a>
</li>
	<li>UNStudio with <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>
</li>
</ul>
Speakers confirmed for the symposium include:

<ul>
<li>Brian Yang Partner of Bjarke Ingels Group</li>
	<li>Wolf. D Prix co-founder of Coop Himmelb(l)au</li>
	<li>Ma Yansong founder of MAD Architects</li>
	<li>Winy Maas co-founder of MVRDV</li>
	<li>David Gianotten Managing Partner-Architect of OMA</li>
	<li>Caroline Bos co-founder of UNStudio</li>
</ul>
The ‘Future Cities’ symposium will showcase the respective teams' designs which are likely to include a mix of residential, retail/department store, gourmet food &amp; market precinct, 5-star hotel, commercial, culture and public space uses.

Beulah International will target a major tech tenant for the development, with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple and Samsung named as candidates to fill the technology aspect of the development. 

According to the media release, "the overarching theme of the symposium is ‘Future Cities.’ As the population grows and lifestyles change and evolve, so too does the need for considered development that is designed for current and future generations.

A focus of the symposium will be discussing how architects, designers and engineers play an ever-important role in being able to shape communities and optimise lifestyles."

Expected to attract a crowd of approximately 1,500 people, the symposium will be held at <a href="/new-apartments/400-430-city-road-southbank">400 City Road</a>. Each design partnership will have 20 minutes to present their concept to the audience, in addition to providing thoughts and their respective vision on ‘Future Cities’ notion.

Post the symposium, the winning design will be announced during August.

Readers have a chance to attend the symposium which will be held between 1pm-4pm on Friday July 27, by securing a ticket via <a href="http://www.southbankbybeulah.com">www.southbankbybeulah.com</a>. 

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BOAfV0Qt-nw" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

silvermb

Southbank by Beulah designs to be revealed via a public symposium

<html><body>
Construction of the first stage of the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation project will begin this month. The project which will be undertaken in stages will create 2.5 hectares of new public open space on Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street, with the first stage expected to take 18-months to complete.

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, City of Melbourne's aspirations for Southbank Boulevard are to transform it into one of Australia’s most pedestrian-friendly places. The Concept Plan was drafted to recognise the history of the site and is based on extensive community and stakeholder engagement.

The transformation project will provide Southbank, which is Melbourne’s most densely populated suburb with critical public open space.

Beginning on 16 July, 2018, Southbank Boulevard will be closed to all traffic between St Kilda Road and Sturt Street. Trams will continue to operate and the precinct will remain open to pedestrians.

As a part of stage 1 works 39 trees will require removal however, over 65 new trees will be planted, along with approximately 300 new trees across the entire project.

The Concept Plan, which was adopted by the  Council in 2017, outlines a new vision for Southbank that will:

<ul>
<li>Create 2.5 hectares of new public open space;</li>
	<li>Prioritise pedestrians, public transport and cyclists;</li>
	<li>Deliver a new, accessible tram stop on Sturt Street;</li>
	<li>Enhance the gateway into the Arts Precinct;</li>
	<li>Create a living link, connecting the Domain Parklands to the Yarra River;</li>
	<li>Create a ‘Melbourne Experience’ for Southbank;</li>
	<li>Build a new civic square for the precinct;</li>
	<li>Deliver a series of new neighbourhood parks for the community.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, the project will weave together other projects mooted for Southbank including the upgrade of City Road, Sturt Street Civic Spine as part of the <a href="/news/back-to-the-noughties-melbournes-arts-precinct-set-to-get-a-major-makeover">Arts Precinct Master Plan</a>, <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia108</a>, the Queensbridge Square upgrade as part of Crown &amp; Schiavello's One Queensbridge development, and <a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-designs-to-be-revealed-via-a-public-symposium">Beulah International's $2bn 58 Southbank Boulevard</a>.

<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/southbank_boulevard_project_staging.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_boulevard_project_staging.png?itok=1wvNGCNY" title="Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Upcoming works include:

<ul>
<li>Early works construction from July involving the removal of 39 trees to enable construction of the new carriageway, tram line, and tram stop.</li>
	<li>Main tram construction period from 22 to 30 September 2018 this requires the demolition of existing tram infrastructure, construction and recommissioning of new tram line and tram stop on Sturt Street.</li>
	<li>Civil construction works from October 2018 to August 2019</li>
</ul>
For more information visit <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard">participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au</a>

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iiQVS9jbZO4" width="560"></iframe>
</body></html>

Stage 1 of Transforming Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street commencing this month

<html><body>
Construction of what will be the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere when completed, has hit its first major milestone, with the first residents set to move into Australia 108 in Southbank, Melbourne, in June.
Builder Multiplex has handed over the first portion of the building, comprising 277 apartments located between levels 14 and 30.
Construction of the remaining floors above continues to progress rapidly.
The early residents will have access to some of Australia 108’s extensive amenities, with construction of its lap pool and gym area on level 11 having been completed, along with two levels of car parking.
Residents will access their luxury apartments via a fully completed private lobby, with workers accessing the building through separate entrances not visible to residents.
Multiplex envisaged multiple staged handovers, which will see the building completed in several portions.
World Class Global CEO David Ng said it was a historic moment for his iconic project, which is not only on its way to becoming Melbourne’s tallest building but will also house the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere.
“We extend a warm welcome to all of our inaugural residents who will now call this iconic address home.”
Multiplex regional managing director Graham Cottam said the project was on track for completion in the next two years following a rapid construction process, with the core structure up to level 59 and slabs at level 53.
He noted the glass façade was around 2,500 tonnes of glass spanning 47,000 square metres.
Commencing construction in November 2015, foundation works on Australia 108 took almost nine months to complete, with some of the most substantial piling works undertaken in Melbourne to date.
Drilling went 46 metres deep, with 1950 millimetre thick core walls used in order to strengthen the cloud-breaking building.
The tower’s eye-catching golden Starburst, which will house two full floors of private amenity including two pools 210 metres above street level, is expected to be lifted into place early next year.
Ng said there were only a small number of apartments left in the tower, and opportunities to purchase a home at the iconic address were limited.
To date more than $872 million in sales have been made, with the first handover providing World Class Global with approximately $147 million in recognised revenue.
Priced from $1,957,000, the group of 19 apartments are all located above level 71, offering some of the best views in Melbourne over the CBD and out to Port Phillip Bay.
Launched for sale in November 2014, Australia 108’s 1,103 apartments sold rapidly, with the 750-square metre penthouse setting the record for Australia’s most expensive apartment when it sold to a Chinese national for $25 million in April 2015.
This July, the public will have a chance to see inside Australia 108, with the building included in this year’s Open House Melbourne program. Fender Katsalidis will be hosting tours of the site on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 of July.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First occupants set to move into Australia 108, highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere

<html><body>
The rise of Melbourne's tallest building has reached a noteworthy milestone.

Stage 1 of Australia 108 has achieved practical completion with 277 apartments and level 11 amenities now complete. As has become common practice elsewhere across Melbourne skyscrapers, residents will begin moving in this month whilst the balance of the tower is being built above.

Head contractor Multiplex currently has level 60 of 101 in the jump form with the floorplate at level 53. According to Project Manager Sinclair Brook, the next staged completion handover will see levels 31 to 67 ready for occupancy.

Lower level communal areas and the lobby space have been completed, allowing residents to come and go as they please, whilst workers will access the upper floors via a separate site entrance. Multiplex have advanced the floorplate more than 20 levels above the completed apartments, allowing for a substantial noise buffer zone.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/img_1321.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium planters in place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1321.jpg?itok=xnyUJ0zp" title="Podium planters in place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium planters in place</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This is a historic moment for this iconic project, which is not only on its way to becoming Melbourne’s tallest building but will also house the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere. We extend a warm welcome to all of our inaugural residents who will now call this iconic address home.

With construction well advanced, we have a limited edition of three-bedroom apartments available in this iconic building for those interested in purchasing within a future landmark on Melbourne’s skyline
<cite>World Class Global CEO David Ng</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to be progressing as expected and have drawn on our technical expertise in delivering high-rise residential towers within the CBD environment. This country hasn’t seen a project like Australia 108 from a sheer numbers perspective.

If we look at the glass façade alone, all up some 2,500 tonnes of glass spanning 47,000 square metres will be used to create the tower’s innovative façade.
<cite>Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/img_1337.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108's dominating presence"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1002" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1337.jpg?itok=yIv1p1Bx" title="Australia 108's dominating presence" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108's dominating presence</figcaption></figure>Melburnians will have their chance to see what will become the <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Southern Hemisphere's tallest building</a> up close and personal during this year's Open House Melbourne.

Project architect Fender Katsalidis will host tours of the site over Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of July, with booking available via the Open House Melbourne <a href="http://Openhousemelbourne.org">webpage</a>. Those who take the tour will get a chance to visit the tower's early amenities and common areas, with a host of other design features yet to materialise.

The tower’s golden Starburst, which will include two full floors of private amenities 210 metres above street level, is on target to be lifted into place early next year. It along with the undulating facade give Australia 108 its unique look.

According to the development team each facade pane weighs between 200-300 kilograms and measures approximately 4.5 square metres in area. The 2,500 tonnes of facade glass alongside 71,000 cubic metres of concrete will combine to form the structural backbone of Australia 108.

Developer World Class Global has noted that of the tower's 1,105 apartments, 19 remain for sale with all located above level 71. Australia 108's 750 square metre penthouse distinguished itself as Australia’s most expensive apartment when it sold to a Chinese buyer for $25 million during April 2015.

Lead image: Sinclair Brook
</body></html>

Australia 108 reaches a significant construction marker, included within Open House 2018

<html><body>
News regarding Melbourne's supersized developments has slowed dramatically in recent times mirroring market fluctuations and new planning laws, yet last night's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee has seen a major Southbank skyscraper edge closer to reality.

The behemoth spans 87-127 Queensbridge Street, with proponent Aohua Sheng Le Property Development looking to realise multiple uses within the reworked tower form.

And Aohua Sheng Le Property Development may well be closer to a permit with Melbourne City Council planners recommending that a site-specific planning amendment be incorporated, effectively recommending approval. This, in turn, would be factored in by the Planning Minister who will determine the application.

The latest version now includes land at 107-127 Queensbridge Street and sees the overall height reduced to 47 levels. A lower height equates to less overshadowing of the proposed Boyd Park nearby whilst the development also looks to partly retain heritage structures at 107 Queensbridge Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image44_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and after Queensbridge Street designs"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_5.jpg?itok=O_WQwmdC" title="Before and after Queensbridge Street designs" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before and after Queensbridge Street designs</figcaption></figure>Aohua Sheng Le Property Development first emerged as the buyer of the site during 2016, paying $32.3 million to control the 1,856 square metre site, which has since expanded to cover 87-127 Queensbridge Street.

Cox Architecture has since joined Fender Katsalidis Architects in design duties, replicating a partnership that has also yielded <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> and <a href="/buildings/sapphire-by-the-gardens-63-la-trobe-street-melbourne-vic-3000">Sapphire by the Gardens</a> over recent times. The Southbank result is a sweeping, vaguely kidney-shaped tower form that has a sizeable frontage to Queensbridge Street.

The highly varied tower would primarily be dedicated to residential use by way of 733 apartments split between 200 single, 401 double and 132 three or more bedroom apartments. The figure of 733 is down from the 852 sought in earlier design iterations of the tower.

The current scheme would also see 4,995 square metres of office space, 188 hotel rooms and 1,369 square metres of retail space.

The tower would span 153 metres in height and include a massive 131,145 square metres of built form.

<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/image43_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_14.jpg?itok=poK6cr0I" title="Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mixed uses on show across the development's lower levels</figcaption></figure>Earlier planning queries has seen the provision of a new 1,465 square metre publicly accessible forecourt to Queensbridge Street, plus an increased through-block link to City Road. Primary vehicular access will be via City Road.

The sizeable through-block link will see extensive landscaping at ground level whilst a reflective kinetic soffit will provide visual engagement. Amenities over two levels include a cinema and karaoke area, multiple lounges, dining space, pools, terrace, gym and wellness centre.

Aohua Sheng Le Property Development's intentions saw an amended proposal submitted late last year with further revised plans to address heritage concerns submitted last month. 
</body></html>

A reworked super Southbank development edges closer to approval

<html><body>
<div>
Jonathan Hallinan hasn't quit Melbourne apartment development market after-all.
He has bought a small Southbank site, just months after securing a gullible Australian Financial Review headline that he was quitting because it was all too hard.
He now claims huge rental demand for apartments in his $300 million Shadow Play tower on Southbank had convinced him there was strong appetite for new development.
</div>
<div>The demand for rental accommodation was "the strongest I have seen in my 24 years," he said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investors were achieving rents of $670 to $680 a week for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, a 15 per cent increase on the $600 average rent for the area.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"There is no sense at all that the market is over-supplied."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"The good rental returns on offer is making the apartment market appealing to local investors.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">"I plan to return to residential development next year doing smaller 100 to 200 unit developments targeted at the local investor," Hallinan told the Financial Review. <div>
"Then in the next cycle – two years from now – I plan to relaunch the big 300 to 500 unit projects, that others won't do," he added.
</div>
<div>The newspaper said Hallinan had an "exuberance."</div>
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<div>He has secured 54 Clarke Street, a 597 square metre site wedged between two apartment towers – Habitat at 58 Clarke Street, and The Bank, at 283 City Road - for $8.9 million from local owners who had it listed for the past year through Lemon Baxter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It reportedly almost sold this time last year at $9 million, according to The Age columnist Marc Pallisco.</div>
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<div>"I am pulling out of the residential space," Jonathan Hallinan told the AFR in January.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Policy makers have repeatedly hit our industry with several regulatory changes, which are now compounding to result in what is likely to be a devastating effect on housing supply and affordability in the long term," he had previously blogged.</div>
<div>
<div>
"It would appear that our policy makers, who evidently believe that their actions are alleviating the pressures of an over-heated housing market, are, with great success, crippling the very industry that has the power to ease the housing affordability crisis." Hallinan listed the recent adverse changes:
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<div>
1. Introduction of APRA regulations on banks and financial lenders which resulted in changes to investment lending, reducing the borrowing power of investors.
2. Removal of the stamp-duty concession from off-the-plan purchasers for investors
3. Introduction of plot ratios to the Melbourne planning scheme, hugely lessening the number of dwellings that could be built on a development site.
4. Implementation of apartment design guidelines, forcing developers to build fewer larger and more expensive apartments.
5. Limitations on foreign purchasers to not more than 50% ownership in a given apartment project
6. 7% foreign surcharge on all offshore purchasers
7. Enforcement of minimum $5,000 FIRB application fees
8. Increase of 5.5% stamp duty fees on foreign purchasers
9. Enforcement of absentee surcharges on purchasers with properties vacant for six months or more
10. Proposed introduction of a new tax on the four banks as part of the 2017 Budget.
Jonathan Hallinan founded BPM in 1995 securing early success with luxury townhouses in Melbourne’s bayside areas.
At its peak BPM had more than 2,600 apartments across 16 projects under development with a combined value in excess of $1.4 billion.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Shadow Play's Jonathan Hallinan now exuberant, rather than exiting the Melbourne apartment development scene

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Think Southbank and invariably images of skyscrapers...and high-rise apartment living come to mind.

Podium living is not necessarily on the agenda for much of the suburb, given less sophisticated designs of the past and the less than ideal ground conditions which necessitate car parking above ground level. So it is somewhat of a surprise that the developer behind Southbank's Melbourne Square development is championing the living credentials of its lower-set apartments.

It does of course help when Melbourne Square comes with its own 3,700 square metre park to which these apartments will front.

Developer OSK Property is making a pitch for families and downsizers by championing its overly large terrace-style apartments found across the lower levels of Melbourne Square. The large format apartments overlooking the development's park include sizeable outdoor areas and leafy north-facing outlooks; a selling point which OSK Property points out is unique for Southbank.

<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/image65_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image65_4.jpg?itok=uUdO5_wx" title="Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's park is a development focal point</figcaption></figure>The terrace dwellings span up to 125 square metres in size and are set across levels two to seven. Over these levels, apartment views will be monopolised by a green outlook rather than the skyscrapers beyond; a unique selling point in the eyes of OSK Property.

Melbourne Square's park is designed by landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean with Cox Architecture responsible for the project's overall appearance.

Cox Architecture Director Paul Curry said of the design: “Terrace apartments are extremely popular due to the families moving back into CBD-style locations and downsizers wanting to maintain that relationship with the outdoors that you usually only get in a house. With the rise in the wellness movement, more people are also prioritising being closer to nature, which these podium-based apartments achieve via their location but also through their own abundant outdoor areas that can be landscaped.”

Owing to the size of the development site, near on 20% of Melbourne Square will be considered public realm.

TCL managing director Perry Lethlean<a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/designs-for-melbourne-square-public-park-released/"> noted on ArchitectureAU</a> that: "The park [will be] part of a network of gardens inspired by Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens and qualities from other cities such as Paris, Berlin and Spain. It’s about creating opportunities for residents of Melbourne Square and other buildings in Southbank to engage with nature.”

Melbourne Square’s podium will include 6 one, 72 two and 13 three bedroom apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image66_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_7.jpg?itok=YHRxg67v" title="Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's construction progress during May. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Two residential towers are in their construction infancy, and will be supported by a podium top garden on level eight which includes a pool with an infinity edge and private cabanas. Private dining rooms with kitchen facilities, a theatre, sun terrace, music room, table tennis room, gym, sauna, steam room, yoga studio and golf simulator form the balance of Melbourne Square's amenities.

From a public perspective, the development will see a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre and retail/dining options, in addition to the park.

OSK Property Chairman Mr Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, said Melbourne Square's green seting: “We are very proud of these exceptional apartments that offer an indoor/outdoor lifestyle previously unattainable so close to the city. “We have sought to create the foundation of a rich community for Southbank with access to unprecedented amenity and a green gateway in addition to the nearby arts precinct, sporting precinct, Botanic Gardens, Crown entertainment centre and CBD, which are all a short stroll away.”

Multiplex will take the first phase of Melbourne Square to completion by late 2020.
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