<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> has unveiled a new benchmark for wellness-led residential design, announcing the transformation of the 1867-built, heritage-listed Maritima House, into a private wellness clubhouse for residents of its flagship bayside community, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/maritima-brighton-47-south-road-brighton-vic-3186">Maritima Brighton</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The repurposing of the historic property into a high-end private wellness clubhouse responds to shifting priorities among homebuyers, with wellbeing now emerging as a key driver in residential real estate. Research from the Global Wellness Institute shows that up to 90 per cent of health outcomes are linked to where and how we live. 
&nbsp; 
According to recent research, 73 per cent of homeowners and renters say health impacts will be a factor in selecting their next home. Buyers now seek environments that encourage holistic wellbeing, with access to lifestyle-enhancing amenities such as yoga rooms, gyms, pools, parks, and community facilities that support connection and active living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140306 project_image_fid=363738] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by award-winning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/carr-design">Carr</a>, Maritima Brighton’s wellness offering is situated around the historic Maritima House, once a central point of the Xavier Junior School and now approved for adaptive reuse as the Maritima Clubhouse.&nbsp;

The Maritima Clubhouse facilities are centred around a central courtyard and pool and feature indoor and outdoor amenities including:

<ul>
	<li>A yoga and meditation studio</li>
	<li>Communal infrared sauna &amp; steam room</li>
	<li>Cold plunge bath and magnesium pool</li>
	<li>Fully equipped gym</li>
	<li>Outdoor swimming pool</li>
	<li>Lounge areas and pergola with BBQ facilities</li>
	<li>Landscaping with mature heritage-protected trees and drought-tolerant native plantings</li>
</ul>

This resort-style amenity will be exclusively available to residents of Maritima Brighton, creating a space for relaxation, recovery and community connection just moments from the beach. The project’s proximity to local walking paths, recreational trails, sports grounds and parklands further enhances its health-oriented positioning.

“As wellness becomes central to how Australians choose to live, we are embedding it into the fabric of our communities, not simply as amenity, but as infrastructure.” said Damien Hehir, Development Director, Golden Age Group.

“The Maritima Clubhouse reflects this ethos, bringing meaningful wellness infrastructure to an exceptional bayside location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140306 project_image_fid=363814]

Nearly all 13 land lots in the first release of land parcels at Maritima Brighton sold in the opening weeks. Brighton downsizers made up the majority of purchasers. The overarching purchasing drivers were security and privacy, with Maritima featuring a&nbsp;monitored gated entry, underground parking and discreet integration into Hartley Street’s quiet residential streetscape.

The broader masterplan will feature&nbsp;83 architect-designed townhomes by Carr. Guided by a refined coastal palette, heritage restoration, and carefully considered landscaping, the masterplan is designed to complement the site’s natural features while protecting its legacy and elevating its future.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140306 project_image_fid=363737] 
&nbsp; 
“The design approach at Maritima Brighton is grounded in the idea that wellbeing is shaped by the environments we inhabit every day," Carr Director Richard Beel said.

"By centring the masterplan around the heritage Maritima House and surrounding it with wellness facilities, a green canopy, and walkable connections to the bay, we’ve created a community where architecture, landscape and lifestyle work together to support long-term health, ease of living and meaningful connection."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140306]

A 19th-century landmark reimagined as Bayside’s most exclusive wellness centre

Joel Robinson

Golden Age launches Maritima Brighton as "new wave of wellness real estate" hits Melbourne's Bayside

Boutique Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has launched its ultra-luxury <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a> development, a redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on the Esplanade.

Prices range between $3.7 million for the 174 sqm apartments, the just over $16 million for the penthouses that reach 375 sqm.

Maison Savoy occupies a tightly held coastal position offering views of Port Phillip Bay and sitting moments from the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club and Middle Brighton Baths, and a short walk from Church Street’s retail and dining precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366478]

Lowe Living has brought together a renowned design team: Studio Kennon as architect and interior designer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/myles-baldwin-design">Myles Baldwin</a> as landscape architect, and Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse as the private wellness curator.&nbsp;

The collection comprises a limited selection of two and three-bedroom residences set across two distinct and private buildings that converge around a central oculus with a calming reflective pool.

Visible from above, the garden maintains a constant connection to landscape throughout the development. Cascading climbers soften the architecture, while tree canopies move gently in the sea breeze, introducing light, motion and seasonal change into interior spaces.

Curved glass, honed natural stone, polished plaster, ribbed European clay brickwork and limestone will be used in the build, as well as a restrained palette of natural materials respond to the coastal context.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366477]

At the heart of Maison Savoy is a private gym and residents-only European-inspired bathhouse, curated by Sorrento’s Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse, an amenity rarely seen within a residential setting.&nbsp;

The full-floor wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Each residence will feature state-of-the-art Wolf ovens, cooktops and a combi-microwave oven, integrated wine fridges, concealed butler's pantries, and bathrooms with freestanding baths, double vanities, brushed nickel fixtures and feature glass.

Custom oak veneer joinery and flexible living zones lead to adaptable winter gardens which offer a transitional space with operable glazed windows allowing residents to modulate light, breeze and outlook depending on the season.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said the uncompromising architecture and design of Maison Savoy reflected a new luxury benchmark for considered, lifestyle-driven living.&nbsp;

“Maison Savoy is one of our most curated and refined residential projects to date," Lowe said.

“Maison Savoy is more than a residential address, it is a legacy in the making. Collaborating with such an esteemed architecture and interior designer in Pete Kennon from Studio Kennon to express the level of quiet luxury and refined architecture that is appropriate for such a rare beachfront location was such an important part of reimagining this iconic site.&nbsp;

“Bringing together the likes of Studio Kennon, Myles Baldwin and Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse has ensured we are elevating every single element of the project to reflect the enduring nature of the architectural design response."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living unveils Maison Savoy in Brighton

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>-backed project, now around 70 per cent complete with builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ironside">Ironside</a> on site, is expected to welcome its first residents by October 2026, with new incentives aimed at purchasers preparing for near-term move-in.

The developer is offering a select number of upgrade packages valued at up to $5,000, available on a first-come, first-served basis. These incentives are offered for new purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=358855]

Buyers can choose between two inclusions. The first is a move-in whitegoods package, designed to streamline the transition into a new home by covering key appliances from day one. The second option provides an additional secure basement storage cage, responding to growing demand for flexible storage solutions in apartment living.

The incentive release comes as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> moves into its final stages of construction, with more than half of the residences already sold and a buyer profile heavily weighted toward owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Designed by John and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/kathy-demos">Kathy Demos</a>, Candela comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments and townhouses, with an emphasis on larger floorplans, natural light, and functional storage, features that align closely with the upgrade offering.

Residences have been planned around everyday liveability, with flexible layouts, private living zones, and generous internal proportions that exceed typical apartment benchmarks in the area. Kitchens are fitted with Miele appliances, while the broader development offers exclusive resident amenities, including a residential lounge and rooftop terrace. A ground-floor café and wellness centre are also integrated into the project, designed to foster community connection while serving both residents and the wider neighbourhood.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357511]

Salter Brothers says the project has been shaped to support a range of buyers, from first-home buyers to downsizers to young families and even inter-generational lifestyle, with over 90 per cent of purchasers to date intending to live in their homes rather than invest.

Positioned on Upper Heidelberg Road, Candela sits in the heart of Ivanhoe Village, Ivanhoe Station, and a range of local parks and pre-eminent schools, contributing to a Walk Score of 90. This level of connectivity has underpinned demand from buyers seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing access to established amenity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Salter Brothers introduces limited $5,000 upgrade packages as Candela Ivanhoe nears completion

Now complete and open, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>'s Queensbridge Building introduces a new way of living in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, where residences, hospitality and culture come together in a fully realised precinct.&nbsp;

The 65-storey tower is already welcoming residents and guests, with its integrated hotel, dining venues and amenity offering activating the building from day one.

Developed by Time &amp; Place and constructed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-queensbridge-building-southbank-90-queensbridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The Queensbridge Building</a> at 90 Queensbridge Street combines 353 residences with the 188-room Hannah St Hotel, operated by TFE Hotels.&nbsp;

The precinct is already active, with Hannah St Hotel welcoming guests and venues such as Coupette, Bar Hannah and the Carriage Lounge operating across the ground and podium levels. Weekends are seeing strong visitation, reinforcing its role as both a residential address and a broader lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=360990]

What sets Queensbridge apart is its integration of residential living with a fully operational hotel and hospitality offering, delivering a level of service, activation and convenience rarely seen in Melbourne's apartment market.

Interiors throughout, both in the residential tower and the hotel, were designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/flack-studio">Flack Studio</a>, with architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a>.&nbsp;

The residences balance rough-cut stone, cool concrete and rich timbers against abundant natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open floorplans carry that through into the layout.

Interior designer David Flack has described the hotel as "part grand hotel, part cultural clubhouse," reflecting the project's ambition to balance hospitality, design and community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=362184]

The Queensbridge Clubhouse sits at the heart of the residential offering: lap pools, sauna, steam room, gym, outdoor terraces, private dining rooms and co-working spaces, all bookable through the building's dedicated app. The hotel's wellness amenities extend that offer further, with Hannah St Hotel services available to residents through the Clubhouse.

Time &amp; Place Founder and Director Tim Price said the vision was always to create something more than a residential tower.

"The vision for Queensbridge was to create a building that felt connected to the neighbourhood and to Melbourne itself. It is not just a residential tower, but a place where residents, visitors and the wider community can gather, experience hospitality and enjoy city life together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=362170]

The National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Yarra River promenade are within easy walking distance, and Crown Melbourne and the CBD are next door. The Victorian Government's $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is already underway in the surrounding area, which will only add to the precinct's draw over the coming years.

Many of the remaining apartments sit on the upper levels, with sweeping views across Melbourne's CBD skyline, Albert Park and Port Phillip Bay, the floor-to-ceiling windows and open floorplans are what those floors were designed around.

Price said the development was always intended to contribute to the surrounding neighbourhood rather than stand apart from it.

"We set out to create a building that reflects Melbourne's culture and energy. By combining residences, hospitality and shared spaces, Queensbridge becomes more than a place to live. It becomes part of the neighbourhood."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272109]

Only a limited collection of completed two and three-bedroom residences remain, presenting a rare opportunity to secure a finished home within a design-led precinct and move in immediately.

For Time &amp; Place, the completion of The Queensbridge Building marks the close of a significant chapter in delivery. Looking ahead, early plans are underway for a new 22-storey residential project on Park Street in South Melbourne, comprising approximately 300 apartments. More to come in 2026.

Time &amp; Place's Queensbridge Building presents a fully realised, lived experience. For buyers seeking certainty, design quality and lifestyle, it delivers a precinct already brought to life.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1504]

Now complete: Inside Southbank's newest residential and hotel destination

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a>, a limited collection of loft-style residences introduces a housing typology rarely seen in Melbourne’s established north-east.

Designed as double-level homes within a broader apartment development, these residences respond to buyers seeking the spatial separation and flexibility of a townhouse, while retaining the efficiency, connectivity and greater security from apartment living.

Located at 40 Upper Heidelberg Road, Candela is a 58-residence development currently under construction and scheduled for completion this Spring. More than half the project has already sold, with a strong owner-occupier profile shaping the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357499]

The loft-style offering, exemplified by the four-bedroom ‘Lustre’ residences, reframes apartment living through a clear division of zones across two levels.&nbsp;

The lower floor is anchored by a large open-plan living and dining area, where a full kitchen with Miele appliances, an island bench, and a walk-in pantry sits directly adjacent to the main living space. Timber flooring runs throughout this level, reinforcing the continuity between kitchen, dining, and lounge, while double-glazed windows improve thermal performance and acoustic comfort. Additionally, and a prominent feature of this apartment is its expansive rear glass wall, which measures approximately 5.4 metres in height and 8.5 metres in width, allowing abundant sunlight to illuminate the residence.

The primary living zone connects to an oversized private terrace, designed to accommodate both daily use and larger gatherings. Its scale allows for outdoor dining, children’s play equipment, and flexible seating arrangements, effectively extending the internal living footprint.&nbsp;The master bedroom is also positioned on this level, with direct terrace access, a walk-in robe, and an oversized ensuite that includes a built-in dressing table, establishing a degree of separation from the upper floor bedrooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357502]

Upstairs, the layout shifts to a more private configuration. Three additional bedrooms with built-in robes are arranged around a secondary living area, creating a dedicated zone for children or guests. This level also incorporates a study area suitable for a full-width desk, alongside a central bathroom designed as a combined wet area for bath and shower use. A separate powder room on each level supports functionality for larger households.

The decision to split living across two levels is central to how these residences operate. Rather than relying on a single open-plan arrangement, the design introduces multiple living zones that can be used simultaneously without overlap, supporting families, remote work, and multi-generational living within the same footprint.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

Interior designer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/kathy-demos">Kathy Demos</a> describes the broader design approach as one shaped by natural light and movement through space, noting that “from the atrium to the front door of your apartment… the sun washes the surfaces with light.” This emphasis on daylight is reinforced across the loft residences, where both levels are designed to maximise natural light in living areas and bedrooms, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Sustainability measures are integrated at both the building and apartment level. Candela targets an average 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating, supported by double glazing, passive design principles, and a rooftop solar array that contributes to powering communal areas. Water reuse systems and efficient fixtures are also included to reduce long-term consumption.

These residences sit within a broader development that prioritises shared amenity and connectivity. Residents have access to a rooftop terrace, ground-floor lounge, and on-site café, while Ivanhoe Village’s retail, dining, and transport options at your doorstep. A Walk Score of 90 reflects the practicality of the location, particularly for buyers seeking reduced reliance on cars.

Candela has been designed by architect John Demos in collaboration with interior designer Kathy Demos and developer Salter Brothers, with construction led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ironside">Ironside</a>. As Demos explains, the intent was to focus on how spaces are experienced day-to-day: “We design to anticipate the feeling you want to have in your home. It’s more about substance than surface.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Inside the loft-style residences at Candela Ivanhoe

Victoria Square

<html><body>
Developer Growland has appointed LU Simon to build stage one of its mixed-use residential <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">project Victoria Square</a>, with construction now underway on the first two towers, reinforcing the continued demand for Footscray. 

The $600 million project comprises six residential towers of 937 apartments, in addition to over 5,500 sqm of commercial, retail and hospitality space on Hopkins Street.  The first phase of Victoria Square is expected to be completed by late 2020 and has achieved sales of 90%. <a href="/news/victoria-squares-next-phase-adds-to-footscrays-development-pipeline">Stage three, titled VS03, has just launched to market and will include a boutique collection of just 86 apartments.</a>

Growland says it’s not surprising Footscray has become a hotspot, particularly for young buyers, with research from District Data indicating that the area is in the early ‘hotspot’ phase, providing buyers an opportunity to take advantage of excellent value for money.

<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/victoria_square_-_facade_hero_shot_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first stage of Victoria Square has commenced construction. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="883" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_square_-_facade_hero_shot_1.jpg?itok=aIAiSK8i" title="The first stage of Victoria Square has commenced construction. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first stage of Victoria Square has commenced construction. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>According to Growland, the company is proud to be partnering with LU Simon, a builder that it says shares its vision for the project and commitment to the well-being of the residents.LU Simon has had a presence in the Melbourne for over 60 years, across a broad portfolio of projects including eight residential projects across Australia currently at construction.

Victoria Square is just one of a growing number of residential sites commencing in Footscray, with the suburb now one of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-suburbs for young homebuyers. <a href="https://www.districtdata.com.au/">District Data</a> indicates the proportion of residents aged 20-39 has increased by a substantial seven per cent between 2006 and 2016. These buyers are driving demand for housing and a subsequent shift in the local built environment, with approximately 282 dwellings currently under construction in the area.

The appeal of Footscray as a suburb to buy apartments in is also reflected in it being amongst <a href="/news/urbans-top-5-for-october-most-viewed-suburbs">the 5 most viewed suburbs on Urban.com.au during October</a>, in fourth place. 

<h2>Footscray's development pipeline</h2>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Footscray is an ideal location for young families, working professionals and first and second home buyers. In addition to being just 4km from Melbourne’s CBD, it is a thriving education and employment hub in its own right, which is driving the shift in demographics to younger buyers that want to be close to the action.

The multicultural community offers an impressive variety of hospitality options and a friendly and vibrant atmosphere. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to play a role in the area’s rejuvenation and to create a communal space where locals can enjoy top-quality restaurants and retail outlets.

- Bruce Chan, Growland Chairman
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Victoria Square is more than a residential project, it’s a large-scale lifestyle precinct that will help shape the fabric of the Footscray area and bring value to the local community. Given the level of design quality and the scale of the development, it is integral that the builder we partner with has a proven track record of delivering similar projects on time, and to budget.

Commencing construction at Victoria Square is an important milestone that we are proud to share with our purchasers and future residents.

- Ronald Chan, Growland CEO
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The median unit price in Footscray is $405,000, which is unheard of for a suburb that is within 5km of the CBD; Flemington, Hawthorn and Windsor are all a similar distance and significantly more expensive. Combine that with a fantastic public transport network, proximity to education and employment and a buzzing café culture, and I have no doubt we will continue to see an increase in demand for apartments in the area.

- Daniel Slomoi, District Data managing director
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

LU Simon commences construction on Growland's Victoria Square

<html><body>
Designs for the next phase of Growland Group's six tower <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square residential development</a> in Footscray have been released. <a href="/news/fender-katsalidis-appointed-for-victoria-squares-next-phase">As reported</a> on Apartments.com.au back in May, Fender Katsalidis were tasked with the design of the twin tower project, located within the Joseph Road precinct bound by Hopkins Street, the Maribyrnong River and the railway line.

The Joseph Road Precinct represents 15 hectares of developable land which has been identified as a Priority Development Zone in the Council’s Structure Plan for Footscray.

<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/grow10087_vic_sq_stage_2_e01_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first of two tower, VS03 was launched this month. Image: Growland Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/grow10087_vic_sq_stage_2_e01_hero.jpg?itok=t9xReUwg" title="The first of two tower, VS03 was launched this month. Image: Growland Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first of two towers, VS03 was launched this month. Image: Growland Group</figcaption></figure>In launching stage three which will be known as VS03, Growland claims it has responded to buyer demand and a maturing apartment market. VS03 will feature a product mix and floor plans geared towards owner occupiers, who account for 80 per cent of the sales to date. 76 per cent of the apartments within stage three comprise two-bedroom, two-bathrooms, while all 86 apartments will feature floor plans larger than Melbourne’s average and have at least one car space, one storage cage and a private balcony ranging from eight to 13 sqm.

Fender Katsalidis have designed twin curvilinear towers which draw on Victoria Square's riverside location along the Maribyrnong River, with full height windows maximising panoramic views over the river, the CBD and the bay beyond. VS04 will be released at a later date, with the first two stages achieving 90% sales success.

<blockquote>
We wanted to create a building that offered flexibility for buyers, many of whom are looking to purchase a home that will suit them as they shift through various stages of life. Each apartment has been designed specifically for owner occupiers, taking into account their wants and needs and how we can optimise their living experience.

- James Pearce, Director, Fender Katsalidis
</blockquote>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

 

With construction expected to commence in late 2019, VS03 will add to Footscray's development pipeline of <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">45 projects currently being tracked on the Urban.com.au database</a>. It's fair to say Footscray is now well on its way to realising its potential as an Activity Centre with support from both local and state government, and private investment.

 

One of the largest projects within the Joseph Road precinct will be 2 Neilson Place. Designed by Architecton for FJP Pty Ltd the development will comprise 4 towers, 577 apartments over 26-storeys along with 572 car spaces and retail tenancies on a corner site of 6,264 sqm with frontages to Maryibyrnong Street and Neilson Place. 

Projects currently under construction within Footscray include multi-tower developments at <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> and 2 Hopkins Street, and the largest development within Footscray, <a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray">LiveCity</a>. Occupying a massive 33,393 sqm site, the first stage will account for 208 apartments on the western portion of the site. LU Simon is at the helm of the stage one build of 15-storeys, with future stages varying in heights between eight and 18-storeys. 

<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/footscray_development_projects_oct.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Key projects across Footscray include Neilson Place, Riverina and LiveCity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/footscray_development_projects_oct.jpg?itok=QDeEg5FM" title="Key projects across Footscray include Neilson Place, Riverina and LiveCity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Key projects across Footscray include Neilson Place, Riverina and LiveCity</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Victoria Square's next phase adds to Footscray's development pipeline 

<html><body>
Developer Growland has recently appointed Fender Katsalidis (FK) to design phase two of its six-tower, mixed-use residential project, Victoria Square in Footscray. 

Fender Katsalidis will design a total of four towers for the project across two stages of the Hopkins Street development with the first two towers being delivered as part of stage two sited above the commercial podium.

Together, the $88m second stage will add a further 146 apartments to the rapidly evolving Footscray Activity Centre, on top of the 454 apartments within the two towers of Stage one of Victoria Square.

FK will work closely with Growland and the project team to ensure the next phase reflects the existing design for stage one, which was created by Kavellaris Urban Design.

<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/victoria_square_skygarden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stage One of Victoria Square's sky garden. Image: Growland"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_square_skygarden.jpg?itok=GlZPCk0d" title="Stage One of Victoria Square's sky garden. Image: Growland" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage One of Victoria Square's sky garden. Image: Growland</figcaption></figure>According to Growland, Fender Katsalidis was appointed "due to the firm’s synonymous values and creative vision" and that the appointment reflected the developer’s confidence "in Melbourne’s apartment market into 2018 and beyond."

Growland has revealed the apartment towers will feature a greater proportion of larger apartments than the first phase of Victoria Square; a direct response to the significant number of local owner-occupiers that have shown interest in the project. The prominence of two and three-bedroom apartments will appeal to a broad cross-section of buyers, according to FK. 
In addition to the residential towers, Victoria Square will offer 5,720 sqm of commercial space across the whole project, an activated public laneway with retail and hospitality offerings and amenities including a gym, pool, spa, private dining rooms, library and Australia’s first aerial running track.

Construction is due to commence in June 2018 and Stage One of Victoria Square is expected to be complete by the second half of 2020. Phase two will be launched in the second half of 2018.

<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/victoria_square_laneway.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square's laneway will be activated with retail and hospitality tenancies. Image: Growland"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoria_square_laneway.jpg?itok=NXV1Ea7Y" title="Victoria Square's laneway will be activated with retail and hospitality tenancies. Image: Growland" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Square's laneway will be activated with retail and hospitality tenancies. Image: Growland</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Victoria Square’s first two buildings, comprising 420 apartments, are already 80% sold with local demand exceeding our projections.

Melbourne’s apartment market has matured to a point where buyers embrace apartment living as long as the product is of a high architectural quality both inside and out and is anchored by a strong vision for the future.

We want to meet the market and then push it that little bit further, which is why we have decided to appoint Fender Katsalidis to design the next phase of the project,

Growland is happy to be collaborating with a team that is just as committed as we are to delivering homes that people are proud to live in and will last a lifetime.

Fender Katsalidis understands our residents and appreciates the significant opportunity we have to shape the Footscray community through this built environment.

- Ronald Chan, Growland CEO
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
It is important to us that these apartments remain flexible and can be used by a variety of households – whether it be two people sharing and renting, a family with children or a couple wanting a spare bedroom.

We have exceeded all industry standards to ensure ample living rooms and an abundance of natural light to align with the requirements of the astute owner-occupier at Victoria Square.

Phase one has a distinctive shape to it so we’ve investigated how we could complement this design feature while giving the two new buildings a character of their own.

We considered the site itself and its location – historically Footscray functioned as small village along the curving banks of the Maribyrnong River where goods would come in from the boats and then be sent across to the city.

There is a strong historical connection with the river and with the area’s focus on maintaining a tight-knit community – we wanted the building to reflect that.

We used the shape of the river to create a curved ribbon pattern across the glass façade of the buildings created through a raised spandrel and solid balcony panels. We have given the building an identity that’s based on its locality and history.

- James Pearce, FK Director
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Fender Katsalidis appointed for Victoria Square's next phase

<html><body>
Standing dormant for years, Kinnears Footscray has finally begun its transformation into a mixed-use precinct.

Builder LU Simon has initiated works on Stage One of the project, which will be known as <a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray">L.I.V.E. City</a>. Beating out other contractors such as Hutchinson and Hamilton Marino, LU Simon is tasked with delivering 208 apartments across 14 levels at the western most section of the massive 33,393 square metre site which is addressed 124-188 Ballarat Road.

Demolition works are in progress elsewhere across the site, gradually removing the structure that formerly housed the rope manufacturer. Architecture firm Elenberg Fraser are working on the master-planned precinct for developer R&amp;F Property Australia. 

Although a display suite onsite is ready, no public release of apartments has taken place as yet.

<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/image281.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Works across the Kinnears site with XO Projects' take on the development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="492" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image281.jpg?itok=BV_aStlz" title="Works across the Kinnears site with XO Projects' take on the development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Works across the Kinnears site with an early masterplanned image for the site</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile works across <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Growland's Victoria Square</a> site have begun following a January approval to amended plans for the development.

Six buildings consisting of 900 plus apartments, offices and extensive retail space can proceed. The $600 million project now has excavators onsite preparing for a construction start.

Amendments to the Kavellaris Urban Design scheme included bumping apartment numbers up to 931, increasing commercial floor space to 6,012 square metres and boosting parking spaces within the development to 1075. <a href="https://urban.melbourne/planning/2017/10/10/growland-pushes-footscrays-victoria-square-new-heights">Building heights were also marginally increased</a>, with the tallest to stand at 25 storeys.

Stage One of Victoria Square includes the delivery of 161 single bedroom, 265 dual bedroom and 28 triple bedroom apartments across two towers.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image27_5_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The amended and approved Victoria Square. Image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_5_0.jpg?itok=pVUNNQPH" title="The amended and approved Victoria Square. Image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The amended and approved Victoria Square. Image: KUD</figcaption></figure>With earthworks in progress, construction proper on Stage One of Victoria Square is slated to begin mid this year, with a completion target of 2020.

Either side of Victoria Square, construction is also in motion for two fellow Joseph Road Precinct projects. Blue Earth Group have initiated construction across 2 Hopkins Street, whilst Stage One of Riverina Footscray has recently topped out.

It will temporarily hold the title as Footscray's tallest residential tower until Victoria Square's first stage is completed. Future stages of Riverina will see two 31 level apartment towers also delivered.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7067.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverina Footscray construction progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7067.jpg?itok=hE1vkpNG" title="Riverina Footscray construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverina Footscray construction progress</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

silvermb

Kinnears and Victoria Square add to Footscray's construction upswing

<html><body>
Affordability is the buzz word, and has been for some time in regards to Melbourne's property scene. It's quite hard to escape the plethora of articles on the pressing issue at the moment, and understandably so.

One such article in this week's AFR goes in depth on the <a href="http://www.afr.com/opinion/columnists/melbourne-holds-the-answer-to-the-housing-crisis-20170403-gvd0wv">housing affordability issue</a>, touching upon both the detached housing and apartment sector, and the differences between the two from a local perspective. In this malaise of unaffordability, one developer has taken steps to position their pending development as a genuine opportunity to secure an inner-city apartment at an affordable price.

Growland's first stage within Footscray's Victoria Square development will see 61sqm one-bedroom plus study apartments priced at $298,000. Any buyer actively looking to enter the market will be aware that the apartment size versus price outcome at Victoria Square is skewed in favour of the buyer.

In a recent media release, Growland's CEO Ronald Chan addressed the affordability quandary:

<blockquote>
The key to addressing Melbourne’s affordability lies in high rises like Victoria Square – strong, modern communities are created through high density living. It is vital that the next generation has access to quality homes, with considered, long lasting architecture, but at a price that is achievable in relation to today’s median household incomes.

Young people also need to be able to live at a reasonable distance to where they work. Melbourne’s employment precinct has traditionally been concentrated to the CBD, meaning the inner ring suburbs are incredibly important to Melbourne’s future growth.
</blockquote>

CoreLogic's median price for a one bedroom Melbourne apartment is $330,000, whilst REIV has the median Melbourne apartment price above $585,000 for the December 2016 Quarter.

With the first stage including 240 one, two and three bedroom apartments, its unclear how many single bedroom apartments are priced at $298,000. Nonetheless it will be an appealing price for a certain segment of the buyer market and an attractive hook in order to encourage buyer interest within Victoria 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/image14_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An apartment within Victoria Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_10.jpg?itok=o4zrbHHi" title="An apartment within Victoria Square"></a>

<figcaption>An apartment within Victoria Square</figcaption></figure>Previously dubbed Joseph Place, Victoria Square has been extensively covered by Apartments.com.au in the past.

As one of Joseph Road Precinct's power development blocks covering 13,179sqm, Growland hold approval for 939 apartments across 6 separate buildings. Stage 1 of  Victoria Square will rise 23 levels and maintain a wave-like exterior.

In addition to the 240 apartments, Stage 1's street level activation will be considerable. A retail laneway will slice through the distinctive podium, featuring 3,000sqm of retail and hosptiality space which will be built in conjunction with the first tower.

Above, the stand out communal facility is Australia’s first and only Olympic-sized aerial outdoor track. Also in tow is a residents’ pool, gym, and cinema whilst a 3,000sqm podium skypark will provide the project with a generous slab of open space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/jp-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square's first stage"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jp-01.jpg?itok=K6tDvi2T" title="Victoria Square's first stage" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Square's first stage</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Victoria Square

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Victoria Square

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News