Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Student accommodation

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UniLodge Park Central has opened its doors today and is the first of a trio of projects planned by Singaporean-based property developer Wee Hur Capital.

Woods Bagot was given a brief to create a ‘home away from home’ for international and inter-state students, to provide a seamless transition into tertiary student life in Buranda, Brisbane. 

<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/unilodge1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unilodge1.jpg?itok=Pd1KnT-k" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UniLodge, Brisbane. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The purpose-built high-rise features 1,578 rooms and offers lifestyle, comfort and convenience, as well as catering to the current demand for more student housing in the city.

<blockquote>
“To create a welcoming environment for students from over 50 countries we researched how they rest, play, work and interact with one another at a time when they are just beginning their adult lives.”

- HangChung Ling, project architect
</blockquote>

Students can enjoy private zones for relaxation, communal spaces, sky garden common rooms and sustainable transport options such as a bicycle centre and car share facility. At street-level, a selection of retail stores will be available for the convenience of students and the wider Buranda community.

Prior to Uni Lodge Park Central, Woods Bagot completed the design for an 11-floor student living facility at <a href="https://www.studyinternational.com/news/ideal-student-accommodation-australia/">80 Stirling Street</a> in Perth, which has been noted as “blurring of the lines between traditional student accommodation and a co-living space”. 

Stay tuned for further updates on the second and third UniLodge developments later this year. 
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Olivia Round

‘A home away from home’ - new UniLodge opens in Queensland

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International student visa numbers are continuing to rise at double digit growth levels and because of this PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) is a rapidly growing industry, according to the latest Savills report on student accomodation.
<a href="http://www.savills.com.au/blog/article/170261/australia-articles/the-2018-savills-australian-student-accommodation-market-update.aspx?utm_source=PropertyObserver&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAdvert&amp;utm_campaign=POOnlineBannerLeaderboard-StudentAccomm-19Nov2018" target="_blank">The report</a> found there are 76,201 beds of PBSA in the eight Australian capital cities, however the existing supply in each city is less than 12% of the full-time student population with the exception of Canberra (27.2%).
Over the first three quarters of 2018, the key focus for the major developers in this sector has been the continued acquisition of sites and the construction and delivery of new PBSA.
Sydney currently has a total development pipeline of 4,787 beds (2.2% full-time students) expected to be delivered over the next four years, of which circa 41% is proposed by universities.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%201.JPG" alt="">
Melbourne has the largest development pipeline of 16,137 beds (5.5% full-time students), which is a quite significant increase compared to 12 months ago.
However, the Melbourne market is underpinned by a strong demand for accommodation, with new schemes trading well.
Melbourne’s universities are active in developing their accommodation, with several projects contributing to just over 25% of the proposed pipeline.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%202.JPG" alt="">
The pipeline of new PBSA projects in Brisbane has slowed somewhat in the past 12 months, following an extremely busy period over the 18 months prior, backed by the positive initiatives of Brisbane City Council.
Brisbane’s development pipeline is currently 6,865 beds (4.8% of full-time students).
There are some concerns Student One, 363 Adelaide St, Brisbane (pictured above) regarding the potential uptake of new PBSA being delivered into the market in the short to medium term, as there is also an increasing pipeline of residential apartments being delivered in the city in the same timeframe.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%203.JPG" alt="">
A number of new PBSA projects have entered the development pipeline in Adelaide, predominantly focused towards the northern end of the CBD and North Terrace.
Recently completed schemes are trading with good occupancy levels.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%204.JPG" alt="">
Currently there is no direct-let accommodation in Perth.
It is also a market that has witnessed a new phase of development, with a number of direct-let projects being promoted in the past 12 months.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australia's student accommodation industry a rapidly growing opportunity: Savills

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Investment in residential alternatives of all types is rising, global residential investment volumes exceeding all retail or industrial investment in the past year, according to new research from Savills. 
The latest Global Living report reveals that student housing investment volumes have risen 87 per cent in the past five years, with the provision of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) highest in the UK and lowest in southern Europe.
Savills Australia’s director for Student Accommodation, Conal Newland, said that the supply of new PBSA in Australia was growing in many of the major cities, underpinned by a lack of existing accommodation and strong student population growth.
“As the 20- to 39-year-old age bracket becomes more prevalent in the rental market, the increasing influence of Gen Y’s demand for higher-quality rental accommodation is creating opportunities for developers to provide hybrid co-living developments,” he said.
 <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/2018/10/25/student%20accomodation%20.jpg" alt="">
“The recently completed UKO Stanmore is an example of a communal accommodation option available in Sydney, which has been delivered under the new generation boarding house planning designation.”
UKO is Australia’s first co-living residential series emulating similar concepts in Europe, the UK and the US, with its Stanmore offering comprising 33 units. Developments in Newton and Paddington are set to follow.
In Melbourne, there is Urban Coup, which comprises 30 households ranging from first-home buyers to young families.
Mr Newland went on to say he expected “a steady increase” in PBSA transactions in the short term, which he believed would be the catalyst for a surge of investment into other residential-based asset classes.
“Increasing transaction volumes will, in our opinion, drive down PBSA yields in Australia, which currently sit much higher than other more mature markets, such as the UK and many European countries,” he said.
The report outlines the growing popularity of co-living across the globe, which is a more luxurious form of share-housing and extends the convenience and amenity of PBSA to non-student markets. Targeted at graduates and young professionals, as well as students, co-living accommodation offers fully furnished units, extensive amenities, community events, all-inclusive bills and pro-active management.
“Given the increasing global capital flows attracted to a growing range of residential investment opportunities, Australian lawmakers should be mindful of passing legislation that may reduce the attractiveness of investments, or this country may run the risk of becoming less attractive to millennials and Gen Zs looking to study, live and work here,” Mr Newland concluded.
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Student accommodation and co-living drive residential investment in Australia

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A planning application has been lodged for a proposed $85 million student accommodation tower in the Adelaide CBD, set to become the tallest purpose-built student-only accommodation building in the world.
The application for the 124.2 metre tall tower has been lodged by developer Hines Property on a site it owns at 29 Twin Street between Grenfell Street and Rundle Mall adjacent the Ibis Adelaide Hotel (also developed and owned by Hines Property).
The world’s tallest student accommodation building is currently the Student One Wharf Street tower in Brisbane at 122 metres tall.
Hines Property has planned the 38-storey solely student-use development with architecture firm Woods Bagot.
The building will include a range of accommodation options from single studio rooms through to five and six-bedroom apartments, incorporating a total of 510 beds.
In addition to the ground floor lobby and cafe, the tower will include a communal mezzanine lounge, cinema and events space, study and dining area, garden retreat and rooftop lawn, gym, wellness and yoga space. 
<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/2018/9/27/Twin%20hero%202.jpg" alt="">
Construction of the 29 Twin Street project is anticipated to commence next year and take 18 months to complete.
James Hines, Managing Director of Hines Property said:
"There are already over 10,000 international and interstate students enrolled at the city-based universities and they provide a significant economic benefit to the state.
"This development will undoubtedly be the drawcard accommodation option for students considering Adelaide as a destination to undertake their studies."
Established in 2003, Hines Property is a privately-owned property development and investment group focusing on high-rise residential, office, hotel and mixed-use development projects.
Hines Property is also the largest owner of hotel accommodation in Adelaide, with more than 600 hotel rooms in its portfolio, including the Pullman Adelaide Hotel and the Ibis Adelaide Hotel.
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World's tallest student-only accommodation tower proposed in Adelaide

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Adelaide's CBD is set to welcome the arrival of two new developments; one the city's first Indigo Hotel and the other a sizeable new student accommodation complex.

It was revealed yesterday that Hotel Indigo will gain access to the Adelaide market via 23-29 Market Street which will host a 17 level purpose-built hotel. Adjacent to Adelaide's Central Market, Indigo Hotel Adelaide Markets is backed by Primefield Property who will develop the tower for InterContinental Hotels Group who will assume management rights.

137 rooms are included, supplemented by meeting spaces, a gym, pool and sun deck, café and rooftop bar.

Construction on the Market Street site will begin shortly, ushering in what will be the sixth Hotel Indigo in Australasia, adding to existing Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland and dual Melbourne locations. Another Melbourne presence has been mooted in South Yarra.

<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/image273.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Adelaide's newest hotel. Image: IHG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image273.jpg?itok=Y_UvcLTk" title="Adelaide's newest hotel. Image: IHG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Adelaide's newest hotel. Image: IHG</figcaption></figure>For Primefield Property Director Nick Lee the signing underpins Adelaide's strong hotel development credentials. “Adelaide is currently one of the more stable Australian hotel markets and the Central Market is the most visited place in South Australia, with approximately 8 million visitors per year.

We are thrilled to partner with IHG, one of the world’s leading hotel management companies, to bring the Hotel Indigo brand to Adelaide."

Indigo Hotel Adelaide Markets joins an already crowded Adelaide hotel development scene. Among other developments in the works are <a href="/developments/adelaide-sa">Westin Adelaide</a> on King William Street, <a href="/developments/adelaide-sa-5000">Tribe</a> on Wakefield Street, <a href="/developments/adelaide-sa-5000">Quest's</a> continued expansion to a new North Terrace location and Adelaide Casino's new addition which is at construction.

The City of Churches highest profile hotel in waiting is the proposed six-star Riverbank hotel which would cost up to $300 million and span 27 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/image277.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Student accommodation is proving popular in Adelaide's CBD. Image: IPG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image277.jpg?itok=B1nzT3YD" title="Student accommodation is proving popular in Adelaide's CBD. Image: IPG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wee Hur's initial Adelaide development is under construction. Image: IPG</figcaption></figure>Close to Market Street, 124 Waymouth Street is also subject to development with Intergen Property Group securing the site for Singapore-based Wee Hur.

In line with Wee Hur's rapid expansion into the Australian student accommodation market the Waymouth Street site is earmarked for a new $90 million build. Spanning 1,836 square metres, as many as 721 student beds are expected onsite by late 2021. Design's for Waymouth Street have yet to be revealed.

124 Waymouth Street was purchased for $9.275 million and follows on from 89-109 Gray Street. Currently under construction, the Grey Street site is Wee Hur's initial Adelaide project and will see 772 beds created over 17 levels.

Wee Hur's latest Adelaide play comes on the tail end of a rash of additional student accommodation projects being built across the city. More recent applications have become taller and more sophisticated, as evidenced by GSA Australia's <a href="/buildings/269-north-terrace-adelaide">approved North Terrace Tower</a>; the project involves 680 student beds over 34 levels.

In a sign of the underlying strength of demand for student accommodation within Adelaide, an application submitted during August for 29 Twin Street is seeking to go even higher, providing accommodation for 510 students over 36 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/image190_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Adelaide's new tallest syudent accommodation building? Image: Hines Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image190_1.jpg?itok=wjFaFb0P" title="Adelaide's new tallest syudent accommodation building? Image: Hines Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Twin Street may be Adelaide's new tallest student accommodation building. Image: Hines Property</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Adelaide primed for two telling new developments

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Australia’s student housing sector is set to boom in coming years, according to a report from Knight Frank.
Australia’s PBSA (purpose built student accommodation) sector is undergoing "rapid growth" due to an increasing number of Australian and international university students.
This year, over 8,000 new PBSA beds will become operational across Australia, approximately 20% more than in 2017.
Demand is outstripping supply with a growing population of both local and international students strengthening current demand.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of 18-25-year-olds in Australia is projected to increase by 104,000 between 2016 and 2026, increasing the number of Australian university students.
Chinese Higher Education enrollments in Australia could more than double by 2027; rising from the current figure of 124,700 to 294,000 enrollments according to Knight Frank Research estimates.
Knight Frank’s Paul Savitz, Director, Research and Consulting, Australia, said that speculation about the negative impact of high-ranking Chinese universities is unwarranted.
"There has been speculation of late that because Chinese global university rankings are improving, that this may have negative consequences for Australian universities; given their part reliance on full-fee paying international students," Savitz said. 
"However, when students are looking to study abroad, research shows that lifestyle factors are equally as important as the quality of education and because Australia offers international students a fantastic lifestyle with excellent employment opportunities, we have every confidence international student numbers will continue to rise."
In addition to freestanding PBSA developments, an additional opportunity for developers lies in upgrading existing university accommodation.
As a result, it’s expected that some of the largest investment opportunities will be in partnership with regional or metro universities to redevelop older on-campus stock.
Recent examples of public-private partnerships include the Living + Learning Partners consortium investment in the University of Wollongong’s on-campus student accommodation facilities, and ANU’s agreement with investment management firm H.R.L Morrison and Co over nine student residences.
The report suggests that establishing long-term partnerships with universities is the key to success in the PBSA sector.
"Whether it’s upgrading university accommodation or targeting overseas students in the direct let market, the key is developing long term relationships with universities to help meet their specific needs and investors and developers who are able to match a university’s vision will benefit long term; much more than those who simply target particular cities,” Savitz said. 
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Rapid growth in student housing demand presenting opportunities for developers: Knight Frank

A trio of current construction tenders are heralding the next wave of student accommodation builds that will aid in servicing the sector.

Three major projects are at tender; <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">183-189 A'Beckett Street</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">625-631 Swanston Street</a> and&nbsp;<a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">500 Swanston Street</a>. Combined they stand to add in the vicinity of 2,140 additional students beds.

Largest is&nbsp;<a href="/developers/wee-hur-holdings-ltd">Wee Hur Holdings</a>' A'Beckett street plot which the developer pounced upon after it was offered for sale with approved plans for an apartment development in tow.&nbsp;183-189 A'Beckett Street forms an integral plank in&nbsp;Wee Hur Holdings' expansion into the student accommodation sector.

The pending build will form part of an expected portfolio of developments that will eventually contain&nbsp;3250 beds across Australia.

<a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> have conceived the redesigned tower which spans&nbsp;48 levels, and are also responsible for&nbsp;625-631 Swanston Street. Dubbed Little Hall, that mid-rise build aims to deliver 669 students beds in conjunction with the University of Melbourne opposite Carlton's Lincoln Square.

<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/image198_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="606" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image198_1.jpg?itok=K0gl7QhS" title="Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/developers/little-projects-co">Little Projects</a> head Paul Little is backing the development,&nbsp;with a personal donation used to fund a new “philanthropic” model of student accommodation where at least $2 million of returns from the hall will be used to fund a scholarship program.

A head contractor is on track&nbsp;to be appointed and commence works by October 2018, with a 2020 completion date in mind.

Demolition works have just wrapped up at 500 Swanston Street. The former CFMEU headquarters has made way Journal Student Living's next Melbourne project. When appointed the prevailing builder will construct a&nbsp;METIER3-designed tower that includes near on 600 student beds and an activated laneway&nbsp;at street level.

The current tenders follow on from Watpac announcing last month that it was&nbsp;awarded a $49 million contract to build <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">123-135 Bouverie Street</a>. That project involves the delivery of 579 beds for developer Cedar Pacific, with the building to be managed by UniLodge.

Also in the construction queue are <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">UniLodge Place</a> at&nbsp;478-488 Elizabeth Street and South Yarra's first dedicated student accommodation building, <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">Iglu at 6 Claremont Street</a>.

A sweep through <a href="/">Apartments.com.au's</a> current Melbourne student accommodation builds sees a dozen projects at construction, combining to add 4,385 new beds to the sector.

The dramatic slow in new development applications&nbsp;is in part reflective of the industry's rapid delivery of student accommodation builds in recent years to match latent demand. No new major development applications have been lodged this calendar year for&nbsp;student accommodation projects across inner Melbourne.

<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/image199_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image199_0.jpg?itok=6PYcXhOm" title="Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road</figcaption>
</figure>

Profiling the next wave of Melbourne student accommodation builds 

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Urbanest Darling House will welcome its first tenants next month.
A twin bedroom with ensuite will start from $560 per person per week, while a single bedroom with ensuite starts from $646, with prices inclusive of all meals at The Eatery, water, electricity, contents insurance and 100GB of wireless internet per month.
Urbanest is one of Australia’s largest PBSA providers.
Its CEO David Munro stated Urbanest had been at the forefront of this industry since opening the doors on their first property in South Bank, Brisbane almost 10 years ago.
It now has 12 properties throughout Australia.
Urbanest Darling House is the final part of a three-year development of two buildings in the Darling Square precinct, with Urbanest partnering with Lendlease, Buildcorp and AJ+C architects on the projects.
The 664 bed development on Darling Drive is connected via a bridge to the Urbanest Darling Square.
 "We are set to revolutionise traditional student living again with the opening of Urbanest Darling House,” said Mr Munro.
“Urbanest will for the first time provide students with a fully inclusive product that incorporates in-house world-class catering,” said Mr Munro.
Branded ‘The Eatery at Urbanest Darling House’, the new dining space will see a team of top chefs recruited for the in-house operation.
“Our goal is to give students more than just a meal with a focus is on providing safe, secure facilities in a fun environment, supporting both the social and academic needs of students whilst away from home.” said Mr Munro.
Munro noted investment in the Australian Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market has witnessed major growth over the past decade.
Driving this investment is the value of the international education sector to the economy, which is expected to almost double to an excess of $33 billion by 2025.
 
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Urbanest Darling House to open in Darling Square precinct 

<html><body>
A Redfern apartment block is set to be converted into student accomodation, with a proposed $52 million purchase by Singaporean company Wee Hur Holdings.
Wee Hur, also known as The Group, have lodged a put and call option deed on the Gibbons Street block near Redfern Station.
They're intention is to redeveloper the property to be a purpose-built student accomodation (PBSA) with more than 500 beds (below).
The Group, a SGX mainboard-listed property developer, has proposed an 18-storey building with two podium levels and 16 levels of student accommodation.  
The proposal will consist of studios and cluster bedrooms, indoor and outdoor communal spaces for students and a small retail tenancy on the ground level.  
Designed with students in mind, the proposed student accommodation complex will provide facilities and amenities such as kitchen, laundry, bicycle parking, study rooms and games rooms etc.  
<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/2018/6/5/Gibbons.jpg" alt="">
The current freehold residential block comprises 32 apartments (top).
The 1,365 sqm site is a 10 to 20 minute walk from the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney respectively
If the proposed acquisition is successful and the PBSA redevelopment plan is approved, the total number of PBSA beds under the Wee Hur PBSA Master Trust can reach approximately 3,765.
The Group’s first PBSA with 1578 beds in Buranda, Brisbane is ready to take in students in July 2018. 
Its second PBSA with 772 beds along Gray Street, Adelaide is expected to complete by early 2019 for 2019 first semester student intake. 
Construction of the Group’s third PBSA with 900 beds along A'Beckett Street, Melbourne is expected to commence by end-2018 and to complete by 2020.
The Group executive chairman Goh Yeow Lian said they have wanted a PBSA in Sydney.
“We are very pleased to find this acquisition opportunity in Sydney as we wanted very much to have a PBSA in this city. 
"We find this site attractive as it is close to two universities, the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney, and also close to railway train and metro stations.”
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Redfern apartment building to be converted to student accomodation

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The flow of student accommodation projects into planning across Melbourne's inner suburbs has slowed considerably, allowing for the massive associated spike in construction to take its place in the spotlight.

With the effective completion of <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Melbourne</a> on Swanston Street and Iglu at <a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">229 Franklin Street</a>, there are still nine separate projects under construction. These nine alone will yield thousands of new beds for tertiary students.

<h2>At construction</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/image157_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A small sample of student accommodation construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="610" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image157_2.jpg?itok=iwhnISTM" title="A small sample of student accommodation construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A small sample of student accommodation construction</figcaption></figure>Latest to construction is <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/whitley-college-263-royal-parade-parkville">Whitley College</a> on Royal Parade. Builder Hacer has commenced early works across the site which will eventually see a new 6 storey building added behind the existing and unique circular brick building, for a total of 367 beds for GSA Australia.

Also in the starting blocks, UniLodge's 411-bed project across <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/15-27-wreckyn-street-north-melbourne">15-27 Wreckyn Street</a> with LU Simon tasked with the build.

Beyond that, the balance of projects are at various stages of construction and are generally confined to Carlton and North Melbourne. The notable exception is <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> which is rapidly reaching its final height of 43 levels as builder Hickory utilises its HBS unitised building method onsite.

One of the tallest student accommodation towers anywhere, the development will see 783 beds built in studio, twin share and cluster formats.

<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/image159_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="853" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_3.jpg?itok=ptVZZT-C" title="Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point</figcaption></figure><h2>All but complete</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/image158_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_0.jpg?itok=kbhQE1-V" title="Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering</figcaption></figure>Two developments are ready for handover as final touches are being applied.

<a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Melbourne</a> is the operator's first local tower and sees approximately 700 beds all but completed at the hand of contractor Built. The Denton Corker Marshall-designed high-rise is a vanguard project of sorts, ushering in the city's first student housing as skyscraper development.

<a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">Iglu Franklin Street</a> is a 594-bed student accommodation building that also resides in the northern reaches of Melbourne's CBD. Builder Hacer carries images of the project's <a href="http://www.hacer.com.au/projects/residential/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">completed internals online</a>, although finishing work is still being carried out.

<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/image162_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="721" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image162_0.jpg?itok=AyF8nO09" title="Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer</figcaption></figure><h2>Developments in waiting</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/image160_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image160_0.jpg?itok=TA_1fVia" title="500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street</figcaption></figure>Pending projects are among some of Melbourne's tallest projects inching toward construction. <a href="/news/atira-hits-melbourne-as-further-student-accommodation-projects-line-up">Atira A'Beckett Street</a>, <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cbd-west-end/183-189-abeckett-street-melbourne">Wee Hur's 183-189 A'Beckett Street</a> and GreenFort Capital's <a href="/news/488-elizabeth-street-turns-to-student-accommodation">478-488 Elizabeth Street</a> are among the tallest towers in Melbourne expected to start construction in the short to medium term.

Wee Hur's A'Beckett Street project stands to become Melbourne's tallest approved student housing project; the approved permit allows for a 58 storey tower spanning 178 metres.

Scape's intended tower at <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cbd-east-end/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a> was to have been the tallest student accommodation building on the planet at 199 metres, but has been rejected by the State Planning Minister. Whilst that project invariably goes back to the drawing board, Scape can pursue their freshly approved <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/557-591-swanston-street-carlton">557-591 Swanston Street</a>; it will yield 870 new student beds.

The balance of projects looking to take their place in the skyline are via established operators. Iglu's <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra tower</a> is at construction tender, Melbourne University is backing both the <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton Connect project</a> and <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">625-631 Swanston Street</a> whilst UniLodge are looking to make good on another location at <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">123-135 Bouverie Street</a>.

Not to be left behind is the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne which is pushing for a new accommodation project at <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">197-235 Bouverie Street</a>. The design has changed markedly since its initial submission and is now seeking approval for a mid-rise building sporting a new vivid exterior.

<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/carl1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/carl1.jpg?itok=FNFoXPb_" title="MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street</figcaption></figure>
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