A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

Spotlight on the database

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The Apartments.com.au Project Database has reached 1,200 entries for the first time.

Now encompassing 1,200 current developments up to and including construction phase, the Project Database allows for an unparalleled glimpse into metropolitan Melbourne's ever changing face.

While many recent projects have left the database owing to their completion, a general upswing in application submissions (particularly for small and medium sized residential projects) has allowed the overall number to expand. With the CBD burdened by a plethora of large-scale apartment projects, much of the recent inner city planning activity has centred around fringe suburbs.

<a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">Fishermans Bend</a>, South Melbourne and East Melbourne have seen projects added, with the latter seeing a return of 494-502 Albert Street. The Denton Corker Marshall-designed apartment/serviced apartment project re-enters planning albeit minus a few levels.

Elsewhere and the wraps are off another Fishermans Bend project as prolific developer Blue Earth Group looks to gain another footprint in the Urban Renewal Area. <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">245-251 Normanby Road</a> is their latest project with the 41 level apartment tower looking to accommodate in excess of 500 dwellings.

<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/image47_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="245-251 Normanby Road tower is at planning"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_2.jpg?itok=KHJfvdNR" title="245-251 Normanby Road tower is at planning" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>245-251 Normanby Road tower is at planning</figcaption></figure>Commercial also features with two new substantial projects entered into the database. ISPT hope to secure approval for <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">269-271 Spring Street</a>; the smaller sequel to Urban Workshop which was completed a decade ago.

Grocon is also seeking approval for a Collingwood office tower that would be sited above an existing Telstra exchange. At 13 levels the proposal is addressed <a href="/buildings/2-16-northumberland-street-collingwood">2-16 Northumberland Street</a> would lead to a substantial influx of commercial space for Collingwood which has in recent years been almost exclusively the domain of new apartment developments.

John Wardle Architects are responsible for both designs with the Northumberland creation targeting a 6-star Green Star rating according to Grocon, in addition to contributing to the Homes for Homeless scheme via the project's future ongoing returns.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image39_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ISPT and Grocon have commercial gains in mind"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_2.jpg?itok=C3BT2uuL" title="ISPT and Grocon have commercial gains in mind" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ISPT and Grocon have commercial gains in mind</figcaption></figure>New additions to the Project Database further confirms the surge of apartment projects into Melbourne's middle and outer ring suburbs. Fresh to City of Moonee Valley's planning department is Growland Group's residential pursuit at 343-349 Ascot Vale Road Moonee Ponds.

The substantial project is joined by other new entries in locations such as Ringwood, Preston, Carnegie, Footscray an <a href="/new-apartments/87-91-main-road-west-st-albans">St Albans</a>.

Also noteworthy is a current application for <a href="/new-townhouses/waverley-place-mulgrave-149-hansworth-street-mulgrave-vic-3170">149 Hansworth Street Mulgrave</a> with the Yellow Woods Architects-designed residential project of up to 10 levels and 167 dwellings poised to create a new height precedent for the area should it gain approval via City of Monash.

<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/image36_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Growland's Moonee Ponds intent with Ripponlea and Mulgrave also present"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36_1.jpg?itok=pPYtIBpl" title="Growland's Moonee Ponds intent with Ripponlea and Mulgrave also present" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Growland's Moonee Ponds intent with Ripponlea and Mulgrave also present</figcaption></figure>New entries to the Project Database aside, a swag of projects have also seen their respective construction works kick off during the month of June.

Piling works are underway across a host of new projects throughout metropolitan Melbourne, ushering in a new wave of development. Approximately 15 projects have begun within the last calendar month; <a href="/buildings/noir-8-garden-street-south-yarra">Noir South Yarra</a>, Doncaster's <a href="/buildings/nest-at-the-hill-642-doncaster-road-doncaster">Nest at the Hill</a>, <a href="/buildings/evelyn-92-maroondah-highway-ringwood">Evelyn Ringwood</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-edge-34-elizabeth-street-richmond">Light Edge</a> Richmond and <a href="/buildings/881-armadale-881-high-street-armadale">881 Armadale</a> are but a few.

Another fresh starter is <a href="/buildings/the-international-61-haig-street-southbank">The International</a> located on Southbank, seeing Hamilton Marino Builders team once more with developer Blue Earth Group. The 40 level CHT Architects-designed tower is the tallest of this month's crop to begin construction.

<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/image35_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The International and Noir South Yarra are recent construction starters"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_3.jpg?itok=jphhb8ai" title="The International and Noir South Yarra are recent construction starters" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The International and Noir South Yarra are recent construction starters</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

The Urban.com.au Project Database hits 1,200!

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While industry temporarily shut down during the Christmas/New Year period (and us taking a break from publishing articles), this did not stop the project database from growing in size. While you were on holiday, 33 new projects were added.

In what was broadly representative of the development scene in Melbourne during 2015, low-rise and mid-rise buildings (anything up to 12 levels) outnumber the number of high-rise proposals by a factor of eight.

An aged care facility located 220 Middleborough Road in Blackburn South and a hotel - Crest on Barkly in St Kilda - are the only two non-residential buildings in the list.

The 31 residential or mixed-use projects have in total 3,836 proposed dwellings with the most units proposed in R&amp;F Property's 124-188 Ballarat Road project in Footscray (1,400). 15 Breese Street in Brunswick has the smallest number of proposed dwellings (11).

The march north continues, with City of Moreland the most represented local government area with eight different projects. City of Melbourne has five new projects and Whitehorse has four new proposals rounding out the top three.

All new additions to the database are listed below for easy reference.
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Alastair Taylor

Project database summary of new additions: late December/early January

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A string of new entries has pushed the Apartments.com.au Project Database to 1,000 listings. That is 1,000 projects which have a status of planning assessment, approved, registration &amp; sales or are under construction throughout metropolitan Melbourne.

2015 has seen the Project Database subject to expanded criteria and a subscription service, with both having aided in the database reaching the 1,000 listing milestone. The primary criteria for adding projects to our public database is that a medium or high-density project must have at least three levels, or at least 10 dwellings contained within.

Broken into its constituent parts, the current 1,000 listings are surprisingly even. 240 projects are at planning, 262 are listed as approved, 249 at registrations of interest or sales and a further 249 are under construction.

The Project Database also continues to shed more light upon lesser known participants within Melbourne's property development industry. In the past week alone, builders Aspekt Construction Group and EyeQ Constructions have been added for the first time, along with architecture firm DesignWorx Studio.

Overall the database sees 90 builders and 216 architecture firms represented within Melbourne's medium to high density development sphere.

<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/image31_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9 Prospect Street, Havenlea and Voyager are new Project Database additions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_0.jpg?itok=QS3Hw6fR" title="9 Prospect Street, Havenlea and Voyager are new Project Database additions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9 Prospect Street, Havenlea and Voyager are new Project Database additions</figcaption></figure>Notable recent additions to the Project Database have been generally residential in nature, headlined by Mirvac's 43 level Voyager project at Yarra's Edge. Glen Iris, Pascoe Vale, West Melbourne, Moonee Ponds, South Yarra and Box Hill have also seen new project additions in recent days, with Box Hill's 9 Prospect Street also a stand out listing.

It is perhaps fitting that the 1,000th listed project is a residential development located within what is a typical infill suburb. Cairnlea's first taste of apartment living is in the form of MakShaq's Havenlea project which will see dual buildings and 192 apartments inserted into an area that was the domicile to detached housing thus far. Times do indeed change!

<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/image33_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects that have yet to enter the Project Database"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_3.jpg?itok=8I6eDsHW" title="Projects that have yet to enter the Project Database" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects that have yet to enter the Project Database</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au's shadow or holding database also keeps tabs on upcoming projects which have yet to hit planning or have yet to be publicly sourced. In excess of 100 projects are expected to be added to the Project Database over the coming months, with Fishermans Bend for example subject to as many as 15 new entries.

Seen above as examples are Elenberg Fraser's 488 Elizabeth Street giant and AZX Group's intentions for 28-78 Bouverie Street, Carlton, with the former set to join the official database shortly.

Subscribers to the Apartments.com.au Data Portal gain access to an expanded number of categories over and above what is publicly available on Apartments.com.au. Subscribers also have the ability to export the entire database to allow for deeper research and analysis.

To view more information about the Data Portal, see the sign up page.
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The Urban.com.au Project Database hits 1000!

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Architects. They're the glue in the development process: interpreting, balancing and binding the various capitalist, creative and regulatory inclinations, goals and motivations. This special role that architects play ensures there's quite a lot of them if a city is pivoting toward a medium and high density development future like Melbourne is.

Our <a href="/developments">project database</a> has over 200 different firms that are linked to at least one project. The following list looks at the architecture firms who are most frequently referenced.

Together they are responsible for 39% of all projects and the raw numbers as listed in the Data Portal are 315 out of a total 805 projects at time of writing.

Fast fact: the top five referenced firms are responsible for an eye-popping 33% of all dwellings (30,000 out of 91,000) listed across all the various project phases on the database.

Select a firm's name to view a summary of their associated projects.

<h2>
<a href="/architects/urban-design-architects">Urban Design Architects</a> (10 projects)</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/eight_murphy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eight Murphy, South Yarra"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/eight_murphy.jpg?itok=o9YbVnzd" title="Eight Murphy, South Yarra" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eight Murphy, South Yarra</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a> (10 projects)</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/esse_apartments.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Esse Apartments, Essendon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/esse_apartments.jpg?itok=ACHOMkng" title="Esse Apartments, Essendon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Esse Apartments, Essendon</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/map-architecture">MAP Architecture</a> (11 projects)</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/fin_apartments.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fin Apartments, Sandringham"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fin_apartments.jpg?itok=Z01VXK2f" title="Fin Apartments, Sandringham" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fin Apartments, Sandringham</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/metaxas-architects">Metaxas Architects</a> (11 projects)</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/c3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="C3 Apartments, Brunswick"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c3.jpg?itok=mWRMdv0I" title="C3 Apartments, Brunswick" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>C3 Apartments, Brunswick</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> (12 projects)</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/marina_tower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marina Tower, Docklands"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/marina_tower.jpg?itok=AE1GXxja" title="Marina Tower, Docklands" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marina Tower, Docklands</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> (13 projects)</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/garden_hill.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gardenhill, Doncaster"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/garden_hill.jpg?itok=DyubiuJ3" title="Gardenhill, Doncaster" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gardenhill, Doncaster</figcaption></figure><h2>
Buchan Group (14 projects)</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/sovereign_square.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sovereign Square, Box Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sovereign_square.jpg?itok=5tVXgdM0" title="Sovereign Square, Box Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sovereign Square, Box Hill</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows</a> (15 projects)</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/166_gertrude.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="166 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/166_gertrude.jpg?itok=nN9s4UhX" title="166 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>166 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp Architects</a> (18 projects)</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/whitehorse_towers.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Whitehorse Towers, Box Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="637" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/whitehorse_towers.jpg?itok=tMl4_Y8B" title="Whitehorse Towers, Box Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whitehorse Towers, Box Hill</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/artisan-architects">Artisan Architects</a> (18 projects)</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/leo_he.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leo, Hawthorn East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/leo_he.jpg?itok=spWUJWvA" title="Leo, Hawthorn East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leo, Hawthorn East</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/cht-architects">CHT Architects</a> (21 projects)</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/wills_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wills Place, Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wills_place.jpg?itok=5tKjxK-a" title="Wills Place, Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wills Place, Melbourne</figcaption></figure><h2>
Plus Architecture (23 projects)</h2>

Plus Architecture are an Apartments.com.au Industry Hub member.

<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/402_chapel_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="402-416 Chapel Street, South Yarra"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/402_chapel_0.jpg?itok=pKo-IZo5" title="402-416 Chapel Street, South Yarra" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>402-416 Chapel Street, South Yarra</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architects</a> (25 projects)</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/6-10_keele.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="6-10 Keele Street, Collingwood"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/6-10_keele.jpg?itok=UaDrKP3p" title="6-10 Keele Street, Collingwood" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>6-10 Keele Street, Collingwood</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> (33 projects)</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/york_prahran.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="York Prahran"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/york_prahran.jpg?itok=AFtVp_1S" title="York Prahran" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>York Prahran</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> (34 projects)</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/estelle.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Estelle, Richmond"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/estelle.jpg?itok=AcOsy6dU" title="Estelle, Richmond" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Estelle, Richmond</figcaption></figure><h2>
<a href="/architects/rothelowman">ROTHELOWMAN</a> (47 projects)</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/hive_thornbury.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hive Thornbury"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hive_thornbury.jpeg?itok=LmLIeskP" title="Hive Thornbury" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hive Thornbury</figcaption></figure>Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=125827744&amp;postcount=3427">GlennWilson</a>.
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The top 15 architecture practices referenced on the Urban.com.au Project Database

The Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">project database</a> has passed a milestone 800 listings, with the expectation that 1,000 listings will be reached by year's end. The ever expanding project database has gathered approximately 40 new listings in the last fortnight, with a raft of new (and mostly residential) planning applications collected in recent weeks.

Having always been particularly strong in capturing large projects delivered by notable developers, the focus now has shifted to enriching the project database with upcoming projects which are being championed by smaller developers and those new to the Melbourne development scene.

To that end, the following projects represent a selection of listings which are new to the Apartments.com.au project database.

<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/image30_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ascot Theatre followed by Leigh, 314-328 Swan, Prism and 3-9 Shuter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_3.jpg?itok=cuAeUCLk" title="Ascot Theatre followed by Leigh, 314-328 Swan, Prism and 3-9 Shuter" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Ascot Theatre followed by Leigh, 314-328 Swan, Prism and 3-9 Shuter</figcaption>
</figure>

CDG Group enter the project database for the first time with two projects. With their initial project dubbed <a href="/new-apartments/summerhill-camberwell-1150-toorak-road-camberwell">Summerhill Camberwell</a> at sales, CDG's latest project is freshly lodged with Moonee Valley City Council. Designed by Jackson Clement Borrows, <a href="/buildings/9-shuter-street-moonee-ponds">3-9 Shuter Street Moonee Ponds</a> would see 67 apartments built over an eight level building. CDG also have a pending apartment project located on Hawthorn's Glenferrie Road.

Following the sell out success of recent projects MIYA and HAUS, Angelo Property Group have moved to shore up their future development pipeline with two new apartment projects. Lodged within days of one another, Ascot Theatre at <a href="/developments/ascot-vale-vic-3032">199-203 Union Road Ascot Vale</a> and Prism at <a href="/new-apartments/mac-robertson-lofts-365-smith-street-fitzroy">365 Smith Street Fitzroy</a> have the potential to yield a combined 100 dwellings in addition to a new Woolworths within the Ascot Vale redevelopment.

Last of the developers with multiple entires is Steller, which is seemingly going from strength to strength. In addition to a handful of current projects at registrations and sales such as <a href="/buildings/leigh-22-bent-street-bentleigh">Leigh</a> located within Bentleigh, Steller have embarked upon projects in both Armadale and Richmond. At planning, <a href="/buildings/acacia-74-wattletree-road-armadale">74-76 Wattletree Road Armadale</a> is modest at 29 dwellings relative to their largest development to date, namely <a href="/new-apartments/314-320-swan-street-richmond">314-328 Swan Street Richmond</a>.

Designed by architecture firm Ewert Leaf, the planning application sees 42 apartments and 75 serviced apartments over two 10 level buildings with retail and conference facilities located at ground level.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image33_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="140 King, New Charsfield, The Lincoln, 308 Carlisle and 386-394 Spencer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="494" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_0.jpg?itok=JD3jQdPS" title="140 King, New Charsfield, The Lincoln, 308 Carlisle and 386-394 Spencer" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>140 King, New Charsfield, The Lincoln, 308 Carlisle and 386-394 Spencer</figcaption>
</figure>

Other developers have also been busy with notable projects mushrooming around the inner city. As <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">foreshadowed by Urban.com.au</a> recently, Besgate Group has pushed into the local development sector with <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">140 King Street Melbourne</a>. The 186 metre ROTHELOWMAN proposal is expected to see 271 apartments above two retail tenancies.

Chinese-Australian firm Ever Bright Group is readying to re-enter the apartment sector with a tower behind The Hotel Charsfield. Located at 478 St Kilda Road Melbourne, <a href="/new-apartments/new-charsfield-478-st-kilda-road-melbourne">New Charsfield</a> will see an 18 level tower with 69 serviced apartments in addition to private dwellings.

Brisbane-based Metro Property Group are poised to launch their sales campaign for <a href="/buildings/the-lincoln-15-cromwell-road-south-yarra">The Lincoln</a> within South Yarra after having received planning approval earlier in the year, while local developer Danny Ciarma under his UrbanDC brand is behind a proposal at <a href="/buildings/no-308-308-carlisle-street-balaclava">308 Carlisle Street Balaclava</a>. With 46 dwellings over four levels, the proposal would also contain two retail tenancies and two restaurants at ground level, covering a combined 700sqm.

Lastly Alpha 14 are seeking approval for an 18 level proposal at <a href="/buildings/bond-quarter-386-spencer-street-west-melbourne">386-394 Spencer Street West Melbourne</a>. 54 one bedroom and 72 two bedroom apartments constitute the proposal which would also see a mostly retained existing street frontage, with dual office tenancies slated for those spaces.

<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/image37_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="103-105 High Street, 67 Rufus Street, 719 High Street, 5-7 Nepean and Lincoln Square South"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_1.jpg?itok=eW9oQdzd" title="103-105 High Street, 67 Rufus Street, 719 High Street, 5-7 Nepean and Lincoln Square South" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>103-105 High Street, 67 Rufus Street, 719 High Street, 5-7 Nepean and Lincoln Square South</figcaption>
</figure>

The balance of those projects in the spotlight are more obscure in nature, either by location or by virtue of being championed by lesser known development entities.

With an estimated development value of $12 million, <a href="/buildings/marque-105-high-street-prahran">103-105 High Street Prahran</a> is a planning application seeking 63 apartments within a nine level building. While 103 High Street Prahran Pty Ltd is shown as the applicant, Healey &amp; Co is believed to be the developer with 103-105 High Street set to follow after their current project The Carlson, within Melbourne's CBD and which is nearing completion.

Two already approved and sizeable projects have surfaced in Epping, with 67 Rufus Street and <a href="/new-apartments/empire-epping-719-high-street-epping">719 High Street</a> both holding in excess of 90 dwellings. The former development site is for sale with planning approvals in tow.

Elsternwick continues to gain momentum as an apartment hot spot with Vantage Point Projects seeking approval for 53 apartments over five levels. Adjoining the McDonalds outlet on the corner of Nepean Highway and Glen Huntly Road, <a href="/new-apartments/elk-apartments-5-nepean-highway-elsternwick">5-7 Nepean Highway Elsternwick</a> sits on a 1585sqm site.

Last but not least is 23-31 Lincoln Square South Carlton. Plus Architecture have conceived a banded exterior for the 18 level proposal which would contain 124 studio, one, and two bedroom apartments if and when approved. Lodged during May on behalf of Ambertree Vic Mel (Lincoln) Pty Ltd, the proposal looks to replace the home of call centre specialist Salesforce, albeit within a retained building shell.

<hr />
&nbsp;

New projects in focus as the Project Database passes 800 listings

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This winter shapes as a boom period for Melbourne's commercial builders if the number of projects beginning their construction cycle is any indicator. Sweeping through the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">project database</a> and limiting a project to its early works stage, specifically piling, site retention and bulk excavation, there are no less than 42 projects spread throughout metropolitan Melbourne in their infancy.

Apartments.com.au's project database is currently tracking 207 projects in the broader 'Under Construction' category, with the aforementioned 42 projects accounting for an impressive 20% of all projects under construction.

While the line between early and main works can be blurred, the sheer number of projects about greater Melbourne commencing construction points toward the overall strength and underlying demand of the apartment sector, considering the sector account for the vast majority of construction projects underway.

<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_2337.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Botanica Balwyn's progress during late May"><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_2337.jpg?itok=R1Gml1mO" title="Botanica Balwyn's progress during late May" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Botanica Balwyn's progress during late May</figcaption></figure>While the major construction firms content themselves with big ticket builds in and around the CBD, it's the proliferation of medium and smaller sized apartment projects in middle and outer suburbs which has led to the spike in construction starts and the rise of a new breed of builders.

As previously small constructors such as Hacer, Hamilton Marino and ABD Group expand in size and capabilities to fill the void left by the multitude of projects attracting Melbourne's biggest builders, so do smaller builders step up to fill the void in the tiers below. Relatively new names such as Lexicon, Orange Building Solutions, Team Building, TriBuild Constructions, Project Group and Shangri-La can be seen across Melbourne building sites.

While 42 projects are identified at an early works stage, they're located in no less than 31 separate Melbourne suburbs which points toward the tremendous spread of apartment living options now available throughout the metropolitan area. Doncaster for example holds four projects at early works, namely <a href="/buildings/magnolia-doncaster-hill-22-hepburn-road-doncaster">Magnolia</a>, <a href="/buildings/88-doncaster-hill-88-tram-road-doncaster">88 Tram Road</a>, <a href="/buildings/8-hepburn-road-doncaster">8 Hepburn Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/83-on-tram-83-tram-road-doncaster">83 on Tram</a> while the Melbourne is represented by <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>, <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/royal-elizabeth-151-berkeley-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> and <a href="/buildings/royal-elizabeth-151-berkeley-street-melbourne">Royal Elizabeth</a>.

Notable projects set to rise this winter include the long stalled and almost forgotten <a href="/buildings/echo-33-simmonds-street-south-yarra">Echo</a> South Yarra which is in the hands of Hutchinson Builders while piling continues on La Trobe Tower which will feature a new building technology, namely Hickory Group's integrated Hickory Building System.

Overall the 42 projects sum to in excess of 4,900 apartments with all the projects set to begin rising skyward in the near future. Not to be forgotten is Collins Square Tower 5 which as the sole commercial development is at bulk excavation and will eventually provide Docklands with another 34,000 plus square metres of premium commercial space.

<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_2362.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Toorak Park's 450 plus apartments under the guidance of Lend Lease"><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_2362.jpg?itok=0UIU6Nl4" title="Toorak Park's 450 plus apartments under the guidance of Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Toorak Park's 450 plus apartments under the guidance of Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>The count of 42 doesn't include the array of sites that have been cleared in preparation for construction. Recent sites to be cleared include <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">8 Hopkins Street Footscray</a>, <a href="/buildings/heidi-apartments-120-burgundy-street-heidelberg">Heidi Apartments</a> in Heidelberg, Pellicano's <a href="/developments/dandenong-vic-3175">Quest Dandenong</a> development, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">80 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/11-central-avenue-moorabbin">11 Central Avenue Moorabbin</a>, with the latter quartet having their builders waiting in the wings.

Of course the largest of all, <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> is in the same position with Brookfiled Multiplex poised to initiate piling on what will be Melbourne's tallest building upon completion.
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A winter of construction content

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Since resuming normal operations post the festive period, Apartments.com.au's <a href="/developments">project database</a> has averaged one additional new project entry per day during 2015. Updated existing entries aside, no less than 50 new residential projects have taken their place within the database.

While a select few new developments added during 2015 are either at sales or under construction, the vast majority of new listings are either seeking or have recently obtained planning approval. Combined these 50 projects have the potential to pump approximately 4,520 new dwellings into the Melbourne residential sector.

<h2>By the numbers</h2>

2015's new listings show that no less than 15 Melbourne municipalities have had at least one project added to their ranks. Stonnington, Port Phillip and Moreland are the most popular municipalities, accounting for 23/50 listings.

While this is expected given the popularity for high-density living in these areas, it's also a reflection of the ease in which information can be sourced online for the three nominated councils above. Conversely certain other councils have scarce little easily accessible planning documents available online. There are for instance 15 sizeable planning applications located within City of Whitehorse's boundaries that have little recognition online via the council's webpage.

Overall there are currently 677 listings within Apartments.com.au's project database; 344 are shown to be either under assessment or approved with the balance split between registrations/sales and construction.

<h2>The newest entry</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/image15_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="81A Bell Street. Image courtesy Taylors"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_0.jpg?itok=5_gVLYK_" title="81A Bell Street. Image courtesy Taylors" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>81 Bell Street. Image courtesy Taylors</figcaption></figure>Most recent to enter the database is the latest incarnation for the what was once Coburg High School. Subject to a distinct doughnut-shaped, JCB-designed proposal in recent years, the site is now before Moreland City Council. Expected to be delivered in stages, <a href="/developments/coburg-vic-3058">81 Bell Street</a> consists of five separate buildings with 8-11 levels the requested outcome.

Holding 391 apartments overall, 81 Bell Street's scheme is distributed over an approximately 12,000sqm site which has been vacant for the best part of a decade. In its recommendation to Moreland's Urban Planning Committee, council officers suggest a planning permit be issued for the first stage of the development.

<h2>Looking ahead</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/image46.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="555 Collins, 280 Queen Street &amp; 104 Mount Street, Heidelberg"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46.jpg?itok=IISMyH_E" title="555 Collins, 280 Queen Street &amp; 104 Mount Street, Heidelberg" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>555 Collins, 280 Queen Street &amp; 104 Mount Street, Heidelberg</figcaption></figure>With a healthy backlog of projects awaiting entry into the project database, it seems that Melbourne's apartment sector will continue to march on unabated.

Seen above are but three of the many projects that will appear in the database over coming weeks. While 555 Collins Street is well known, 280 Queen Street at 250-odd metres and 104 Mount Street, Heidelberg are examples of projects that have escaped the public gaze to date.

Combining the burgeoning number of apartment projects Melbourne-wide and expanded research capabilities of Apartments.com.au, the Apartments.com.au project database will continue to grow at a rapid pace in the months to come; the expectation is that it will comfortably exceed a hefty 800 listings in the not too distant future.
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Urban.com.au's Project Database booms

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Now that we have collectively recovered from the Christmas and New Year period and plodded our way back into work, it's time to pay attention! As at the time of publishing, we are tracking a total of 568 residential projects across four different project statuses.

Of the projects where we do have total residential data, there is a total of 58,478 units. Overwhelmingly the most common building type is the mid-rise representing 51% of all projects on the database yet these projects contain 30% of total residential units with high-rises, naturally, dominating the raw unit numbers.

Over the break we've completed a large-scale update of the database and utilising the fresh numbers from the Apartments.com.au Project Database, here's a high level look at the current state of play.

<h2>Definitions</h2>

<h3>Building Types</h3>

<ul>
<li>Low-rise: a building which has up to 5 levels.</li>
	<li>Mid-rise: a building which has between 6 and 12 levels.</li>
	<li>High-rise: a Building which has 13 or more levels.</li>
</ul>
When counting the levels in a building, the ground floor which has an entrance opening onto the footpath is always the first level and the first floor above the ground level is the second level and so on.

<h3>Project Status</h3>

<ul>
<li>Planning Assessment: a developer has lodged a planning application and it is currently being assessed by the Responsible Authority (either the Local Government Area's planning department or the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure).</li>
	<li>Approved: the Responsible Authority has approved the developer's planning application.</li>
	<li>Registration &amp; Sales: the development is actively being marketed and sales agents are taking registrations of interest.</li>
	<li>Under Construction: builders and contractors are on site and the development is heading skyward.</li>
</ul>
Many developers begin pre-sales campaigns for developments during assessment or approval stages - think of the Registration &amp; Sales phase as when a development is being marketed on Apartments.com.au or through other media channels that Apartments.com.au editors and contributors have cited.

<h2>Total number of residential projects, broken down by building type and project status</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col">Building Type</th>
			<th scope="col">Planning Assessment</th>
			<th scope="col">Approved</th>
			<th scope="col">Registration &amp; Sales</th>
			<th scope="col">Under Construction</th>
			<th scope="col">Total</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">Low-rise</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">17 (53%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">23 (83%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">51 (37%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">33 (60%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">124</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">Mid-rise</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">56 (63%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">84 (77%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">78 (50%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">75 (80%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">293</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">High-rise</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">44 (66%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">42 (83%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">25 (72%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">40 (75%)</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">151</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">Total</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">117</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">149</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">154</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">148</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">568</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The Apartments.com.au Project Database aggregates public domain information from planning applications, marketing material and in more cases than not, directly from a developer, architect or planning consultant. That said, there are some gaps in the data we have and the numbers in brackets in the table above represent the percentage of projects where we have total residential unit data.

<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/zac_outside.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="It's all about the volume, buildings with 12 levels or less make up the bulk of Melbourne's urban development scene - Image from zacapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/zac_outside.jpg?itok=b5boeWus" title="It's all about the volume, buildings with 12 levels or less make up the bulk of Melbourne's urban development scene - Image from zacapartments.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>It's all about the volume: buildings with 12 levels or less make up the bulk of Melbourne's urban development scene - Image from zacapartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><h2>Total number of residential units, broken down by building type and project status</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="line-height: 1.6; width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col">Building Type</th>
			<th scope="col">Planning Assessment</th>
			<th scope="col">Approved</th>
			<th scope="col">Registration &amp; Sales</th>
			<th scope="col">Under Construction</th>
			<th scope="col">Total</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">Low-rise</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">427</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">972</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">1036</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">1088</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">3523</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">Mid-rise</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">2797</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">6526</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">3519</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">4424</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">17,266</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">High-rise</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">10,884</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">13,146</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">5199</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">8460</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">37,689</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td class="rtecenter">Total</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">14,108</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">20,644</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">9754</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">13,972</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">58,478</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The data above is compiled from all the projects on the Apartments.com.au Project Database where total residential unit data exists.

<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/image43bdlc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High-rises naturally contain highest number of total residential units - 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra - Image © Bird De La Coeur"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43bdlc.jpg?itok=XnmWOM1f" title="High-rises naturally contain highest number of total residential units - 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra - Image © Bird De La Coeur" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High-rises naturally contain highest number of total residential units - 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra - Image © Bird De La Coeur</figcaption></figure>Based on our records where we do have total residential unit data, the average number of residential units for each of the building types is as follows:

<ul>
<li>Low-rise: 52 units</li>
	<li>Mid-rise: 66 units</li>
	<li>High-rise: 335 units</li>
</ul>
Next time, we'll break down the numbers by suburb.
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Melbourne development numbers: Building size & Project Status - January 2015

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The last week or so has seen in the vicinity of 30 new medium to high-density residential entries added to the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">Project Database</a>, along with numerous existing database listing upgrades as proponents of the next wave of apartment projects ready themselves for their respective sales campaigns.

In the course of adding these fresh projects it became evident that this 'next wave' of new apartment projects has Melbourne's suburbs in mind; certainly no tsunami but an appreciable shift toward more non-core localities. That is to say no new listings have been added for Docklands, Southbank or Melbourne's CBD.

<h2>Far and wide</h2>

The suburbs located within a 4-12 kilometre band of the CBD look to be the current sweet shop for developers seeking to deliver new apartment projects. Not all new listings are bound to this nominal bracket, yet the majority are.

New Apartments.com.au Project Database listings include the following locations within the nominated band:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
<thead><tr>
<th>Project</th>
			<th>Suburb</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/essendon-vic-3040">The Nursery</a></td>
			<td>Essendon</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/the-standard-brighton-209-bay-street-brighton">The Standard</a></td>
			<td>Brighton</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/evergreen-1-westley-avenue-ivanhoe">Evergreen Ivanhoe</a></td>
			<td>Ivanhoe</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purnell Apartments</td>
			<td>Northcote</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/luma-windsor-windsor">Luma</a></td>
			<td>Windsor</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seed Preston</td>
			<td>Preston</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/rosny-waterline-place-55-nelson-place-williamstown">Rosny - Waterline Place</a></td>
			<td>Williamstown</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Major Anderson Apartments</a></td>
			<td>Coburg</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/22-bendigo-street-richmond">Centre Stage</a></td>
			<td>Richmond</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/bellview-apartments-5-blanch-street-preston">Bellview Apartments</a></td>
			<td>Preston</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>River Walk</td>
			<td>Kensington</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/881-armadale-881-high-street-armadale">H A I</a></td>
			<td>Armadale</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/miamia-85-nicholson-street-brunswick-east">MiaMia</a></td>
			<td>Brunswick East</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/688-690-high-street-thornbury">688 High Street</a></td>
			<td>Thornbury</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/george-windsor-1-peel-street-windsor">George Windsor</a></td>
			<td>Windsor</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<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/image50.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of current residential projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="260" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image50.jpg?itok=7qjauW6j" title="A selection of current residential projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of current residential projects</figcaption></figure>Beyond those suburbs listed above further projects have also announced themselves of late. Seen above are Canterbury Hill, 28-30 Warwick Avenue, <a href="/buildings/kubix-stage-2-404-burwood-highway-wantirna-south">Kubix Stage 2</a>, <a href="/buildings/curlew-apartments-5-curlew-court-doncaster">Curlew</a> and <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Whitehorse Towers</a> which represent the next tranche of projects that are currently at sales or are about to embark upon their sales campaign. Surrey Hills, Springvale, Wantirna South, Doncaster and Box Hill are the represented suburbs.

<h2>A project representative of the times</h2>

There are greater attention grabbing suburban projects such as <a href="/new-apartments/sky-one-box-hill-545-563-station-street-box-hill">Sovereign Square Box Hill</a> at 33 levels, yet if one project is representative of the change that has engulfed Melbourne's suburbs (in attitudes and planning outcomes) in recent years, it may just be <a href="/buildings/evergreen-1-westley-avenue-ivanhoe">Evergreen Ivanhoe</a>. A project of this size in this locale was surely unfathomable a few short years ago, but as seen below the freshly revealed project looks set to take its place as Ivanhoe's largest high-density development.

As Kokoda Property Group's latest offering, Evergreen Ivanhoe at 8 levels will hold an impressive 157 apartments; by far and away the largest apartment development in Ivanhoe.

<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/ivanhoe_v03_s_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Evergreen Ivanhoe. Image courtesy Kokoda Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ivanhoe_v03_s_1.jpg?itok=M3ACzgq7" title="Evergreen Ivanhoe. Image courtesy Kokoda Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Evergreen Ivanhoe. Image courtesy Kokoda Property Group</figcaption></figure><h2>Evident current trends?</h2>

Much of 2014 has been subsumed both on Apartments.com.au and elsewhere with the indelible impression that Asian-backed property developers have made upon Melbourne. Only in the latter part of 2014 have local developers taken centre stage once more as the wave of large-scale inner-city apartment projects begins to be digested.

A obvious trend has emerged out of the latest Project Database listings whereby the vast majority of new and pending apartment developments are found in the middle and outer suburbs of Melbourne. Although only a few of the many variables that form the current Melbourne apartment market dynamic, a handful of likely factors that may contribute to the wider spread of upcoming apartment projects include:

<ul>
<li>Local developers favouring suburban sites as home grown demand for apartments remains strong for well considered, smaller-scale projects.</li>
	<li>The likelihood that local developers have been outbid on premier CBD and inner-city sites by foreign developers, forcing their hand to a degree into suburban apartment developments.</li>
	<li>The next stage of Melbourne's acceptance of apartment living, with a higher infiltration of apartment developments into previously underdeveloped suburbs such as <a href="/buildings/kubix-stage-2-404-burwood-highway-wantirna-south">Wantirna South</a>, <a href="/buildings/new-street-317-new-street-brighton">Brighton</a>, <a href="/buildings/archer-7-balcombe-road-mentone">Mentone</a> or <a href="/buildings/rosny-waterline-place-55-nelson-place-williamstown">Williamstown</a>.</li>
	<li>Local buyers or intended occupiers shunning the CBD and Southbank in favour of more intimate suburbs such as Northcote or <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-vic-3040">Essendon</a>; apartment living without the CBD lifestyle.</li>
</ul>
With the influx of new apartment development listings it seems that while the CBD and inner-city apartment market may be pausing to subsume the high number of apartments under construction or at sales, the suburban apartment market has surged ahead... and the overall Melbourne apartment sector marches on!
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New apartment listings into the Urban.com.au Project Database reveals a trend

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With winter all but a memory the season to get out and about is upon us. Judging by the sheer volume of new additions to the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments" target="_blank">Project Database</a> developers have the same notion in mind.

Within the last week or so in near enough to 30 residential apartment developments have been added to the Project Database, signifying the next push of medium and high-density projects into the Melbourne market. Shown below are a selection of newly added projects:

<h2>North and West Melbourne running hot</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/image53nwm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rosslyn Street, Courtney Place and Shiel Street. Images courtesy Hartland, Hayball and Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53nwm.jpg?itok=ItrF7lF2" title="Rosslyn Street, Courtney Place and Shiel Street. Images courtesy Hartland, Hayball and Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rosslyn Street, Courtney Place and Shiel Street. Images courtesy Hartland, Hayball and Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>In addition to a handful of high-rise apartment towers subject to future articles, North and West Melbourne continue to bubble away with apartment projects coming thick and fast. Entered into the Apartments.com.au project database in recent days have been three projects.

<a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">1 Shiel Street</a> sees an existing scheme of six levels expanded to ten with the capacity for 46 dwellings while <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">143-147 Rossly Street</a> is also a revised application seeking approval for a six level development. Most unassuming is <a href="/new-apartments/68-courtney-street-north-melbourne" target="_blank">68-74 Courtney Place</a> in North Melbourne which due to its depth has seen a Hayball design of some 80 apartments put forward.

<h2>GURNER™ add to their development stock</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/image52gurner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="74 Eastern Road, Ikebana and Stanley Street. Images courtesy GURNER™"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="489" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52gurner.jpg?itok=jx7f_IIF" title="74 Eastern Road, Ikebana and Stanley Street. Images courtesy GURNER™" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>74 Eastern Road, Ikebana and Stanley Street. Images courtesy GURNER™</figcaption></figure>Two projects have recently been submitted for approval by GURNER™. <a href="/buildings/74-eastern-road-south-melbourne" target="_blank">74 Eastern Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">24-28 Stanley Street Collingwood</a> would add 130 apartment between the two, with GURNER™ describing 74 Eastern Road as "An amazing scheme." These two join <a href="/buildings/ikebana-130-dudley-street-west-melbourne" target="_blank">Ikebana West Melbourne</a> which will see the release of 248 additional apartments into the market shortly.

<h2>The drawn-out Waterfront Place</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/image55fk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fender Katsalidis concept design for Waterfront Place"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="244" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55fk.jpg?itok=IwU7CXhP" title="The Fender Katsalidis concept design for Waterfront Place" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Fender Katsalidis concept design for Waterfront Place</figcaption></figure>Kuwaiti-backed Action Group Australia have held the prime Port Melbourne site for some time. Enlisting Fender Katsalidis, an initial 30 level wave-like development was proposed, subsequently falling in height to 19 levels, 13 levels and now a 10 level proposal which is entered into the database. With the approvals process resembling a melodrama, the most recent <a href="/new-apartments/1-11-waterfront-place-port-melbourne" target="_blank">1-11 Waterfront Place</a> looks to have lost a significant amount of design flair.

City of Port Phillip have indicated this scheme too will not find favour.

<h2>Into the north</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/image56nth.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St George, Hive Thornbury and 602 Doncaster Road. Images courtesy MAP Architecture, ROTHELOWMAN &amp; ITN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="488" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56nth.jpg?itok=y3q1jtxj" title="St George, Hive Thornbury and 602 Doncaster Road. Images courtesy MAP Architecture, ROTHELOWMAN &amp; ITN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St George, Hive and 602 Doncaster. Images courtesy MAP Architecture, ROTHELOWMAN &amp; ITN</figcaption></figure>The suburbs aren't without a swag of projects, with locales such as Preston, Doncaster, Essendon and Northcote delivering more residential projects into the Apartments.com.au database. Shown above is St George at 64 St Georges Road Northcote and Hive at 630 High Street Thornbury.

Recently added but known of for some time is <a href="/new-apartments/602-630-doncaster-road-doncaster" target="_blank">602-630 Doncaster Road</a> which after initially finding no favour with local council won approval at VCAT, further adding to Doncaster's impressive stock of residential apartments.

Lead image courtesy Alan Lam.
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