<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.

Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.

For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.

“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.

“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]

That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.

Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.

Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.

At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]

In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.

Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.

Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.

Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.

Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]

Joel Robinson

Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.

Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.

Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.

In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.

The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb

“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.

"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."

Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.

Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.

Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.

&nbsp;

"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.

"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."

The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.

“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.

"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."

Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

More than a century after the Corrimal Coke Works first opened in 1912, the industrial landmark that helped shape the suburb is being reinterpreted as a walkable residential neighbourhood, with Stage One of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-works-stage-one-27-railway-street-corrimal-nsw-2518">The Works</a> now underway at 27 Railway Street.

For 102 years, the site was central to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/corrimal-nsw-2518">Corrimal</a>’s economic and social identity before operations ceased in 2014. Rather than erasing that legacy, developer Legacy Property has embedded it into the masterplan, retaining and reinterpreting elements such as the iconic 1912 brick chimney and sections of the original C1 Coke Oven Battery, alongside the adaptive reuse of the former powerhouse building.

Stage One will introduce 181 apartments across low-rise buildings, offering predominantly two and three-bedroom residences with completion targeted for mid-2027. The scale and configuration reflect a deliberate focus on owner-occupiers, targeting those seeking a lower-maintenance home in a prime location within the northern suburbs of Wollongong.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359833]

Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, with floor-to-ceiling glazing extending living areas onto generous balconies. Engineered timber flooring, induction cooktops and 900mm ovens in larger residences support everyday functionality, while two interior palettes allow buyers to tailor finishes to their preferences. The material selection draws on a restrained coastal language, intended to connect homes to their surroundings rather than compete with them.

The Works forms part of a broader 18-hectare masterplan that will ultimately deliver around 550 dwellings, new parks, and a heritage precinct celebrating the site’s past. More than seven hectares are dedicated to open space, including Southern Park and a Village Green with community gardens and recreation areas. The creek corridor is being rehabilitated with 150,000 native plantings, restoring biodiversity to the site and softening landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359841]

Positioned adjacent to Corrimal Station and within walking distance of Corrimal Town Centre, the precinct places daily essentials, rail connections and local retail within easy reach. Wollongong CBD, including the hospital, university and entertainment venues, sits approximately 6.5 kilometres to the south.

For buyers more familiar with North Wollongong, Corrimal offers a different proposition: a well-established coastal suburb framed by beaches to the east and the escarpment to the west, with a strong sense of local identity shaped in part by the former Coke Works. The Works seeks to reinforce that identity by creating a connected, walkable neighbourhood between coast and escarpment, rather than a standalone apartment complex.

Sustainability underpins the development approach. The Works is targeting Wollongong’s first 5-Star Green Star-rated community, with water-sensitive urban design, recycled materials and energy-efficient buildings integrated across the masterplan. For residents, these measures provide not only environmental benefits but also reduced operational costs and future resilience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359842]

With construction commenced and display materials available to view, prospective buyers can now engage more directly with the project’s vision, reviewing floorplans, material selections and the broader masterplan in detail. For many local homeowners weighing a move, the opportunity to experience how heritage, landscape and contemporary design intersect may help bridge the gap between familiarity and the next chapter.

As Stage One progresses toward its mid-2027 completion, The Works represents a significant chapter in Corrimal’s evolution, transforming a site that once powered local industry into a walkable residential precinct designed for its next generation of residents.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143415]

Legacy Property’s The Works reimagines Corrimal’s century-old Coke Works

When it comes to developing in Melb​ourne's Bayside region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> knows exactly what buyers want.

With a longstanding presence in the area and a string of sell-out projects, Lowe Living consistently delivers developments that are as sought-after as their predecessors.

Their latest instalment is in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-east-vic-3188">&nbsp;East,</a> the same postcode where they have previously delivered Hampton Hill and Oceano. The developer-builder recently commenced construction on its newest project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marella-hampton-31-35-alicia-street-hampton-east-vic-3188">Marella</a>, a collection of 32 apartments just five minutes from the beach.

Site acquisition is paramount to success. Lowe Living rarely brings a building to market that isn’t within walking distance of essential amenities, whether it be the beach, a prominent retail strip, or a train station. Marella is no exception, located at its Alicia Street address, less than a kilometre from the retail heart of Hampton Street and Hampton Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358495]

Equally important to Lowe Living is the architecture.

For Marella, they appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, who explains that the architectural vision was to create a contemporary reinterpretation of the Californian bungalow, a style that’s iconic to Hampton’s heritage.

"By borrowing, abstracting, and reinterpreting elements of this quintessential style, such as strong datum lines, articulated columns, exposed structures, and roof tiles, our design strikes a balance between modernity and familiarity," says Cera Stribley.

"This approach ensures that the development is not only visually appealing but also contextually sensitive, resonating with Hampton's existing architectural landscape."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358499]

The building features terracotta brick, soft cream masonry, and exposed metal detailing, giving it a tactile presence that is intended to weather gently over time.

Internally, the focus on lasting quality continues, with two and three-bedroom residences anchored by sculptural stone kitchen islands, natural light, and clearly defined transitions between living, dining, and outdoor spaces.

The layouts have been carefully designed. Open-plan zones extend to private balconies, with light-filled interiors and generous kitchen proportions, supported by Miele wall ovens, induction cooktops, and integrated fridge-freezers. These are not small apartments rebranded as luxury; they have been designed at scale, with ample storage, hotel-style entry access, and secure basement parking provided as standard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358492]

At the uppermost level, Marella’s Signature Collection penthouses offer city or bay views, large entertaining terraces (some with outdoor spas), and elevated finishes, including fully wrapped stone kitchen benches and a Liebherr wine fridge.

Flexible room arrangements allow for a fourth bedroom or secondary living space, sought-after by both empty nesters who want the space when family visits and families with older children.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358498]

A residents’ lounge on the ground floor reinforces the project’s small-community feel. With a fireplace, private dining area, and adjoining terrace, it’s one of several shared spaces that balance amenity with privacy and scale.

Construction has commenced, with completion expected in early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146197]

Lowe Living continues Bayside legacy as Marella rises in Hampton

SP Setia

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<a href="/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has announced that <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> will be embarking on the construction of the 120-metre-tall, 65-level <a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne">UNO Melbourne</a> building with a slated completion of 2021. The tower will occupy the 1,741 sqm 111 A’Beckett Street site in Melbourne’s CBD and will see the existing heritage building integrated within the new development. In keeping with the original heritage, the Elenberg Fraser-designed building elegantly ties in elements of streamlined moderne, with soft, rounded features and elongated lines. UNO Melbourne will also be Probuild’s fourth residential project with <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>.

<figure><a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="761" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/probuild_x_sp_setia_uno_pr_img_002.jpg?itok=wR5jo1Tk" title="L-R: Michael Passarella (Probuild), Choong Kai Wai (SP Setia), Luke Stambolis (Probuild) and Hunt Soon See (SP Setia)" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Michael Passarella (Probuild), Choong Kai Wai (SP Setia), Luke Stambolis (Probuild) and Hunt Soon See (SP Setia)</figcaption></figure><figure><a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="516" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uno-tower-in-melbourne-e120919-4-450x400.jpg?itok=OZALKJF7" title="UNO Melbourne exterior street-level render. Credit: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UNO Melbourne exterior street-level render. Credit: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure> 

<blockquote>
“SP Setia and Elenberg Fraser have always created projects of distinction through timeless, considered design and UNO will be no different, with highly considered apartments and world-class residential amenities… This appointment is a testament to the faith SP Setia has in Probuild’s extensive expertise in residential construction, as well as our commitment to safety and delivering Melbourne’s best quality apartments.”
</blockquote>


Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Group Managing Director

UNO Melbourne’s street-level floorplate will provide a welcoming lobby, concierge and retail stores. Level One contains a private dining area, resident’s lounge, bar, entertainment space and media room, while Level Two has a dedicated childcare centre.

Wellness facilities can be found on Level 9 and will feature a spacious yoga studio, tranquil therapy room, well-equipped gymnasium, an outdoor cinema, and a steam room, spa and swimming pool. There will also be ample outdoor space for residents to enjoy.

<figure><a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="516" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uno-tower-in-melbourne-e120919-4-450x400.jpg?itok=OZALKJF7" title="UNO Melbourne exterior street-level render. Credit: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UNO Melbourne exterior street-level render. Credit: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><figure><a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="322" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uno-tower-in-melbourne-e120919-3-520x289.jpg?itok=XKAi0ubi" title="UNO Melbourne pool render. Credit: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UNO Melbourne pool render. Credit: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure> 

UNO Melbourne also boasts fantastic local amenity and is walking distance to Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Central and RMIT University.


The development will follow developer SP Setia’s four previous Melbourne developments including Fulton Lane, Parque Melbourne, Maison Carnegie and Marque Prahan.

<blockquote>
“We look forward to progressing our new relationship with Probuild, a builder who is committed to safety and delivering high-quality residential apartments.”
</blockquote>

Choong Kai Wai, SP Setia’s Australian CEO

Lead image credit: Elenberg Fraser
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Olivia Round

Probuild appointed to construct SP Setia’s UNO Melbourne tower

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It's officially spring and so it would also appear, ground breaking season. Apartments.com.au was onsite along with Lord Mayor Sally Capp and representatives from S P Setia, Multiplex, Fender Katsalidis, Cox Architecture and Shangri-La to celebrate the ground breaking of Sapphire By The Gardens and the official appointment of Multiplex as head contractor.

S P Setia’s 62-storey, $565 million development mixed-use development will feature Melbourne’s first 5-star Shangri-La hotel of 500 suites, in addition to 300 apartments with 95% sales achieved at time of writing. With Multiplex on board as the builder, a 3 year construction programme  is expected with Shangri-La Melbourne due to open in 2022.

<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/breaking_ground_at_sapphire_by_the_gardens.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lord Mayor Sally Capp with representatives from the development team"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/breaking_ground_at_sapphire_by_the_gardens.jpeg?itok=Jan7PJI7" title="Lord Mayor Sally Capp with representatives from the development team" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lord Mayor Sally Capp with representatives from the development team. Image: Nate Moir</figcaption></figure>Located at 308 Exhibition Street opposite the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens, the design of Sapphire By The Gardens draws on and celebrates its garden location with a podium and urban realm characterised by lush greenery. The dual tower development's signature feature however, is its two-storey sky bridge linking the towers 50-storeys up in the air, and providing unique panoramic views across Melbourne to Carlton Gardens and beyond.

Speaking at the event to mark the occasion, Architect and Founding Director of Fender Katsalidis (FK), Karl Fender joked that if not for FK and Cox competing against each other, either firm would have won the competition outright. Instead because S P Setia couldn't split them they formed a partnership combining ideas from their respective concepts to produce Sapphire By The Gardens - "two architects for the price of one" said Fender with a wry smile.

<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/sapphire_by_the_gardens_overlooking_carlton_gardens.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sapphire By The Gardens, draws on its location opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: S P Setia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sapphire_by_the_gardens_overlooking_carlton_gardens.jpg?itok=brZYCgza" title="Sapphire By The Gardens, draws on its location opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: S P Setia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sapphire By The Gardens, draws on its location opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: S P Setia</figcaption></figure><h2>What the say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Today's ground breaking ceremony marks an extremely significant milestone not just for Setia, but for Melbourne and so we are deeply honoured to have the Lord Mayor present to celebrate this auspicious occasion. We are here of course to mark the commencement of the construction works of this visionary twin tower project comprising Victoria's first Shangri-La hotel and Sapphire By The Gardens residences.

S P Setia with our A-team consultants and our giant builder Multiplex, has been working tirelessly to bring this project to reality. And now here we stand, proud that this has been achieved, and accordingly we would like to thank the City of Melbourne, in particular for the support it provided during the formative stages of the project.

Effort in each of our projects, both large and small to sensitively contribute to their context but perhaps none moreso than Sapphire By The Gardens. With its Shangri-La hotel, these striking twin towers mark the north-eastern gateway into the city through the stunning World Heritage Carlton Gardens and this has inspired a richly landscaped podium and forecourt presence to the public realm. On the other hand floating high above, the Skybridge - also open of course to the public and a first in Australia - will provide never-before-seen views of Melbourne and the Gardens.

The Shangri-La is one of the finest hotels in the world, it is fitting that it enjoys the primacy of this location  which is one of the finest in Melbourne. We are extremely proud to deliver this project to Melbourne and extremely privileged to share this moment with our Mayor, Sally Capp.

- Mr Choong Kai Wai, CEO of S P Setia’s Australian operations
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
On this very spot a significant architectural project is soon to rise above the streets of Melbourne. We will have our oldest iconic building, the Royal Exhibition Building looking on as our newest iconic building with its Skybridge is built right here. Congratulations to everyone involved.

I want to acknowledge that ambition is indeed at home right here in Melbourne. Melbourne's booming economic performance shows no sign of slowing down and projects such as this with its enormous scale is all important in terms of the investments and development happening right here in our city.

We expect our residential population to rise by over 50% over the next decade and so the investment in the much needed housing and accommodation that will happen through Sapphire By The Gardens is very welcome. I also note the thoughtfulness of what will happen at a street level as part of this project and the fact that this environment will add to Melbourne's reputation for engaging in distinctive experiences, you are also delivering that.

- Lord Mayor, Sally Capp 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Today is made very auspicious by this ground breaking ceremony, yet to come. It's ground breaking on a very, very special site in Melbourne, possibly, I would argue, the best site in Melbourne. It's on the gateway into Melbourne from the east, through the stunning World heritage gardens of the Carlton Gardens so it's appropriate that this gateway, this entry into Melbourne, is celebrated in the right way and makes all the right announcements.

Announcements such as 'great design comes first'. Our city is based on great design, past and present and going forward. On that note I really would like to make a special mention to Phillip Rowe and his team at Cox, who are our co-architects, co-designers on this project.

It will also sign Melbourne, the garden city, with this incredible garden entry way, in the design process we thought about bringing the Carlton Gardens across LaTrobe Street and into the building, through a beautiful plaza  meant for the public, and also up the face of the building, particularly the podium.

The futuristic Skybridge - another first for Melbourne - will be fantastic, it will provide new views over Melbourne for everybody whilst you sip your gin martini.

- Karl Fender, Founding Director Fender Katsalidis
</blockquote>

 
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Laurence Dragomir

S P Setia and Shangri-La break ground on Sapphire By The Gardens

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Now complete, Parque is an upmarket residential development on St Kilda Road comprising two glazed towers accommodating 332 luxury apartments. Designed by Fender Katsalidis the towers are connected by a private outdoor area on Level 8, featuring a 25-metre infinity pool.

The level 11 clubhouse has a library, a function room, outdoor terraces and a private dining room and kitchen designed by Shannon Bennett, with expansive views of Melbourne.  

The client, SP Setia, presented the design team with an existing building approval that negotiated the area’s building height restrictions and envelope controls. However, Fender Katsalidis still saw this as a unique project that warranted careful consideration and could take its cues from its natural environmental context.

<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/fkmed_1145_5602.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landscape was a major influence and driver for the design of Parque. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_1145_5602.jpg?itok=d57LswqV" title="Landscape was a major influence and driver for the design of Parque. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Landscape was a major influence and driver for the design of Parque. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>This led to a design conceived for placing a building ‘in the round’, with 360- degree views, that absorbed its park environment. The Western tower fronts St Kilda Rd and spans 11-storeys, stepping down to 8-storeys in the centre to preserve views of the Shrine of Remembrance and the city, before rising to 19-storeys at the Eastern tower.

Both towers feature highly articulate, curved glass curtain wall facades with recessed panels providing the facade with depth and capturing light and shadows. 

The neighbouring heritage listed grounds feature 150-year-old elms listed on the National Trust of Australia's register of significant trees, requiring careful site coordination to ensure trees were protected throughout construction. 

<blockquote>
It’s an incredible location, adjacent to a heritage park, which will always be protected and is in fact part of the development. A truly unique site along St Kilda Road.

The buildings' form is drawn from the contours of nature to create the two curvilinear tower volumes that define Parque. We are in this remarkable spot, so everything about the building is working from the inside out to maximise views for residents.

Literally reflecting the park location, we arrived at an expression that has 100 percent glazing around the two building volumes. The reflective glass facade let us create a beautiful pattern of recessed and flush glazed panels.

It's very different depending on what the environment of the day might be; it changes with the light and the seasons, just as the deciduous trees of the park do.

The entry experience is really quite remarkable. You have two entries into the building at ground level and it is very much a grand lobby experience. It's probably the largest residential lobby we've ever designed and is beautifully clad, wallpapered in travertine stone, so it's quite a stunning environment.

The residences are very luxurious, with a level of amenity and appointment that can be likened to a hotel experience. All of the apartments are terrifically sized.

When we began the development’s design, this was not necessarily what the Melbourne marketplace was generally demanding or offering, so we are very proud of setting an industry standard with Parque.

- Nicky Drobis, Director, Fender Katsalidis
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au: Fender Katsalidis (FK) had to work within an existing approved envelope. What was the brief from SP Setia for Parque? Who was the target market for the development and how did this ultimately inform the design of the apartments and resident areas?

Nicky Drobis: The brief from SP Setia was for FK to design a building worthy of its heritage listed location. They understood the importance of this site within the broader context of St Kilda Road and had the desire to develop a building that would of course succeed commercially but also genuinely contribute to and enrich Melbourne’s built environment.  

FK needed to stay within the restrictions of the Shrine Vista Controls which by their nature encourage buildings that are lower towards St Kilda Road and higher towards the Eastern end of the site which results in two volumes at different heights linked by a podium piece in the centre. However, a key factor in SP Setia’s brief that enabled FK to fully explore the design potentials for the site was their understanding of the value of good design could indeed provide more value to a development than necessarily maximising an allowable building volume.

The brief also responded to SP Setia’s understanding of the lack of supply at the time in Melbourne of apartments which would attract owner occupiers and investors alike. Hence the apartment mix is varied and the apartments were larger than those typically in the market place at the time.

SP Setia is also known internationally as a developer who invests heavily in providing a wonderful amenity offer to residents in their developments, and this is definitely the case at Parque.

UM: Parque is located within a historically and culturally significant pocket of St Kilda Road. What were some of the challenges involved in working in such a sensitive context?

ND: There is wonderful complexity in the immediate built environment surrounding the Parque site, including historically significant buildings such as the former Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, the Wesley College campus and the heritage listed park in which our building is sited. Our intention was to design a building which would not compete with its heritage neighbour to the south east and was responsive in form and material to its landscaped context.

In so doing the building forms are not directly referencing our context, but rather are a sculptural insertion which very much literally reflect the immediate surrounds in the glazed façade.

<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/fkmed_1145_5592.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parque has been designed to be responsive in form and material to its landscaped context, says FK Director Nicky Drobis. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="578" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fkmed_1145_5592.jpg?itok=IICZl_o4" title="Parque has been designed to be responsive in form and material to its landscaped context, says FK Director Nicky Drobis. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parque has been designed to be responsive in form and material to its landscaped context, says FK Director Nicky Drobis. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>UM: They say the ultimate test of any development is whether or not the developer or architect lives there. Are any members of the project team also residents in the development?

ND: There are indeed numerous members from the Development, Architectural and Construction team that own homes and live in Parque. The purchaser demand for the apartments was very strong and we never got to use the purpose built marketing suite to its full effect as the development sold out so quickly!

UM: SP Setia is obviously very happy with the finished product as FK has also been engaged to design 308 Exhibition Street. Can you tell us a bit about the working relationship with SP Setia?

ND: Our relationship with SP Setia has been an enriching and successful one. The Setia team bring with them a long history of quality developments centred in Malaysia that reaches globally, so there is the wisdom that comes with that.

They have astute local leadership supported by a strong team that work very cohesively. A fantastic part of our experience has been to learn from and enjoy SP Setia’s business culture which is embracing and supportive.

Close relationships across the entire consultant team and industry can be fostered in this environment.
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FK's Nicky Drobis on Parque's design credentials

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SP Setia's golden touch looks to have taken a literal turn as the developer prepares to launch UNO Melbourne.

111 A'Beckett Street will be home to the mixed-use tower, after SP Setia concluded a deal to purchase the site from Singaporean developer Tong Eng for $61 million mid this year. The project is appearing across a number of websites in an all gold finish, differing from the approved version which was to have utilised a tinted performance glazing system resulting in a multicoloured facade.

Urban.com.au was <a href="/news/tong-eng-groups-dazzling-210-metre-entry-into-the-australian-market">first to bring the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower to light</a> during 2015. 

UNO Melbourne is set to join no less than six major skyscrapers designed by Elenberg Fraser in the immediate vicinity. Adjoining SP Setia's pending A'Beckett Street tower is EQ.Tower; at 63 levels it is another Elenberg Fraser product.

<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/image14uno.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="UNO Melbourne will see a mixed-use outcome. Image: Yeeyi"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14uno.jpg?itok=Na8dPckZ" title="UNO Melbourne will see a mixed-use outcome. Image: Yeeyi" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UNO Melbourne will see a mixed-use outcome. Image: Platinum Realty Investment Group</figcaption></figure>The tower will span 210 metres in height and consist of approximately 60,000sqm of floor area. SP Setia's purchase of the site with a permit which was granted prior to reworked planning controls has allowed for UNO Melbourne to maintain a roughly 35:1 plot ratio, far above the preferred current 24:1 ratio.

Apartments aside, the image above suggests that SP Setia have chosen to include a hotel across the tower's lower levels.

<a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne">UNO Melbourne</a> will rise behind the retained facade of the Commonwealth Motors building, which is finished in an Art Deco-style. As shown above, the lower sections of the tower are likely to include amenities such as a hotel club, conference facilities and a childcare centre.

Traditional apartments take over thereafter, bisected by a level 40 sky lounge and capped by a level 64 wellness centre.

<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/image17_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative finishes within the tower. Image: Raeon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="518" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_17.jpg?itok=gLGbONRP" title="Indicative finishes within the tower. Image: Raeon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative finishes within the tower. Image: Raeon</figcaption></figure>The sky lounge is set to include a library, music room, games room, cinema and dining area. UNO Wellness as it has been dubbed on level 64 includes a heated pool, sauna, steam room, yoga studio and gym.

Apartments with UNO Melbourne as shown on early advertising material would include one, two and three bedroom options, with study add-ons also available. Apartments are expected to range in size between 51sqm and 111sqm.

SP Setia have an operational website for UNO Melbourne and according to online platforms the project has an expected completion date of late 2021.

<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/image18_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A view to Melbourne's north. Image: Raeon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_20.jpg?itok=T-9HDje5" title="A view to Melbourne's north. Image: Raeon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A view to Melbourne's north. Image: Raeon</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

SP Setia closes in on Melbourne's next major tower release

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The appeal of being located in close proximity to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens continues to be a major selling point for developers, with a handful seeking to take advantage of the views afforded by the northern location.

Developer SP Setia has recently experienced this appeal first hand, with their Sapphire by the Gardens development passing the 80 per cent sold mark. The remaining 20 per cent of apartments will be marketed during two exclusive events in Sydney and Melbourne in coming weeks.

<div>
<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/sbtg_interior_render_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sapphire By The Gardens apartment interior. Image: SP Setia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sbtg_interior_render_3.jpg?itok=4RN28wU4" title="Sapphire By The Gardens apartment interior. Image: SP Setia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sapphire By The Gardens apartment interior. Image: SP Setia</figcaption></figure>
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<ul></ul>
<blockquote>
A small number of the remaining apartments overlook the iconic, UNESCO world heritage listed, Royal Exhibition Building and its surrounding Carlton Gardens. These apartments will boast some of the most impressive views in Melbourne, as will the limited remaining apartments overlooking Melbourne’s CBD.

Sapphire By The Gardens has been carefully designed to the highest architectural standards and we are excited to watch this development evolve and settle into this iconic location.

- Mr Choong Ka Wai, CEO of SP Setia Melbourne
</blockquote>

<div>
The first tower, Sapphire By The Gardens will accommodate 345 residential apartments and residents will be able to access a range of amenities, including spa and sauna facilities, gymnasium and yoga area, infinity-edged pool and residents dining lounge just to name a few.

A second tower connected to the first by a sky-bridge will deliver 500 suites as part of Melbourne’s first Shangri-La branded hotel that s is scheduled for completion - along with the rest of the development - during 2021. 
</div>

Not too far away a number of other developments are at various stages of their respective development lifecycles, with UEM Sunrise's Conservatory the most advanced in terms of progress. Under the lead of head contractor Hickory, construction of the COX Architecture-designed 37-storey apartment tower is racing skyward at a feverish pace.

Conservatory will at completion add 473 dwellings, designed around views towards the Carlton Gardens. The main entry lobby is flanked by a new north-south retail laneway with tenancies located within a series of pods designed to activate the streetscape.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/conservatory_hickory.png" rel="gallery-all" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory apartments are rising opposite the Carlton Gardens."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="579" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/conservatory_hickory.png?itok=cmM4W7pG" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory apartments are rising opposite the Carlton Gardens." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UEM Sunrise's Conservatory apartments are rising opposite the Carlton Gardens.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The sculptural tower form has been configured to maximise the number of units that have the best views to Carlton Gardens, unencumbered views to the north, as well as view corridors through existing and approved developments to the south.

The curved form of the building maximising the facade area to allow the greatest amount of glazed frontage, allowing optimal natural light penetration to more unit areas while the environmental fins modulate solar penetration. The top of the tower incorporates an environmental crown housing PV cells and water harvesting measures, creating a dynamic highlight to the form to transition from the mass and bulk of the adjacent tower down to the smaller scale of the tower to the east and the gardens below. 

- COX Architecture
</blockquote>

Conservatory is expected to be completed late next year, while another project directly opposite was recently submitted for planning consideration. Should it be granted approval 23-29 Victoria Street will accommodate 90 apartments within a 25-storey building located on a 894sqm wedge-shaped site with two street frontages, currently occupied by a service station.

Similar to Sapphire by the Gardens and Conservatory, the Woods Bagot designed scheme for Perri Projects has drawn on its location opposite Carlton Gardens, with apartments oriented to best maximise a northerly aspect.

<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/image10_14_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_14_0.jpg?itok=WkAiXx32" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Lastly the long dormant former Cancer Council headquarters building at 1 Rathdowne Street on the corner with Victoria Street continues to languish with little movement on the key corner site.

The 3,100sqm sold for in excess of $16 million during 2013 to Kingisland Timber Pty Ltd. The owner has yet to progress any plans for the site, despite having received approval in 2015 for the conversion of the existing building, which has been described by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle as one of Melbourne's worst eyesores, into a Indoor (trampoline) Recreation Centre. 

<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/1-23_rathdowne_street.png" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Rathdowne Street has approval in place for a Indoor Trampoline Centre. No joke. Image: Latitude Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-23_rathdowne_street.png?itok=cYj79Afo" title="1 Rathdowne Street has approval in place for a Indoor Trampoline Centre. No joke. Image: Latitude Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Rathdowne Street has approval for a Indoor Trampoline Centre. Image: Latitude Developments</figcaption></figure>One suspects it won't be long before the owners either on sell the site or draft up plans for a residential scheme for what is one of the most prominent sites in the northern CBD.
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