Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377495]

For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377494]

“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135149]

From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376196]

Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

Steller

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Melbourne developer Steller has collapsed into receivership.
Steller had a reported $4 billion-plus worth of residential and commercial projects in the pipeline with a number of high-profile development vendors and acquisitions across Melbourne.
The decision comes a few days after their stalled $80 million joint development of the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/sorrentos-stalled-conti-hotel-listed-for-sale">Conti Hotel in Sorrento</a> (above) hit the market. It is owned by hotelier Julian Gerner who bought it from the Di Pietro family in 2015. 
Gerner had embarked on a $150 million end-value restoration and redevelopment before Steller bought into the project in 2017.
Stellar was founded in 2006 by Simon Pitard and Nicholas Smedley who dissolving their partnership and selling all undeveloped assets.
Financial trouble has been cited as the likely cause.
Credit fund manager OCP Asia, who provided funding to Stellar, appointed receivers McGrathNichol Restructing to secure their position, the Australian Financial Review has reported.
The Australian reported OCP lent around $120 million. Sydney-based fund manager Atlas Advisors also lent to Steller. Atlas Advisors has advised it was not a principal lender but ran bespoke funds built to cater for the differing appetites of investors.
"The receivers are undertaking an urgent financial assessment of the assets under their control," McGrathNicol partner Keith Crawford said in a statement.
"We'll be working constructively with all stakeholders, including financiers of individual properties, to secure the best possible outcome for all parties."
OCP Asia said they will support the assets during the receivership process, providing "additional funding to ensure the assets can be maintained while options for recapitalisation, development and/or disposal are explored".
Based in Caulfield East, Steller had projects in nearby Carnegie and Bentleigh and recently completed developments in Glen Huntley and Hawthorn East. 
Guy Hedley, the executive chairman at Atlas, has since publication of their involvement, noted "Steller is going through a process of dissolving its partnership.”
“However Atlas is confident the matter will be resolved and a recovery acceptable to our investors will be achieved.”
The Age has reported Atlas placed caveats last month on a series of properties owned by Steller or the subject of Steller property developments.
Atlas has caveats over a development site at 12-18 Craig Street, East Keilor, a series of houses on Riversdale Road, East Hawthorn, the Parkdale private hospital at 152 Como Parade West and properties in Bittern, Hastings and Mornington.
 
 
 
 
 
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Melbourne developer Steller falls into receivership

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Laila in Carnegie, Steller’s latest apartment development has incorporated a new ‘flexible space’ product into it's one bedroom apartments.
Located at 7 – 11 Belsize Avenue, all Laila one-bedroom apartments now include a flexible space component which allows purchasers to choose between incorporating a butlers pantry, study or nursery into the floor plan.
With the addition of this space, one-bedrooms are now 54 to 70 square metres.
According to James Cirelli, Steller’s Project Sales &amp; Marketing Director, this product offers an affordable way for purchasers to add value to their homes while adapting to their own individual requirements.
“Design expectations for off-the-plan developments continue to rise as buyers become savvier about their home and how it needs to function. This flexible space component opens up a world of possibilities for our Laila first home buyers, downsizers and expecting families,” said Cirelli.
With 35 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across four levels, Laila has been designed by architects Ewert Leaf.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/14/Steller%202.jpg" alt="">
Alongside its expansive one-bedroom apartments, two-bedrooms range from 69 to 100 square metres and three-bedrooms from 125 to 138 square metres.
Cirelli said that Laila caters to the evolving needs of the modern buyer, who want to be close to cafés, shops and recreational facilities.
“Steller’s approach to development is community-centric and we recognise that buyers are now considering a multitude of factors in their purchase, including aesthetics, interior design, location, amenities and community,” he added
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/14/Steller%203.jpg" alt="">
“The flexibility of Laila’s location allows for unrivalled access to coveted school catchment zones. Iconic Caufield Racecourse is just 10 minutes away and offers a range of family- friendly and sporting events throughout the year.”
“Close proximity to nearby Koornang Park and Lord Reserve is an added bonus for Laila residents who can enjoy a weekend stroll or spontaneous family picnic,” he said.
The Laila display suite is now open and prices start from $550,000.
Steller’s flexible space component has also been incorporated into its recently launched Maude Residences at 7-11 Maude Street, Cheltenham and Sora at 13-15 Hamilton Street, Bentleigh.
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Laila in Carnegie development adds 'flexible spaces' to its one bedroom units

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Melbourne's south-east apartment market is set for a major boost with Melbourne developer Steller launching three projects in two weeks across Carnegie, Bentleigh and Cheltenham. Apartments.com.au is currently tracking Steller's project pipeline valued at over $4.2 billion, which includes its first high-rise foray in South Melbourne, working alongside longtime collaborator architect Ewert Leaf. Already the partnership has yielded hundreds of apartments across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs.

Steller also recently commenced construction on the first stage of its $80 million Continental Hotel redevelopment in Sorrento. The major redevelopment will re-imagine the 143-year-old icon as a luxury accommodation, wellness, recreation, entertainment and dining destination, with the heritage hotel restored as a leading hospitality and events establishment, along with the addition of three new proposed interconnecting buildings, which will include premium hotel rooms and a wellness centre including a day spa and gym.

<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/continental_hotel-sorrento.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="186" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/continental_hotel-sorrento.jpg?itok=TeJIBVrR" title="Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Steller</figcaption></figure>Steller's trio of new apartment developments are all located within maturing apartment markets which are well serviced by public transport and within close proximity of retail strips, schools and supermarkets. Carnegie and Bentleigh in particular have benefited from the Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal program which included the reconstruction of the respective stations, removing the conflict between rail and vehicle, while easing congestion.

Additionally, the three projects align with Steller's strategy in the south-east of delivering low-rise developments of around 30 apartments which are well designed and offer residents a high level of amenity.

<h2><a href="/buildings/laila-residences-7-11-belsize-avenue-carnegie">Laila - 7-11 Belsize Avenue, Carnegie</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/am18-21_lailaresidences_domain_living_1920x1080.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/am18-21_lailaresidences_domain_living_1920x1080.jpg?itok=tkYZj0lK" title="Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Located within the heart of Carnegie, Laila comprises 35 apartments across four levels, within walking distance of the Koornang Road retail and dining strip, green open space and the recently rebuilt Carnegie Station. The project also capitalises on its proximity to Chadstone Shopping Centre and Monash University’s Caulfield campus, both just just five minutes’ drive away in either direction.

Ewert Leaf's design for the exterior of the building allows it to sit comfortably within the low-rise streetscape. Employing a neutral palette of contrasting shades and highly textured materials, Laila is articulated as a series of buildings rather than one singular mass, with the upper level setback and designed to be visually recessive. The built form has also been designed to maximise privacy while minimising overshadowing to adjoining properties.

Laila's mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each come with one or two bathrooms, and private outdoor spaces which seamlessly connect to the interiors, with large windows providing living areas with ample natural light and ventilation. The interiors feature timber flooring throughout, while kitchens are appointed with sleek black ILVE appliances and shaker style cabinets.

<h2><a href="/buildings/sora-13-15-hamilton-street-bentleigh">SORA - 13-15 Hamilton Street, Bentleigh</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/steller_sora_bentleigh_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_012.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/steller_sora_bentleigh_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_012.jpg?itok=O5VI-U7x" title="Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Ewert Leaf are once again the architects behind SORA, a four-storey low-rise of 27 apartments located 15km from the Melbourne CBD in Bentleigh.  Providing a mix of larger one, two &amp; three bedroom apartments, SORA has been designed to appeal to professionals, couples and families.

Situated within walking distance of Bentleigh Station, SORA also benefits from its proximity to Coles, Target, and the Centre Road retail strip which provides an array of essential services and amenity. A number of green spaces are also located within a short walk.

SORA's exterior is characterised by its tiered form, and combination of timber, brick and textured concrete with planters and vegetation providing green flourishes on the facade. The building is expressed as two forms to respond to the built form along the Hamilton Street and to minimise its impact on the streetscape and surrounding properties.

Internally, SORA comes complete with ILVE kitchen appliances and much like Laila, shaker-style cabinetry and natural timber flooring. In keeping with the desire to provide apartments with natural light and ventilation, large windows have been provided which also allow for a green outlook and seamless transition to the outdoors.

<h2><a href="/buildings/maude-7-11-maude-street-cheltenham">Maude - 7-11 Maude Street, Cheltenham</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/steller_mc_maude_street_cheltenham_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/steller_mc_maude_street_cheltenham_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_01.jpg?itok=dXB56Mya" title="Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Set to launch to market in the next week, this four-storey building comprising 34 apartments has been designed by regular Steller collaborators, Ewert Leaf. Look out for Apartments.com.au's feature on Cheltenham's development pipeline including Maude next week.
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Laurence Dragomir

A Steller showcase in Melbourne's south-east

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Steller's intended development of a low-rise South Melbourne corner site has taken another step closer to fruition with Ewert Leaf producing a new design for 200-204 Wells Street.

What shapes as the first high-rise for both developer and architect is also set to continue the very well established relationship between the duo. The partnership has yielded hundreds of apartments over numerous sites predominantly across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs.

Steller landed the South Melbourne plot after it was offered for sale via a Lemon Baxter campaign during late 2017. The sale came after approval was granted during June 2017 for an Artisan Architects-designed tower containing 174 apartments.

That scheme included a Gross Floor Area of 21,857 square metres over 20 levels.

<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/image154_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lemon Baxter's sales image for the Wells street site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154_1.jpg?itok=3stxkgms" title="Lemon Baxter's sales image for the Wells street site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lemon Baxter's sales image for the Wells Street site</figcaption></figure>Reflective of a number of pending residential towers surrounding Steller's site, the apartment balance has been reworked to better suit current market conditions. The approved 174 apartments are likely to shrink to 84 according to Ewert Leaf, split between 36 single, 36 double and 12 triple bedroom apartments across its 18 levels.

The nearby <a href="/buildings/the-eighth-south-melbourne-22-kings-place-south-melbourne">8 Palmerston Crescent</a> for Crema Group also spans 18 levels and consists of only two and three bedroom apartments. 

The apparent dramatic reduction in Steller's Wells Street apartment numbers can also be attributed to the inclusion of commercial office space and a marked increase in space associated to amenities. Ewert Leaf note the tower's Net Saleable Area as at 6,907 square metres, equating to an average apartment size of just over 82 square metres across 84 apartments.

200-204 Wells Street finds itself on the eastern border of South Melbourne, and is within walking distance to the under construction Anzac Station. The area is becoming increasingly popular with developers owing to its location and abundance of relatively modern low-rise buildings suitable for redevelopment.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1-3-596x727.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ewert Leaf's first high-rise project in the making"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="707" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-3-596x727.jpg?itok=CP1gP6dy" title="Ewert Leaf's first high-rise project in the making" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ewert Leaf's first high-rise project in the making</figcaption></figure>Ewert Leaf describes the project as follows:

<blockquote>
The development comprises 84 apartments, 3 levels of office space and 2 levels of shared communal facilities for the residents of the building. These communal facilities include hotel style offerings of pool, day spa, lounges, café, restaurant and private dining options. 

The podium features angled concrete planes, which are glazed or clad with a perforated mesh, creating an undulating form which wraps the corner site and draws your eye around the building.

To emphasise the slenderness of the tower, the form has been broken down into concrete frames which wrap a number of levels, creating a simple and unified form. The concrete is further utilised in a ribbed pattern on the east and west facades.

Perforated mesh screens to the balconies create winter gardens and enable residents to use these spaces all year.
</blockquote>

200-204 Wells Street is Steller's first high-rise pursuit in a catalogue of developments that reaches past 50.

Currently, Apartments.com.au is tracking 30 developments under the Steller umbrella. The Wells Street tower aside, other sizeable pending projects for the developer include <a href="/buildings/13-15-chesterville-road-cheltenham">Chesterville Road</a>, <a href="/buildings/13-15-taylor-street-moorabbin">Taylor Street</a> and Elsternwick's <a href="/buildings/eva-elsternwick-village-apartments-241-glen-huntly-road-elsternwick">Glen Huntly Road</a>.
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silvermb

Steller and Ewert Leaf combine for a reworked South Melbourne apartment tower

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Steller's hefty portfolio of current residential projects continues to tick along, as the developer pursues another multi-level development in Moorabbin.

Sited at 13-15 Taylor Street, the pending project would account for a JAX Tyres outlet, and is a continuance of Steller's preference for apartment projects across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs. Submitted for approval is a 10-storey mixed-use building created by Steller's in-house design team; a move that sees the developer's long favoured architecture firm Ewert Leaf overlooked on this particular project.

In store are 71 apartments across the 1,254 square metre site which holds a frontage of 30 metres to Taylor Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="13-15 Taylor Street. Planning image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="594" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_10.jpg?itok=fn_jFFia" title="13-15 Taylor Street. Planning image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>13-15 Taylor Street. Planning image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Steller has veered away somewhat from their stock-in-trade of large two and three bedroom apartments with 13-15 Taylor Street, electing to add 15 studio apartments into the mix. Not often detected through the Apartments.com.au Project Database, the addition of studio dwellings may well be reflective of the target buyer Steller has in mind.

Studio apartments are supplemented by 52 dual bedroom and 4 triple bedroom apartments within the proposal.

3 retail outlets amounting to 268 square metres, an office of 320 square metres and 86 car parking spaces are present across the design's lower levels.

At 32.6 metres in height, the application's east and west facades are its design highlight featuring white angular balconies contrasting against a black background. 

<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_6532_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Taylor Street site with Steller's 11 Central to the rear"><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_6532_0.jpg?itok=5G0mgJmb" title="The Taylor Street site with Steller's 11 Central to the rear" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Taylor Street site with Steller's 11 Central to the rear</figcaption></figure>This particular pocket of Moorabbin is beginning to receive a heightened degree of residential activity, as suitably sized sites are secured by developers.

First off the rank was PPHA and MAB Corporation's joint 7 level project fronting South Road, followed by Milbex's 10 level Elenberg Fraser-designed apartment project at 6 Station Street Moorabbin.

Most recently completed was Steller's initial high-density project in this pocket of Moorabbin dubbed 11 Central. Settled during 2016, the seven-level buildings is diagonally opposite the Taylor Street development site.

In the event that Steller's latest project gains approval, it would sit next to a Shangri-La Constructions-controlled approved development of 52 apartments at <a href="/buildings/moor-apartments-17-taylor-street-moorabbin">17 Taylor Street</a>.
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Steller dips back into Moorabbin

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Elsternwick may potentially receive a new tallest building as Steller's latest project hits advertising, revealing a Ewert Leaf-designed mixed-use scheme for 233-247 Glen Huntly Road.

A prompt turnaround of the site is on the cards, with Steller simultaneously revealing that they were the purchaser of the site and lodging the project with City of Glen Eira during July. The 2,340sqm site which also fronts Ripon Grove was secured by the prolific developer for $25 million.

233-247 Glen Huntly Road would usurp the completed <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/portfolio/element/">Element</a> development nearby at 221-229 Glen Huntly Road as Elsternwick's tallest contemporary development.

<h2>233-247 Glen Huntly 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/image10steller.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective from street level. Planning image: Ewert Leaf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10steller.jpg?itok=YZ3PwXe8" title="Rendered perspective from street level. Planning image: Ewert Leaf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective from street level. Planning image: Ewert Leaf</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Currently onsite: Commercial tenancies and a dwelling</li>
	<li>Proposed: 12 level building at 41.4m in height</li>
	<li>117 apartments: 2 x 1BR, 111 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Apartment size range: 64sqm - 143sqm</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies: 974.8sqm combined</li>
	<li>1 office tenancy: 896.7sqm</li>
	<li>Provision for 172 vehicles &amp; 127 bicycles</li>
	<li>Communal roof terrace</li>
	<li>Anticipated cost of development: $39.45m</li>
</ul>
<h2>A new iteration</h2>

Steller's current aspirations for 233-247 Glen Huntly Road are not necessarily groundbreaking in that VCAT has in the past endorsed a similar-sized scheme for the site.

During 2011 consent was given for a building rising up to 10 levels and containing 141 apartments. That scheme also included the adjoining church on Ripon Grove which was to have been converted into an additional 21 dwellings, although the church which is described as having architectural and social importance by Heritage Council Victoria is not included within the current application.

233-247 Glen Huntly Road falls under an urban renewal zone within the <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/silvermb/Downloads/Draft-Elsternwick-Structure-Plan.pdf%5C">Draft Elsternwick Structure Plan</a>, allowing this and adjoining sites to receive intensified development.

According to the development team, the current scheme has been designed to comply with relevant planning overlays.

<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/image15ghr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial rendered perspective. Planning image: Ewert Leaf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15ghr.jpg?itok=qKow4kur" title="Aerial rendered perspective. Planning image: Ewert Leaf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial rendered perspective. Planning image: Ewert Leaf</figcaption></figure><h2>Steller's next wave</h2>

Steller's move on Elsternwick coincides with the news that they are the recent purchaser of St Kilda's former Greyhound Hotel site.

Picking up the vacant block for $7.5 million, Steller may well redesign the approved plans from eight levels into a seven level mixed-use project including 37 apartments and two retail spaces. Addressed 1 Brighton Road, Savills recently handled the marketing campaign for the 911sqm site which included approved plans devised by Terry Harper Architects.

Both Elsternwick and St Kilda reinforce Steller's push into Melbourne's inner south-eastern corridor, following on from the developer's purchase earlier this year of a permitted 20 level tower at 200-204 Wells Street in South Melbourne.

That site holds approval for an Artisan Architects-designed tower of approximately 200 apartments, after being sold via Lemon Baxter earlier this year.

<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/image12_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Kilda and South Melbourne were both purchased with approved schemes."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_13.jpg?itok=h3d38G58" title="St Kilda and South Melbourne were both purchased with approved schemes." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Kilda and South Melbourne were both purchased with approved schemes.</figcaption></figure>
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Steller seeks a new Elsternwick high point

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...prolific apartment developer Steller.

Provided you're in the right suburb, chances are when you peer over your back fence you'll be looking at a Steller project under construction.

The Carnegie-based outfit has made a habit of targeting suburban Residential Growth Zones with low-rise apartment projects - and very successfully. Steller has no less than 22 projects currently within the Apartments.com.au Project Database; based on database entries alone they are a veritable quantum leap ahead of the next.

Steller's upswing can be attributed to a number of factors. Primarily, the developer focuses on 3-5 level apartment buildings across Melbourne's southern and eastern suburbs where owner-occupiers are currently all the rage.

Working generally within the 20-40 apartment band per project, two and three bedroom options rule to roost. Single bedroom apartments few and far between.

<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/image27_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bentleigh is the epicentre of Steller's project map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_6.jpg?itok=LrIb8Ru9" title="Bentleigh is the epicentre of Steller's project map" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bentleigh is the epicentre of Steller's project map</figcaption></figure>The slant toward oversized apartments in suburbs which are currently in favour sees Steller log 21 projects within the Apartments.com.au Project Database which are either at Registrations &amp; Sales or Under Construction. Undoubtedly the developer has more up their sleeve as well which have yet to reach the public realm.

The sum of all Steller listings within the Apartments.com.au Project Database amounts at 781 apartments; 36 apartments per project on average, or still well under any of a handful of individual inner city's super towers under construction which carry in excess of 1,000 apartments.

Steller's success has also passed down to their architect of choice, Ewert Leaf. The South Melbourne practice sees a healthy proportion of their database listing attributed to Steller apartment projects.

Steller's increased project exposure flows from the developer's relationship with two key partners, namely APN Property Group and OCP Asia. 

In partnership with APN, the duo have cemented a development partnership which will <a href="http://apngroup.com.au/fund/apn-steller-development-fund/">develop 223 apartments over six medium density projects</a>. Insight is given by APN Property Group as to why their partnership (and by default Steller) is so successful. The manageable size of each project allows for an altogether nimble approach to development. 

<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/image28_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bentleigh's Vickory and Hall Street, Cheltenham"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_4.jpg?itok=4zmu7PcS" title="Bentleigh's Vickory and Hall Street, Cheltenham" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bentleigh's Vickory and Hall Street, Cheltenham</figcaption></figure>Medium density projects with a fast turn around and lessened inherent risk, located in Residential Growth Zones surrounding public transport is the order of the day, and a recipe for success.

The Australian <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/steller-group-gets-asian-equity-boost/news-story/35cdf02c518251a72e6b5dfbdbaa846c">reported mid this year</a> that OCP Asia as Steller's second partner will provide finance to multiple apartment developments in the pipeline; roughly $800 million worth of apartments across ­Melbourne’s south eastern ­suburbs will benefit from the agreement.

With the sheer volume of projects Steller has on the go, one thing's for sure...they will keep the Apartments.com.au Project Database ticking over for some time to come.
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