A prominent eastern gateway site to Bondi Junction could soon host a new eight-storey apartment project combining market and affordable housing, under new plans lodged with Waverley Council.

The proposal covers a 1,631 sqm amalgamated site across five properties at 2–6 Bondi Road and 75–77 Old South Head Road, including the corner of Ben Eden Street.&nbsp;

According to the Design Verification Statement by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/tony-owen-partners">Tony Owen Partners</a>, the development will deliver a total of 56 apartments, incorporating 10 affordable dwellings. The project takes advantage of the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP, which provides a 30 per cent uplift in height and floor space ratio in exchange for the inclusion of affordable housing.

<img alt="Bondi Road, Bondi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64226782-681d-430f-a08b-31d007ba40e0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bondi%20Road%20Bondi%20site.png?VersionId=gCt8XpeE4jXEoao0FnG.Ij9mUr73CB68" />

The mix of apartments spans one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, with a layout designed to optimise amenity and environmental performance.&nbsp;88.5 per cent of units achieve natural cross ventilation, Tony Owen Partners notes in the statement, attributing the result to the site’s configuration and a high proportion of corner apartments.

The design also responds to the site’s transitional context, on the periphery of the high-rise Bondi Junction commercial core and adjoining the lower-scale Bellevue Hill precinct.&nbsp;

“The siting, scale, bulk, and massing of the proposed development is consistent with that anticipated for the area,” the statement reads, with the building’s height capped at 28.6 metres in line with the LEP controls including bonuses.

<img alt="Bondi Road building" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="083fb63f-8a64-4c21-9c09-83e379f1cedd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bondi%20bldg.png?VersionId=aQMby6eh5kCepC_rlXkobUpV0M6IsYns" />

Located near the intersection of Bondi Road, Oxford Street, and Old South Head Road, the site occupies a pivotal position at the entry to Bondi Junction from the east. The site is currently occupied by four detached two-storey dwellings.

Bondi Junction seldom sees new apartment development. Stargate is currently developing <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-centennial-collection-east-sydney-2-nelson-street-bondi-junction-nsw-2022">The Centennial Collection</a>, on the edge of Woollahra and Centennial Park, and are soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/signature-by-stargate-362-384-oxford-street-bondi-junction-nsw-2022">Signature by Stargate</a>, just down Oxford Street.

Urban Editorial

First look: Eight-storey apartment block pitched for key Bondi Junction gateway site

Boutique developer SIERA has recently completed PIPIS, a rare, absolute beachfront address that embodies the best of the southern Gold Coast.

PIPIS was delivered in under three years, an achievement that reflects SIERA’s considered yet efficient approach. After securing the prime Golden Four Drive site in late 2022, the team refined the approved design and delivered a boutique collection of 19 residences, including two double-storey penthouses, homes that demonstrate how precision, craftsmanship and a disciplined approach to design can make the most of a rare beachfront location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=353604]

With construction now complete and residents settled in, the final sub-penthouse offers a rare opportunity to join an address that captures the calm and quality of true beachfront living on the southern Gold Coast.

Beyond its location, PIPIS distinguishes itself through the depth of its amenity and the way those spaces are considered. Every element, from the magnesium lap pool and tropical landscaping to the dedicated dog wash and reformer Pilates equipment, has been planned with the residents’ day-to-day lives in mind. It’s not just what’s included, but how thoughtfully it’s executed.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=353605]

What truly sets PIPIS apart is the construction quality and craftsmanship, a hallmark of SIERA projects since its inception in 2014.

“Design and construction quality is the absolute first priority at SIERA,” says Managing Director Brent Thompson. “It’s the most important aspect of any project we do, before speed of delivery, before sales. If you can guarantee build quality, then the rest will fall into place.”

Thompson says the company’s reputation has been built on trust and lived experience rather than marketing promises. “What we want at SIERA is for future purchasers to speak to our past purchasers and ask them what it’s like living in a SIERA building. If we haven’t delivered on what we’ve promised previously, we won’t be successful in the future.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=6572]

With a background in construction, Thompson’s hands-on approach is a key part of SIERA’s success. “If buyers are putting faith in the SIERA brand, it’s my responsibility that we deliver absolute quality and the highest level of service.”&nbsp;

But for Thompson and SIERA, liveability goes far beyond build quality. Every project begins with a clear understanding of who it’s being designed for. “Before we commit to buying a piece of land to develop, we consider who will reside there and what will matter to them,” Thompson says.

Every residence at PIPIS has been designed to open to the breeze, the natural light, and the sound of the ocean. Broad balconies extend living spaces outward, while the use of robust, tactile materials ensures each home feels grounded and easy to live in. It’s a design shaped by Queensland’s climate and a genuine understanding of how people want to live by the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=353606]

Location was central to the vision for PIPIS. It was designed for people who know what makes the southern Gold Coast special, those who live here year-round and those who return whenever they can. “Our buyers all share the same mindset,” says Thompson. “They want to be close to Kirra, Palm Beach and Coolangatta, yet still have privacy and calm. They prefer smaller, well-crafted buildings to big towers, and they want to walk straight onto the beach. PIPIS was built around that sense of ease and familiarity.”’

With construction complete and residents now settled in, the final sub-penthouse offers a rare chance to join an address that defines absolute beachfront living on the southern Gold Coast, a building conceived with care, built with precision, and unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138311]

Joel Robinson

Quality assured: The sole focus driving SIERA’s Gold Coast apartment pipeline as PIPIS in Bilinga completes

When apartments are the minority in a suburb, their success often hinges on what’s available without needing a car.&nbsp;

Raya by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/core-developments">Core Developments</a> arrives at a time when apartment options in Gungahlin remain limited, and demand for well-located, walkable housing continues to grow.

Located on Ernest Cavanagh Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/raya-gungahlin-ernest-cavanagh-street-gungahlin-act-2912">Raya</a> places residents within the most active part of Gungahlin.&nbsp;

Retail, dining, education and transport are all within close walking distance, with many of the suburb’s primary amenities located within a 150 to 300 metre radius.

“Raya has got the best to both worlds. A great looking building, that will be built impeccably. It will stand the test of time, and add enduring value for any buyer. And, this is quite simply the best residential location in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gungahlin-act-2912">Gungahlin</a> with immediate access to every amenity Gungahlin has on offer. You could quite easily sell your car if you move here,” James Herbert of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/lj-hooker-project-marketing-act-0">LJ Hooker projects</a> said.

<img alt="Raya, Gungahlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="266b0b21-f56b-4d93-9039-e9e17a2c4b71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/e450173a099aaad8055757c92e45efb1-1600x0-c-default.png?VersionId=4X06Ja6e9pQTjOo4QKBEfKiRP1T7hR68" />

Marketplace Gungahlin - the suburb’s main shopping precinct - is less than a two-minute walk from the site. It offers access to major retailers including Woolworths, Aldi, BIG W and Kmart, along with a variety of services, medical centres, and fitness providers.

Dining options in the surrounding blocks are diverse and expanding. Longstanding local favourites like Le Bon Mélange and EQ Café are now joined by new arrivals such as Ikigai Ramen, The Usual and Sunday Canberra, reflecting Gungahlin’s emerging reputation as one of Canberra’s up-and-coming café and dining destinations.

While apartment living often calls for easy access to open space, Raya benefits from its proximity to several parks and recreational facilities. Yerrabi Pond District Park is just minutes away and offers walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots, as well as outdoor fitness equipment and a skate park.&nbsp;

Gungahlin Enclosed Oval and the Gungahlin Leisure Centre are also nearby, supporting a range of community and sports activities.

<img alt="Raya, Gungahlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b2ebc21-8257-4144-ad11-3970a73d5125" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/RAYA_2Bed-Living_nochair_3000-2000x0-c-default_0.png?VersionId=BJUJN_k6tZL9p9Lzq13m9OzyyKPstKQY" />

Public transport is a core strength of the location. The Gungahlin Place Light Rail stop, one of the network’s terminal stations, is located less than 100 metres from the development, providing direct access to Canberra’s inner north and CBD. Several local bus routes also operate from the same area, making car-free commuting a realistic option.

The immediate area also includes a number of schools catering to all levels, from early years through to college. Franklin School is within walking distance, while Gungahlin College and Burgmann Anglican School are both around two kilometres away. Childcare centres, health services and veterinary clinics are all established in the precinct.

Medical clinics, pharmacies, allied health services and a public walk-in centre are all available within the town centre footprint.

<img alt="Raya, Gungahlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b35a7c5-dbee-491a-8ec4-ee41c06505b5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Raya_INT03_Rooftop_FP_3000-1600x0-c-default_0.png?VersionId=mTcDlZi3gAUq_spekHAWlWd5kvCbTiH3" />

Raya comprises 166 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with a private outdoor area. Balconies start at eight sqm, with some larger configurations offering upwards of 50 sqm of external space - a feature that aligns with the nearby parklands and active public spaces.

Buyers can secure an apartment now with a five per cent deposit, ahead of the project’s 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149952]

Raya: Rare apartment living in Gungahlin’s town centre

Leeka Group has gone down the path of bringing a heightened level of wellness to its recently unveiled Melbourne apartment development, Comme Prahran.

It isn't in the form of a suite of amenities, given the building is more boutique in nature with just 32 apartments, but with clever inclusions designed to uplift their residents lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/comme-prahran-182-194-commercial-road-prahran-vic-3181">Comme</a>, directly opposition the iconic Prahran Market on Commercial Road, has been designed by renowned architecture studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> and&nbsp;will introduce the first-of-its-kind multi-dimensional wellness offering, where physical, mental, social, environmental, and cultural well-being are embedded throughout.

“Prahran has long been a destination for culture, community and quality of life, and Comme builds on that in a deeply intentional way,” says Leeka Director, Chek Ming Cheng.&nbsp;

“This project introduces a new kind of urban sanctuary, one that adapts to individual definitions of wellness, whether that’s through nutrition, rest, movement, design or connection. Every space has been thoughtfully shaped to support the diverse rhythms of modern life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353544]

There will be a rooftop with a&nbsp;Zen garden designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/plume-studio">Plume Landscape Architects</a>, offering&nbsp;a sensory experience that activates all five senses, an edible herb wall to taste, calming botanicals to smell, reflexology paths to feel, lush plantings to see and the gentle sounds of water and birdsong to hear.

Inside each residence, wellness is deeply personal, and Comme embraces this individuality with a suite of customisation options designed to enhance both health and lifestyle. Residents can tailor their homes with circadian lighting automation, supported by research linking it to improved well-being, better rest, and even longevity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353546]

Other add-ons residents can opt for include real-time air monitoring and purification systems, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment, while blackout blinds help optimise sleep quality. Additionally, the option to include integrated smart home technologies and security measures with multiple controlled access points offers ease, convenience, and peace of mind, supporting day-to-day living and contributing to overall mental well-being.

Kitchens can be fitted with healthy cooking appliances such as steam ovens and taps for instant filtered, sparkling or hot water, while ensuites can be transformed into spa-style sanctuaries complete with steam showers, heated floors, rain heads, smart toilets, and sensor night lights to support restful sleep cycles. In the penthouse residence, further options include an outdoor spa for enhanced recovery and indulgence.

“Comme isn’t just about design, it’s about how space can support your day-to-day life," Chek added.

"Whether you like a steam shower, checking your indoor air quality, simply enjoying a quiet moment in the rooftop garden, or reflecting on the artworks in the building, wellness is part of your everyday routine, not an afterthought."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353543]

The residences will feature open-plan layouts compliant with Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS), with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise ventilation, natural light and thermal comfort. Finishes such as natural stones, timber flooring and low-VOC paints are complemented by facade design that filters dappled light and aids in thermal comfort.

Cera Stribley, Co-Founder, Domenic Cerantonio, said the first thing you notice is the light.

"Natural light floods the living spaces, casting a soft glow that instantly lifts your spirits. It's as if the outside world melts away, and you're cocooned in a peaceful oasis."

The gallery-style residential lobby will feature circadian-inspired lighting and artwork, while the ground-floor will offer retail and hospitality spaces.

The building’s mixed-use design fosters connection, with ground-floor retail and hospitality creating a vibrant, welcoming destination. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to enhance the precinct and bring it to life.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353545]

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are integral to Comme Prahran’s DNA. All homes are gas-free and designed to a 7-star energy average, with double glazing, WELS-rated plumbing, and EV charging capabilities available. A light-coloured exterior has been chosen to minimise heat absorption, supporting thermal efficiency and reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

Honouring the cultural richness of Prahran, the project reimagines an Edwardian-era landmark, integrating its historic character into a contemporary architectural form. Art experiences will activate the residential and retail lobbies, and a dedicated artwork on the external eastern facade will enrich the building’s street presence, embedding it into the creative fabric of the neighbourhood.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108413]

Comme Prahran launches opposite Prahran Market

Apartment developer Third.i has seen "overwhelming interest" in its recently unveiled new harbourside apartment project, The Rushcutters.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rushcutters-51-57-bayswater-road-rushcutters-bay-nsw-2011">The Rushcutters</a>, which is being delivered in partnership with James Packer's NPACT, will comprise just 13 luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

Demand is predominantly coming from local downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351903]

“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the level of interest in The Rushcutters,” said Luke Berry, Director and Co-founder Third.i Group.

“It’s clear that buyers are seeking more than just a place to live, they’re looking for a lifestyle upgrade. The ability to amalgamate apartments into expansive, whole-floor homes is a game-changer for downsizers who want space without the maintenance of a traditional house.”

The Rubinstein Group is marketing the project alongside Hume Residential and JLL.

“It’s no surprise that if you’re downsizing from a five-bedroom house in Bellevue Hill, for example, you want to maintain that sense of space and luxury when looking for your next home, "&nbsp;Gavin Rubinstein, Founder of The Rubinstein Group, said.

“The Rushcutters is a great fit. Amalgamating apartments to create a bespoke, whole-floor home is a natural progression for buyers who aren’t willing to compromise on size and/or quality.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351901]

Amalgamating apartments has become a common theme among high-end buyers across Third.i's portfolio including Muse in Potts Point, and Elevate Hume Place in Crows Nest, which set a Lower North Shore apartment record with the $15.1 million sale of an amalgamation of a penthouse and sub-penthouse.

“We’re witnessing a clear shift towards more amalgamations in a number of our projects across Sydney,” said Jason Fraser, Principal at Woods Bagot.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351899]

“The ability to combine apartments is enabling buyers to create truly unique, house-sized residences with high-end finishes, and proximity to vibrant urban precincts. The desire to amalgamate apartments to bespoke, house-sized residences is becoming a defining feature of Sydney’s evolving luxury apartment market."

Due to the City of Sydney’s no net dwelling loss policy, Thirdi is only able to offer one level for amalgamation at The Rushcutters, combining two apartments into a single, expansive residence.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144646]

The Rushcutters a "great fit" for downsizers

Taouk Architects

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Mere weeks ago Urban covered VCAT's decision to approve <a href="/news/160-whitehorse-roads-approval-pushes-blackburns-apartment-pipeline-toward-1000">development plans for 160 Whitehorse Road</a>.

Blackburn's largest development to date was given the green light after a planning push eventually secured the right to create a mixed-use project across the 8,767 square metre site. As many as 263 apartments are now approved for the development designed by Taouk Architects which was anointed Blackburn Place.

The development though has now been listed for sale with CBRE City Sales handling the process, providing Melbourne developers with the opportunity to nab one of the east's largest approved scheme in recent times. 

With Box Hill coming off the boil (in line with the trending decline of large-scale projects across the city), the Taouk Architects-designed 160 Whitehorse Road does discern itself due to its size and location.

<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/image29_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_17.jpg?itok=UYB9gcKs" title="Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prospective views. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>Initial plans for the site attempted to realise a greater return of apartments, with buildings spanning 14, 10, 10 and 8 storeys as originally submitted. Those plans have been tempered with the VCAT-approved outcome seeing a more modest built form and apartment numbers reduced from 394 to 263.

CBRE note that the site's planning approval includes four buildings between 6 and 8 levels, plus 3,663 square metres of commercial space.

Having sold for $18 million to an Asian-backed developer three years ago, 160 Whitehorse Road's price history has seen steady growth. Previous campaigns saw the site sell for $11.36 million in 2010, $3.25 million in 1986 and $1.3 million in 1980.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image30_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_14.jpg?itok=dW28oq2e" title="160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>The size and staggered delivery schedule of 160 Whitehorse Road is in stark contrast to various other approved permits that have been 'flipped' in Melbourne's east over recent months. Two recent permitted Doncaster sites were a step down in size relative to 160 Whitehorse Road. 

7 Williamsons Road is currently for sale and sees 68 predominantly 2 and 3 bedroom apartments approved within a ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed building. The 1,064 square metre site is in close proximity to Nicson Property Group's approved hotel scheme for 810 Elgar Road.

That site saw a Kyriacou Architects-designed hotel scheme offered for sale. The 993 square metre site came with approval in place for 102 suites over 8 levels, and if acted upon would become Doncaster Hill's first dedicated hotel.

At the turn of 2018, Mont Albert's 813-823 Whitehorse Road was offered for sale by Doyen Tower Pty Ltd; its 89 apartments are within a crystalline Bruce Henderson Architects-designed 16 level tower.

<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/image32_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_16.jpg?itok=mCQaguTl" title="Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mont Albert and Doncaster Hill have provided opportunity during 2018</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Melbourne's east throws up a sizeable residential opportunity

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Little to no media attention has been given to VCAT's decision to approve development plans for 160 Whitehorse Road.

Proponents behind the bid to redevelop Blackburn's premier development site into a staged mixed-use project were met with success at Victoria's planning tribunal late last month. As many as 263 apartments are now approved for the development designed by Taouk Architects which has been christened Blackburn Place.

The approval has also gone a long way to pushing Blackburn's apartment/townhouse pipeline toward 1,000 dwellings. From planning to construction, Apartments.com.au's Project Database is keeping tabs on 970 plus dwellings, spread predominantly across a raft of smaller sized apartment developments.

Blackburn Place though is by far and away the suburb's largest development and could have been far larger.

<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/image79_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blackburn Road perspective. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_8.jpg?itok=JwKt6UiG" title="Blackburn Road perspective. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blackburn Road perspective. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Initial plans for the site attempted to realise a greater return of apartments, with buildings spanning 14, 10, 10 and 8 storeys originally submitted. Those plans have been tempered with the VCAT-approved outcome seeing 10, 9, 7 and 6 storeys given the nod, resulting in a sizeable reduction in overall apartment numbers from 394 to 263.

Apartments aside, Blackburn Place will also include a string of retail and commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas and basement parking.

Located within the Blackburn major activity centre, the application spans the largely vacant 8,767 square metre Lexus of Blackburn triangle site that maintains 295 metres of frontage to Whitehorse Road &amp; Railway Parade.

Having sold for $18 million to an Asian-backed developer three years ago, 160 Whitehorse Road's price history has seen steady growth. Previous campaigns saw the site sell for $11.36 million in 2010, $3.25 million in 1986 and $1.3 million in 1980.

<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/image80_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sovereign and Trio under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image80_4.jpg?itok=xdrMfxRw" title="Sovereign and Trio under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sovereign and Trio under construction</figcaption></figure>Blackburn Place will crown an otherwise steady but relatively subdued Blackburn apartment market.

Smaller projects such as Sovereign and The Royale are at completion, whilst Trio is surfacing above ground; combined these projects stand to add 185 new apartments to the suburb. Furthermore Morton Park, Apollo, Blackburn Apartments and the townhouse aspect dubbed Regent which forms part of the wider 3 Whitehorse Road development are at registrations and/or sales, and stand to add a similar number of dwellings.

Thereafter the balance of projects within the Apartments.com.au Project Database are smaller in stature and confined to the planning or approval stages of development.
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160 Whitehorse Road's approval pushes Blackburn's apartment pipeline toward 1,000 

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High-rise development sites number four and five have come under the microscope along Box Hill's Prospect Street, further pushing its credentials as the suburb's next major apartment strip.

Running parallel to Whitehorse Road, Prospect Street is "in an area inviting substantially increased intensity of use and activities consistent with an increased urbanisation." Latest into the limelight is 34-36 Prospect Street which is a major residential tower on behalf of ZL Prospect Pty Ltd.

Designed by Toauk Architects, the proposed development is currently at advertising with City of Whitehorse. Expected is a 31 level tower reaching 95 metres that includes 196 apartments, 2 retail tenancies, 1,152sqm of commercial space and 5 basement levels for 184 vehicles.

34-36 Prospect Street's provisional apartment mix sees 46 single bedroom, 138 dual and 12 triple bedroom dwellings within a tower that is dominated by a black and gold 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/image18_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="34-36 Prospect Street. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_17.jpg?itok=RVabUtcd" title="34-36 Prospect Street. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>34-36 Prospect Street. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Taouk Architects describe the project as follows:

<blockquote>
34-36 Prospect Street presents an urban design response to a location that is both capable of supporting, and is targeted for an intensive development in accordance with both the Box Hill Transit City Structure Plan and the City of Whitehorse Planning Scheme.

A mixed use development is consistent with the requirements of the Planning Scheme, and will contribute to Prospect Street as a safe and activated pedestrian corridor through the Box Hill Activity Centre.
</blockquote>

34-36 Prospect Street's offering follows on from last week's announcement by Savills that 15-17 Prospect Street had successfully sold to Chinese-based interests for $12.91 million. Billed as capable of handling 20 plus levels of residential living, the 1,305sqm site sold for a rate of $9,340 per sqm.

As with the majority of Prospect Street, the current low-rise commercial building is expected to make way for a mixed-use scheme. Backing onto rail lines, 15-17 Prospect Street is by no means alone on the southern side of Prospect 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/boxhill15-17prospectstreetp1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="15-17 Prospect Street. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="470" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boxhill15-17prospectstreetp1.jpg?itok=rLIVgy4Z" title="15-17 Prospect Street. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>15-17 Prospect Street. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>9-11 Prospect Street has approval in place for 187 apartments across a 26 storey, Artisan Architects-designed tower. It too will include commercial use across its lower floors, with 2,915sqm of leasable space within the podium.

At the time that 9-11 Prospect Street was at planning, a 1,004sqm site at 13 Prospect Street and a 1,653.7sqm site at 31-35 Prospect Street were offered for sale jointly between Colliers and JLL. Both sites are utilised as at grade car parks, with neither yet to reach planning.

With the five identified development sites set aside, Prospect Street still has a substantial supply of low-rise sites capable of eventually accommodating mixed-use towers.

In theory as many as 10-12 additional future towers could possibly rise on Prospect Street, assuming all sites are developed to their full capacity, allowing Prospect Street to become one of Box Hill most intensely developed precincts.
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Prospect Street shapes as Box Hill's next go-to development strip

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Taouk Architects continue to refine a working design for Blackburn's 'Lexus' site. Newly released imagery of the mixed-use development for the substantial land holding at 160 Whitehorse Road now includes a heightened degree of complexity and design detail, and is similar to earlier concepts in showing multiple buildings rising to 14 levels.

The project which includes near on 400 apartments has however stumbled at its initial planning run.

Lodged with City of Whitehorse during April, Council has acted swiftly in refusing the application that would have seen 14, 10, 10 and 8 storey buildings set above three levels of basement parking. Delegate refusal was issued in under two months from its submission date.

In the rendered form below 160 Whitehorse Road would simultaneously have become Blackburn's tallest development and (by some margin) its largest development to date.

<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/image13_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_16.jpg?itok=sfqlWy3T" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Former owner Lexus Australia chose to offload the site at the peak of Melbourne's development site sales boom during 2015. 

Billed as a Blackburn's premier site during its 2015 sales campaign, the largely vacant 8,767sqm block is zoned Commercial 1 and allows for residential, commercial and retail uses. 160 Whitehorse Road also maintains approximately 295m of frontage to Whitehorse Road &amp; Railway Parade.

Having sold for $18 million to an Asian-backed developer two years ago, 160 Whitehorse Road's <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/realestate/vacant-lexus-site-on-whitehorse-rd-sells-for-18-million/news-story/353bccaec4759d8ea0b71394177c1614">price history</a> has seen steady growth. Previous campaigns saw the site sell for $11.36 million in 2010, $3.25 million in 1986 and $1.3 million in 1980.

The possibility of towers appearing across the site would be a departure from the norm for Blackburn. Over recent years residential builds of 4-6 levels adjacent to Blackburn Station have become common place, while Apollo Blackburn directly opposite the 'Lexus' site is currently at sales with five levels the approved outcome.

Planning overlays for Blackburn and the adjoining Mega Mile have indicated that 160 Whitehorse Road is the area's 'gateway' site and as such can exceed the recommended height limit of 21 metres, reflecting its "status as a visually prominent landmark."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_11.jpg?itok=ju2vbooK" title="Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>For its part, Taouk Architects describe their working design as follows:

<blockquote>
Located within the major activity centre, Blackburn Place comprises of 4 towers connected via shared ground areas comprising of retail and office spaces designed to flow with landscaped communal areas. Combined Blackburn Place provides 394 apartments through the various tower heights of the complex.
Utilising massing form and façade articulation, the design applies various elements to soften its presentation to each adjoining streetscapes.
Layered, projecting and interlocking architectural elements combine with a neutral palette of colours and materials to help make Blackburn Place a benchmark for future developments in the area.
<cite>Taouk Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image16_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_9.jpg?itok=DKnUz1et" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>The development team's next step in the approvals process has yet to play out at planning.
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Blackburn's 'Lexus' site edges closer to major development, but...

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Taouk Architects may be preparing the latest entrant into Box Hill's flourishing apartment tower scene.

The expanding architecture firm is running with detailed images of a substantial residential tower at 34-36 Prospect Street. Whether or not the images form part of a package that will head to planning remains to be seen, but their emergence further reinforces Box Hill's apartment tower credentials.

Currently 34-36 Prospect Street is a nondescript two level office building that is leased to migrant help agency AMES Australia. Knight Frank handled the 1,208sqm plot's sale during 2015, with part of the sales pitch noting that the AMES Australia lease would expire mid 2017, without the prospect of extension.

Listed as a current project, Taouk Architects' scheme involves a 28 storey tower, consisting predominantly of apartments.

<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/image185_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A prospect on Prospect. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="476" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image185_0.jpg?itok=gEyWWOoB" title="A prospect on Prospect. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A prospect on Prospect. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Tucked in behind Whitehorse Road, Prospect Street has yet to see apartment development, unlike many other parts of Box Hill's central spine.

A development yardstick for the area comes in the shape of the nearby 9-11 Prospect Street; the approved Artisan Architects-designed tower over 25 levels includes 187 apartments, with commercial and retail spaces in tow. 9-11 Prospect Street is now being marketed by Savills as a prime development site ready to go. 

Should 34-36 Prospect Street head to planning, it will likely be joined by 13 Prospect Street &amp; 31-35 Prospect Street in due course. Both sites were offered for sale during 2016, with the expectation that both will become multi-level residential developments.

<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/image182_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Savills are marketing 9-11 Prospect Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image182_0.jpg?itok=5onANjJd" title="Savills are marketing 9-11 Prospect Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Savills are marketing 9-11 Prospect Street</figcaption></figure>In other news on the Hill, one of suburban Melbourne's tallest towers is preparing to break ground.

Sky One Box Hill's site is clear, with piling set to commence on the 122.8 metre tower created by DKO Architecture; at that height it will become Box Hill's tallest tower, usurping Whitehorse Towers which is also currently under construction.

Last week a ground breaking ceremony was held onsite for Sky One Box Hill, which upon completion will include 438 apartments and amenities such as landscaped gardens, a pool, gym, spa, sauna, yoga studio and lounges.

The tower itself will emerge above ground well into 2017, following the site retention and excavation works for a substantial seven level basement.

<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/image187_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sky One Box Hill is prepped for construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image187_2.jpg?itok=qaDYgaqN" title="Sky One Box Hill is prepped for construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sky One Box Hill is prepped for construction</figcaption></figure>
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