Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Warren and Mahoney

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City of Ryde has this month fielded a trio of projects that stand to add hundreds of new high density apartments between Macquarie Part Railway Station and Macquarie University.

Most recent was 9 Peach Tree Road, with documents submitted for a 14 storey tower encompassing 116 residential apartments split between 26 x 1 bedroom, 50 x 2 bedroom and 40 x 3 bedroom options. The $35 million scheme also includes 4 basement levels for 136 vehicles and a 70 square metre tenancy.

The Peach Tree Road proposal follows on from 159-161 Epping Road and 45-61 Waterloo Road, both of which were lodged at the turn of May.

The latter will see John Holland delve into development and for now remains a Concept Development Application with an eye toward eventually becoming a multi towered apartment precinct of some magnitude. 159-161 Epping Road on the other hand is a more definitive development application championed by national developer VIMG.

Expected in the VIMG vision are two 14 storey residential apartment buildings designed by Warren and Mahoney.

The above projects are in addition to a development application across 1-3 Cottonwood Crescent which was lodged earlier in the year. That application seeks 774 rooms within a 15 storey designated as affordable rental housing stock.

<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/image19_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epping Road perspective. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_18.jpg?itok=VySQGfpL" title="Epping Road perspective. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epping Road perspective. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney</figcaption></figure>VIMG's scheme is a further step by the developer in enhancing its national presence after establishing a strong development history in Melbourne over recent years.

Their 159-161 Epping Road endeavour includes 317 dwellings split between 2 x studio, 104 x 1 bedroom, 179 x 2 bedrooms &amp; 32 x 3 bedrooms options. Costing in excess of $146 million to build, the project also sees 3 basement levels accommodating 308 vehicles.

Warren and Mahoney's scheme sees an open green space 'outdoor room' bisect the site.

<blockquote>
The landscape component forms an integral part of the development, and has been integrated into the design from the early concept phase. It will become a focal point for residents and provide an extension of the building forms, the 'Outdoor Room.'

The generous 34m building separation has afforded a design that provides a holistic connection between internal and external spaces, creating areas of varying privacy, and providing moments of reflection and celebration. A generous 20% of the site, which exceeds the minimum ADG requirement, is dedicated to deep soil landscaping, this allows for the retention and planting of mature trees to further enhance the sites natural landscape.

Warren and Mahoney
</blockquote>

VIMG expect their project to begin construction during 2019.

The above projects fall within the <a href="http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/macquariepark">Macquarie Park Urban Renewal Area</a> which will see a majority of the suburb dedicated toward higher density living, commercial development and innovation.

<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/image20_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="159-161 Epping Road within the Macquarie Park masterplan. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="474" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_13.jpg?itok=LQslSimY" title="159-161 Epping Road within the Macquarie Park masterplan. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>159-161 Epping Road within the Macquarie Park masterplan. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Macquarie Park racks up further major apartment developments

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Last week's podcast, this week! Or something like that.  Apologies for the delay.

This week Laurence sits down with Nick Deans and Richard Weinman from Warren &amp; Mahoney where they talk Fitzroy, The Spanish Club and the architecture industry in general.

Subscribe via <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-melbournes-weekly-podcast/id1356864009?mt=2">iTunes</a>, you can also see all previously published on the site <a href="/guides">here</a>.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/435242517&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>

 
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Alastair Taylor

Weekly Podcast: Episode 11 - Guests Nick Deans and Richard Weinman from Warren & Mahoney

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Today Apartments.com.au turns the spotlight on Warren and Mahoney, an international architectural design practice based in Australia and New Zealand. With a 65-year history and a 300-strong team of outstanding talent, they’ve been recognised with more than 300 awards for work ranging from commercial developments to landmark public buildings.

The design-led practice offers core services including architecture, interior design and workplace design. The office has deep expertise in strategy and briefing, customer experience design, urban design, master planning and sustainable design

Warren and Mahoney strongly believes that identity matters: that projects designed to reflect their users’ shared identity are more meaningful and more enduring, both aesthetically and commercially. They have a deep awareness of cultural context that applies to their work, including indigenous, diversity and environmental considerations.

As a recognised leader in environmentally sustainable design, Warren and Mahoney places emphasis on sustainability as key to architectural excellence, and on finding practical ways to lessen environmental impacts.

Apartments.com.au recently sought to gain further insight into the architectural practice's design process, methodology, portfolio of work and aspirations for the future, summarised in the below Q&amp;A with Warren and Mahoney Principal Nick Deans. Keep an eye out for Apartments.com.au's follow up interview with Principals Nick Deans and Richard Weinman on an upcoming episode of the podcast.

<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/stanley_street_apartments_5_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interiors of Stanley Street apartments in Collingwood. Image: Warren and Mahoney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/stanley_street_apartments_5_0.jpg?itok=n1RPqAk_" title="Interiors of Stanley Street apartments in Collingwood. Image: Warren and Mahoney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interiors of Stanley Street apartments in Collingwood. Image: Warren and Mahoney</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: How large is the practice and how many staff are based in the Melbourne office? 

Nick Deans: We are a practice of 300 staff across 7 studios in Australasia, and we currently employ 50 people across our two Australian studios. Our business model operates as one studio, as such we are able to draw on expertise across the studio network, and we are able to scale up/down very quickly in-house to meet client requirements.

UM: What projects is the studio currently working on locally in Melbourne?

ND: Our Melbourne practice is currently engaged in:

<ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
<li>La Trobe University Sports Park</li>
	<li>Deakin University Central Plaza Project</li>
	<li>6 x mid-rise residential projects for Gurner, including The Spanish Club.</li>
	<li>We completed two projects for Gurner in 2017, including Stanley Street Apartments in Collingwood, and Regent Residences in Richmond.</li>
</ul>
UM: One of the more notable projects that has been in the press recently is the former Spanish Club being developed into apartments by Tim Gurner. Can you speak a bit about this project and some of the challenges involved in working in a historically sensitive context such as Fitzroy on the site of a well-known Melbourne institution?

ND: Melbourne is a melting pot of cultural diversity and we are very proud to play a part in the continuation of ‘The Spanish Club’ which is an iconic institution on Johnston Street, representing the heart of the Hispanic Festival since its inception.

We have been working with Gurner on the Spanish Club project for the past three years from early feasibility through to the receipt of Town Planning Permit. The project consists of a seven-storey building that includes 40 apartments, and a ground floor tenancy that will become the new home to ‘The Spanish Club’.  Two levels of basement carparking are accessed via a rear lane.

The proposal fully refurbishes the original façade to pay homage to both the heritage of the site and of the Johnston Street precinct.  The massing of the apartment building is set back from the street to visually soften the interface between the old and new.  The design draws on the mass and gravitas of the original façade and reinterprets the scale and portion to create an elegant interplay between both elements.

The upper floors to the building are recessed above the main parapet and feature large terraces over Johnston Street.

We are very excited to be working directly with ‘The Spanish Club’ to create a new club and function space on the Ground Floor of the development. It is great that the iconic institution will be able to continue to operate and will have a future for years to come.

The inherent challenge an infill site is the management of the bulk and massing in the context of the streetscape. Our site sits in an immediate context of largely developed properties, as such we are creating a precedent of development for the streetscape. 

We envisage that in the future it is highly likely that the entire length of Johnston Street will be home to 7-10 storey buildings. We have the responsibility to be good neighbours.  As part of our initial investigation on the site we examined the likely pattern of development from Nicholson to Brunswick Street.  This has informed our setbacks to ensure complementary relationships will exist with a view to the future. Outlook, daylight, and ventilation are fundamentals of inner city living.

The prospect of our city fringe suburbs, Fitzroy, Collingwood, etc, becoming Parisian scale is a future we face to house a growing population. The population is already demanding access to amenity and social infrastructure, ‘The Spanish Club’ is a step toward this ideal.

<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/screenshot_20180411-232750.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Warren and Mahoney's design for The Spanish Club Image: GURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="427" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screenshot_20180411-232750.jpg?itok=51obeNkz" title="Warren and Mahoney's design for The Spanish Club Image: GURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Warren and Mahoney's design for The Spanish Club Image: GURNER</figcaption></figure>UM: What are some of the critical thinking and processes behind the studio's projects? What would people identify a Warren Mahoney project with? 

ND: Our design vision is built on the understanding that the most authentic, successful and enduring projects are those that reflect the shared identity of their users. Our work strives to capture social and cultural identity in ways that resonate with communities and enhance a sense of belonging.

Our design capability is supported by sophisticated processes and technology that allow us to deliver projects of all scales and complexities. Integral to our work are best-practice documentation and quality management systems, a world-class rendering and visualisation division and an advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) team.

UM: What are the aspirations for Warren and Mahoney in terms of growth and project sectors and typologies? Is there a desire to work on projects of a certain scale?

ND: Warren and Mahoney has been on a strong upward growth path for the previous 5 years, growing on average 20% per annum. Our business aspires to continue that growth and aims to further expand our studios in Sydney and Melbourne.

However, we’re not pursuing growth for growth’s sake. We believe we have a unique and valuable story and we’re excited to take that story into new cities, and to work with new clients. Hand in hand with our clients, we’ll explore the frontiers of sustainable, people-centred design and in doing so, both reflect and strengthen the communities we serve.

UM: Is there a particular project either here or anywhere in the world past, present or yet to be conceived that you wish the studio worked on or would like to work on?

ND: As a studio we look to projects that display an ethos that lies at the nexus of people and the culture of place.  We believe that identity matters so projects in the vein of The High Line in New York inspire us.

The High Line has not only established a successful activated public realm, it has also provided the framework for a progressive architectural and arts programs along its perimeter.  The project epitomises the strong interest of Warren and Mahoney in the creation of space that is embedded in the culture of the city that it exists in.
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Laurence Dragomir

Spotlight on Warren and Mahoney with Nick Deans

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The gradual transition of Smith Street's northern reaches to a higher density built form has seen another project join the queue.

Developer GURNER will know at the earliest by late next month whether its bid to transform Collingwood's 368-374 Smith Street has been successful. Designed by Warren and Mahoney, the residential development spans 9 storeys and sits behind a quartet of partially retained heritage buildings.

For Warren and Mahoney, the Smith Street design is their fourth high-density residential project of note in Melbourne, their third for GURNER, and their second in Collingwood.

<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/image22_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Angelo Group's two Smith Street developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_14.jpg?itok=DP_Rj1jk" title="Angelo Group's two Smith Street developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Angelo Property Group's two Smith Street developments</figcaption></figure>The Apartments.com.au Project Database currently has 10 projects along Collingwood's Smith Street in active status, with the majority located north of Johnston Street. 

Angelo Property Group has a hand in two projects, with the Kennedy Nola-designed Haus Collingwood recently hitting completion. Huas' northern facade is finished in a Brutalist style, but the majority of people will view the modern podium complete with canvas awnings.

For their other Smith Street development, Angelo Property Group has utilised Cera Stribley Architects to transform 365 Smith Street. The adjoining historic brick facade of 377-379 Smith Street will incorporate into the development which is currently at sales, whilst the modern add-on structure will be replaced with what amounts to a triple height void.

Most intriguing, or disappointing depending upon the readers perspective, is SPEC Property's Trilby development which required the existing brick facade be demolished. Later in the project's construction phase, the facade will be rebuilt to better provide continuity along the historic streetscape.

<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_7807.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7807.jpg?itok=Xg5cEk-8" title="SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SPEC Property's Trilby is a departure from the previous heritage facade</figcaption></figure>Among a number of other projects with the ability to redefine the area is 423-425 Smith Street, but perhaps more so in what was not delivered.

Kahlon Group were behind a recent planning application to add a John Davey Architects-designed multi-level extension to the rear of the site that would have added near on 10,000 square metres of creative office space.

As it is 423-425 Smith Street is nearing the end of its restoration, with no mid-rise commercial complex in sight; under the United Co name, the complex is now slated to open next month as a new coworking space.

The existing facade has for the most remained unchanged.

<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/image21_15_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_15_0.jpg?itok=ySDO5hBg" title="423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>423-425 Smith Street. Image: John Davey Architects</figcaption></figure>
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