Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

St Kilda Road

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Devitt Property Group's The Muse is a 14-storey development designed by Bruce Henderson Architects (BHA) comprising 45 residences with six-star amenities and the latest in security systems. 

Located at 409 St Kilda Road on the corner with Toorak Road West, the boutique project has direct frontage onto Fawkner Park and includes north facing views over the The Shrine, Royal Botanic Gardens and the city skyline.

Managing Director Peter Devitt purchased the site 16 years ago with a vision to one day develop an architecturally exemplar building. As Managing Director of L.U. Simon Builders, Peter has 50 years’ of construction experience and expertise to draw upon, founding Devitt Property Group with his son Kane.

<blockquote>
We could have built 200-plus apartments within this building envelope, but instead we have designed 45 luxury residences to create an exceptional place to live.

We understand what high net worth individuals want –privacy, security, convenience, the city’s best location and larger residences with bespoke, hand-crafted interiors.

- Peter Devitt, Managing Director Devitt Property Group
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_muse_inline.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Muse's corner location also includes direct frontage to Fawkner Park. Image : supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_muse_inline.jpg?itok=mvrHsfxm" title="The Muse's corner location also includes direct frontage to Fawkner Park. Image : supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Muse's corner location also includes direct frontage to Fawkner Park. Image : supplied</figcaption></figure>Designed with a strong focus on providing residents with absolute privacy and security, the development will feature a 24-hour concierge service and two amenity levels with a grand entry foyer, 20-metre lap pool, relaxation pool and spa, large gymnasium with sauna and steam rooms, and a residents’ club lounge with private meeting rooms.

The Muse will also be providing residents with a bespoke interface technology system enhancing the security and energy credentials of the building, while ensuring the the future proofing potential and energy efficiency of the building. This allows the building to keep up to date with the latest advancements in technology.

The home automation interface will enable residents to customise processes such as heating and cooling system operation, automated blind control and intelligent lighting controls. This system goes a long way down the path to ensuring that the household is almost entirely self-managing.

<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/the_muse_inline_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Muse will provide residents with the latest in security and energy saving technologies in addition to its high performance facade. Image : supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_muse_inline_02.jpg?itok=fdPyzR5a" title="The Muse will provide residents with the latest in security and energy saving technologies in addition to its high performance facade. Image : supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Muse will provide residents with the latest in security and energy saving technologies in addition to its high performance facade. Image : supplied</figcaption></figure>The arrival process at The Muse will be streamlined with number plate recognition technology that will informs a lift which will be despatched and awaiting the resident’s arrival. Additional entry access to The Muse will be via biometric systems, facial recognition, fingerprint scanner recognition and personalised ‘FOB swipe’.

Whilst it includes the latest technology, The Muse will also cater for those that prefer the non-technical applications. Car charging technology is included, as are provisions for off grid battery systems.

The Muse's building envelope has been designed to maximise passive performance, with high performance façade elements maximising access to natural light whilst minimising energy consumption. The high performance building envelope joins onsite electrical generation and water conservation systems.

The development's array of technical prowess is part of the equation that Devitt hopes will satisfy intended purchasers. The Muse residences will range from 200-1,000 plus square metres, with the penthouse spread over two levels expected to be the most expensive apartment in Melbourne.

A price has yet to be finalised but a price tag in excess of $40 million is expected.

<h2>Project Team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Devitt Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Bruce Henderson Architects (BHA)</li>
	<li>Services: Waterman AHW</li>
	<li>Builder: L.U. Simon</li>
	<li>Project Marketing: Knight Frank</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

St Kilda Road's The Muse places itself at the cutting edge of technology

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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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One of Melbourne’s office buildings, on St Kilda Road, has been sold off by the Myer family for about $77 million to an Asian group.
The eight-level office building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-502571830" target="_blank">312 St Kilda Road</a> was sold on a passing yield of 4.66 percent.
The buyer was Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group, Fairfax Media reported.
The group had earlier this year paid $116.3 million for another St Kilda Road tower at 5 Queens Road.
The 312 St Kilda Road building has  9,854 sqm of commercial accommodation along with a major commercial car park.
The selling agents were CBRE.
It is leased to several global and long standing commercial office tenants and is close to Melbourne CBD
The building offers the potential for further growth and significant rent reversion as it is located in one of Australia’s top performing office markets. It has a 3.5 Star NABERS Energy Rating
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Myer family sells St Kilda Road building in $77 million deal

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<div>
Hong Kong retail group Glorious Sun has acquired an entire office building on Melbourne's city fringe for $42 million.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-502516710" target="_blank">324 St Kilda Road</a>, near Dorcas Street, was bought from the WA-based investment manager Lester Group.
The fully leased eight-level building has tenants including Wesfarmers with a weighted average lease expiry of five years.
With its net annual income of about $2.45 million, the early 1980s building sold on a yield of 5.8 per cent.
"The implementation of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project has improved confidence in the St Kilda Road area, resulting in increased momentum from investors in the precinct due to expected upward pressure on rents from the significant infrastructure project," JLL's Langton McHarg said.
</div>
<div>Vacancy has been tightening on St Kilda Road with eight office blocks withdrawn from the St Kilda Road office market over the last five years totalling 71,693 sq m, leaving 672,950 sq m in available stock, JLL Research shows. Four more are likely to be withdrawn over the next two years, JLL suggests.</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

St Kilda office building snapped up by Hong Kong retail group for $42 million

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The grand dame of St Kilda Road, the Charsfield mansion has witnessed many changes over the last 100 years, but none like the current.
A 19 level (60 metre) contemporary residential tower, designed by Rothelowman is being erected around it.
The development, by EBG Developments embraces the grand historic mansion.
With 60 percent of their purchasers being local buyers, the New Charsfield is now 85 percent sold.
Consisting of 150 apartments, the New Charsfield has been a popular development amongst well-heeled owner-occupier demanding a new level of lifestyle and luxury.
EBG Development’s sales team has been working with individual purchasers on combining the already large apartments into grander floor plates.
Approximately 10% of the New Charsfield is comprised of amalgamated apartments.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/14/image001.png" alt="">
“We have had solid conversion from people who not only purchase, but purchase two or three apartments to co-combine,” the development manager, Allen Wang.
At an $8 million purchase price, one keen purchaser has combined two penthouse apartments to create a 450sqm external area and 440sqm internal area which features 360 degree views to port Phillip Bay, Albert Park and the CBD.
Architect, Stuart Marsland from Rothelowman said retention of the mansion has been a positive opportunity to celebrate the previous use, whilst allowing a contemporary insertion to exist behind.
For more information, <a href="https://www.rothelowman.com.au/home" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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The Rothelowman-designed New Charsfield, featuring St Kilda Road’s oldest mansion

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St Kilda Road will be the setting for the debut of another international developer, with Singaporean outfit Lian Beng Group's intended residential tower now with City of Port Phillip.

Having secured <a href="/new-apartments/596-st-kilda-road-melbourne">596 St Kilda Road</a> during 2015 for $25 million, first-time market entrant Lian Beng Group have submitted for approval a residential scheme that further morphs the boulevard into a sought after residential strip. Stepping away somewhat from the premium apartment buyer which has defined St Kilda Road in recent times, the proposal consists predominantly of oversized single bedroom dwellings.

Noted within the <a href="https://eservices.portphillip.vic.gov.au/webdocs/909902/ADV%20Architect%20Report%20-%20Incl.%203D%20images.PDF">town planing submission</a>, project architect <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> references the eclectic nature of Windsor and the youthful aspects of the development, perhaps a reference to the target buyer.

Externally 596 St Kilda Road's 19 levels are defined by 1,150sqm of vertical garden space arranged seemingly draped over the design's exterior; a far cry from the 1940's apartment complex onsite which is set to make way for the tower.

<h2>596 St Kilda Road application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image26_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="650" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_3.jpg?itok=NeE-_Bkq" title="Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site offered for sale by CBRE City Sales during 2015</li>
	<li>Purchased by Lian Beng Group for $25 million</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,800sqm with two street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed 19 level tower at 60 metres</li>
	<li>170 dwellings: 95 x 1BR and 75 x 2BR with study options for either</li>
	<li>4 level basement containing 162 vehicles and 57 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Ground level amenities including 20 metre pool, sauna and gymnasium</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 21,847sqm</li>
	<li>Single cafe tenancy at ground level</li>
	<li>Commissioned public artwork to be determined after discussions with Council</li>
</ul>
Supplementing the vertical gardens is 892sqm of ground floor green area, with Bates Smart describing the building as living design.

With the tower's projecting planters intended to mirror the gardens of St Kilda Road in a vertical fashion, they are also designed to become an external extension of internal spaces. Bates Smart heavily reference the pavilion throughout their urban context report, essentially created a tower where external spaces are designed to be used as often as possible.

This is achieved by floor to ceiling glazing, extended slabs and operable screens.

Conceived as a series of stacked pavilions, 596 St Kilda Road does carry similar external traits to existing Bates Smart residential projects such as <a href="http://www.pelotongroup.com.au/property/queens_road.htm">Proximity on Queens</a> and Canberra's <a href="https://www.batessmart.com/bates-smart/projects/sectors/residential/atelier/">Atelier</a>, albeit with the addition of green vertical highlights.

596 St Kilda Road's apartment mix sees 95 single bedroom apartments range in size between 50-62sqm while dual bedrooms range between 77-82sqm.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image43_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A garden living exemplar, similar to what can be expected within the project. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_4.jpg?itok=5y5uzN2E" title="A garden living exemplar, similar to what can be expected within the project. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A garden living exemplar as identified by the architect. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>St Kilda Road has proven to be fertile grounds for both local and international developers in recent years, as its transformation from commercial enclave to residential boulevard continues.

Asian developers are well represented in the area, with Lian Beng Group merely the latest to cash in upon Melbourne's high density living surge. <a href="/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> will have <a href="/buildings/parque-melbourne-555-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Parque St Kilda Road</a> complete soon enough with settlement due by the end of next month, while a handful of other projects are in the pipeline.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">412 St Kilda Road</a> is at planning on behalf of Malaysian-based <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise</a> while the likes of Wuzhong and Chinese-affiliated <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> are also active on the strip.

<h2>596 St Kilda Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lian Beng (St Kilda) Pte. Ltd.</li>
	<li>Architecture and Urban Context Report: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>Planning: <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering Assessment: GTA</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney &amp; Young</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: Tract</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Lian Beng Group enter Melbourne with 596 St Kilda Road

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St. Kilda Road has gone about transforming itself from a commercial hub into a haven for upmarket apartments for some time now, morphing from a dead after hours office precinct into an affluent residential boulevard.
A new proposal for the Fawkner Centre at 499 St. Kilda Road continues this trend, with intentions to convert the dated commercial tower into a rejuvenated 19 level residential complex.  Currently the Fawkner Centre stands at 18 levels and ulilises approximately half the 6,050 square metre site with 20,000sqm of office space and five retail tenancies the headline figures.
<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/1178.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1178.jpg?itok=sQRkaZIr" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter" width="580"></a>
After purchasing the site during 2012, local developer <a href="http://www.lasgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">LAS Group</a> now aims to transform the complex into 19 levels of apartments whilst also expanding the smaller podium building toward St. Kilda Road. Within this new scheme, residential facilities are principally located atop the podium building, whilst double storey dwellings will be included amongst the anticipated 245 apartments available.
Level 19 will house outdoor facilities for the associated penthouses below while the aforementioned residents facilities include a lounge, communal garden, sauna and steam room, yoga facilities, gym as well as an indoor pool and external sundeck. A total of 245 apartments with a variety of layouts will be developed in the project in conjunction with 293 car parks, 19 tandem car parks and 270 bike spaces.
3020.5 square metres of new area will be built, complementing the refurbishment however there are no plans to include retail space into the reincarnated structure. Along the St. Kilda Road frontage the proposal aims to develop a new identity for the building with the lanning application stating that the construction of an additional 7 levels to that side of the building will help change the “face” of the structure from its current bland office exterior to that of a dymanic residential building.
In addition to augmenting the original structure, the St. Kilda Road interface will be revamped via a new drop off zone in conjunction with a new mirrored canopy which will greet residents as they enter the building, creating a distinctive entrance for the revamped tower.  Reconnecting the building with its surrounds is one of the key areas project architect <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/" target="_blank">Elenberg Fraser</a> and landscape design firm <a href="http://www.oculus.info/">Oculus</a> have focused on, with high attention to detail given to revitalising the connections between building adjoining enviorns.
<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_8.jpg?itok=ihExiN3M" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>
At present, the Fawkner Park interface includes a large at grade car park against the boundary.  Through the introduction of initiatives such as soft articulated fencing and landscaping, a stepped landscaped façade to the ground and first floor of the building and planter boxes at ground level with vertical batten fencing, the design team have aimed to “soften” the building.  By creating a visual link more in keeping with the qualities of the park, the designers intent to “reactivate and reinstate the visual relationship between the building and Fawkner Park.”
In keeping with the “greening” of the site, the vehicular access way between St. Kilda Road and Fawkner Park will be eliminated, transforming it into a pedestrian link with a green edge being planted along the passageway.
Through the courtyards at ground level, pergola like structures are incorporated which are designed to provide privacy from level 1 as well as promote the landscaping to flourish and spread in a natural fashion.  Enhanced connections with Fawkner Park and private access for residents aims to promote use to the park.
<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/Image13_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image13_10.jpg?itok=APrxG8qZ" title="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>
As a refurbishment rather than new build, certain constraints were considered by Elenberg Fraser to ensure the new design would not affect the structural integrity of the existing building, in particular the existing structural spandrels which constitute the façade.
By remodelling and recladding the spandrels in a way that gradually transitions vertically and horizontally along the building’s elevation, they have been able to develop an appealing solution to the dated concrete façade which exists at present.  By having the spandrels transition horizontally, the appearance of the building is altered dramatically without stripping the existing original form.
Furthermore, a secondary level of articulation has been introduced to the façade, with a shifting pattern developed that is able to further enhance the elevation by the creation of a three-dimensional like illusion. The carved spandrels are planned to be reclad in a silver metal, with surrounding aspects painted a dark colour to allow the spandrels to highlight the architectural statement across the façade.
Either side of the main facades will be given a dark curtain wall combined with metallic trims as a way to “provide an anchor to the building’s form and complement the rest of the building”.
Having been with state planning body DTPLI for a number of months, 499 St Kilda Road's future will become clear soon enough with a decision on approval likely in the short to medium term.
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