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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Joel Robinson

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.

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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.

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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."

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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

After inspecting the a mixture of new apartment developments in Sydney's thriving north west corridor, Rouse Hill downsizers Lynne and Dale Kennedy were set to buy a two-bedroom apartment in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ellipse-property-group">Ellipse Property</a>’s Carrington Place development, until they saw the penthouse floorplans.

The retired police officer and her builder husband, aged in their mid-60’s, quickly upsized to a three-bedroom penthouse within the Atrium building, the first stage of the Castle Hill masterplan.

Their luxury apartment is one of eight in Atrium’s exclusive Penthouse Collection and features striking interior design. The penthouses offer flexible open-plan layouts with abundant space and tranquillity. With two living spaces, walk-in wardrobes and butlers’ pantries, Atrium’s penthouses feature large balconies with sweeping views to Cattai Creek and the wider Hills District.&nbsp;

“As soon as we saw the floorplan for this penthouse, we knew it was the one for us," Lynne said.

"It is oversized with abundant storage, so we know we are not going to feel cramped, even though we are downsizing from a large, five-bedroom family home. The open-plan design spills out to a large deck, perfect for entertaining and when the grandchildren visit. The finishes are top-quality and I love the butler’s pantry and integrated appliances in the kitchen – with the steam oven, pyrolytic oven and coffee machine all built in.”

High-quality material finishes and premium appliances are used throughout Atrium’s penthouse collection. Miele appliances in the newly-released Pearl Beige finish, Vintec wine fridges, Parisi tapware and fireplaces are set within luxe finishes including pure wool carpets and statement Caesarstone benchtops. Built-in barbecues, and in some cases bars and skylights, are further signature features of the penthouse design.

Dale Kennedy owns Inspect It FIRST, a building inspection company he has operated for over 25 years. With stringent views on design and build integrity, he was quick to recognise the quality behind the architectural design and iCIRT-rated builder, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>.

“This penthouse sets a new benchmark in terms of quality and attention to detail. The floorplan is well-considered - special features like the skylight are a stand-out and not typical in new builds. The iCIRT-rated builder adds a further level of comfort buying off-the-plan, and we are confident that the finished apartment will be high-quality with no nasty surprises,” said Dale.

The Kennedy’s are excited at the freedom that apartment living will unlock for them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360287]

“We won’t have to maintain a house, swimming pool and gardens anymore, and are looking forward to having more leisure time," Lynne added.

"The low maintenance apartment lifestyle and security of the building means we can travel more and take extended trips. We can simply ‘lock and leave’, something we can’t do with a big house. We also love the location so close to Showground Metro Station and retail precinct, but without being in the thick of it. Everything is literally on our doorstep, just a few minutes’ walk. It will be so convenient being able to access the city so easily and not having to drive to the shops.”

After 11 years in their home on Morrisey Way, Rouse Hill, the couple will sell it before moving into their new penthouse. The expansive five-bedroom family home features a cinema, swimming pool and six-car garage.

There are just six penthouses left in Atrium’s Penthouse Collection in a mix of three- and four-bedroom configurations, ranging from 160 to 334 sqm in size and priced from $3.025 million to $5.4 million.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360286]

According to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, exclusive sales agents at Carrington Place, Atrium’s Penthouse Collection is meeting a groundswell of demand from local downsizers – aligned with broader trends in Metro-connected suburbs across Sydney.

“The Penthouse Collection sets a new standard for apartments in Castle Hill,"&nbsp;said Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at Colliers.

"There is simply nothing else like these penthouses. Downsizers are drawn to their house-like scale and premium finishes. With sought-after views plus access to outstanding new local amenities, the Penthouse Collection unlocks a new lifestyle for buyers.

Schulze says buyers are drawn to Carrington Place’s lifestyle with close proximity to the Showground precinct’s vibrant mix of retail and dining options.

"Being able to walk to the Metro and this rapidly emerging lifestyle hub is of huge appeal to this demographic.”

According to Puja Khanna, Associate Director at Ellipse Property, the carefully curated interiors are proving to be a point of difference.&nbsp;

“Our floorplans have been thoughtfully considered, knowing that many buyers will be downsizing from large homes," Khanna says.

"Smart and abundant storage was an absolute must. And for many of our buyers, entertaining is a priority – with adult children, grandchildren and family visiting and sometimes staying over. We made sure bedrooms are spacious and living spaces are oversized, and kitchens incorporate butler’s pantries alongside the latest appliances."

Atrium is under construction by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder Decode Group, with completion scheduled for Q3 2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a>, the second stage&nbsp;of Carrington Place, is set to commence construction later this month on the back of Atrium’s significant sales success, with 85 per cent of all apartments now sold.

Carrington Place will be constructed across multiple stages and deliver more than 800 new homes, with the entire precinct set for completion in 2032. It will feature abundant open space with over 20,000 sqm of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to the nearby Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The project is also integrated with the surrounding bushland, with a site boundary that stretches to the edge of Cattai Creek, immersing residents in the beauty of Sydney’s ‘Garden Shire’.

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

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Local downsizers set sights on Carrington Place, Castle Hill penthouses

Lifestyle, residential and wellness developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a>, and joint venture development partner lNT.RE (formerly Icon Developments) have announced the popular SOAK Bathhouse brand will anchor the ground floor of their $160m luxury <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/emerald-place-by-lowe-living-200-clarendon-street-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Emerald Place</a> development at 182-200 Clarendon St, South Melbourne, which is set to open in August 2026.&nbsp;

This will be the second Melbourne outpost for the SOAK Bathhouse brand, after its inaugural Victorian location in South Yarra launched in 2025, which has quickly become a staple in Melbourne’s bathing and wellness scene.&nbsp;

SOAK Bathhouse has signed a 10-year partnership to take out the 459sqm prime corner ground-floor tenancy, which will join the other two retail tenancies, high-end commercial space and 38 ultra-luxury residential apartments and penthouses above.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135816 project_image_fid=365847]

SOAK Bathhouse is renowned for its luxurious and socially-focused mineral pools, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, infrared LED therapies, and massage services. Its arrival at Emerald Place, South Melbourne marks a significant milestone for both brands and for South Melbourne.&nbsp;

While the specific inclusions of the venue are still under wraps, SOAK Bathhouse has confirmed the space will be equipped with a signature SOAK Bathhouse mineral pool, cold plunge, saunas and steam room, alongside a lush dedication to verdant greenery and ferns throughout the tranquil bathing spaces.&nbsp;

SOAK Bathhouse will serve both Emerald Place residents and the broader South Melbourne business community, creating a wellness destination that bridges the gap between work and home. For residents, it's a daily ritual on their doorstep. For the surrounding office workers, it's a place to decompress, recharge and transition between professional and personal life.&nbsp;

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The partnership has underpinned Lowe Living’s commitment to delivering wellness-led amenities that not only embed physical spaces within the projects but integrate established, renowned wellness brands to anchor and operate these spaces.&nbsp;

Through the partnership with SOAK Bathhouse, penthouse buyers will be granted complimentary memberships, while all other residents of the Emerald Place development will benefit from exclusive discounted access. Together, these privileges deliver a compelling lifestyle enhancement and a lasting investment in wellbeing.&nbsp;

Lowe Living has been steadily carving out a niche in the luxury property market as a wellness-led developer, having a partnership with the Sorrento-based Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse to offer a private, residents-only wellness spaces at its upcoming Camberwell and Brighton projects.&nbsp;

These partnerships with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and now SOAK Bathhouse, reinforce a broader shift across Lowe Living’s portfolio towards a meaningful commitment to health-focused amenity and wellness offerings.&nbsp;

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Since its inaugural offering in Mermaid Beach, which has since expanded nationally across Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne, SOAK Bathhouse has grown into a leading contemporary bathhouse brand, attracting a dedicated following thanks to its unique social-focused approach to bathing.&nbsp;

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said the Lowe Living team "view our partnerships as an extension of our design philosophy."

"We align with brands that genuinely elevate the everyday experience of our residents and deliver tangible value for our purchasers that enrich their lives.&nbsp;SOAK Bathhouse was a natural fit for Lowe Living and specifically Emerald Place. Their approach to contemporary bathing and social wellness strongly aligns with our vision of creating homes that prioritise long-term health, connection and lifestyle.”&nbsp;

Tim Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said securing Melbourne’s second SOAK Bathhouse for Emerald Place is a significant milestone for Lowe Living, INT.RE and South Melbourne.&nbsp;

“This partnership reflects the continued evolution of luxury residential development," Lowe says.

"Today’s buyers are looking beyond finishes and floorplans and investing in holistic living environments, not just inside their apartments but in the communal and wider local amenity offerings, too."

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Lowe Living secures SOAK Bathhouse on 10-year lease at Emerald Place, South Melbourne development

Byron Bay apartments

Byron Bay's Jonson Street is set for a new $100 million mixed-use development.

Local <a href="/new-apartments/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Bay</a> developer, <a href="/developers/jd-property-group">JD Property Group</a>, has been approved for a luxury shoptop development at 119-123 Jonson Street, a 2,725 sqm block just 750 metres from Main Beach and on the corner of Jonson and Kingsley Street.

They'll launch the project, dubbed <a href="/new-apartments/secret-garden-119-123-jonson-street-byron-bay">Secret Garden</a>, this month.

Read more: <a href="/news/nsw/first-look-new-apartments-planned-for-byron-bays-jonson-street">First look: New apartments planned for Byron Bay's Jonson Street</a>

<a href="/news/nsw/first-look-new-apartments-planned-for-byron-bays-jonson-street"><img alt="Secret Garden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8a152c7-32be-4813-b414-6b85991175f5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-13%20at%209.05.01%20am.png?VersionId=03MVZS.3oyVl41AqHTxhzacPEbGsxbpR" /></a>

&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/secret-garden-119-123-jonson-street-byron-bay">Secret Garden</a> is JD Property Group’s second premier Byron Bay development. Following the success of its flagship precinct, Jonson Lane, it promises to bring the spirit of the Byron Bay Hinterland to the centre of town with premium amenities, green spaces, and a personalised concierge service for residents.

Secret Garden will comprise 22&nbsp;apartments, including luxury penthouse suites, alongside 10 upscale retail and hospitality tenancies on the ground floor. The premium-grade retail space&nbsp;will showcase local talent, including top chefs, designers, and artisans, while bringing some of Australia’s leading brands to the Byron Bay township.

JD Property Group Managing Director and third-generation local, Jason Dunn, said the precinct aims to spotlight what makes Byron Bay uniquely special.

“As a proud local, I am excited to showcase the best of Byron in a world-class, luxury precinct,”&nbsp;Dunn said.

“Every element has been thoughtfully considered and designed. From partners to products, we have aimed to work with our local community at every stage. This includes partnering with a local landscape architect to incorporate natural vegetation in our expansive greenspaces, which account for more than 40% of the precinct’s ground floor area. We have also worked with a local designer to deliver a rustic, coastal, and authentic style emulating the Byron Bay coast and hinterland, not yet seen in residential apartment living.

“Secret Garden is a very different offering to others in the market and has been positively received by our community and stakeholders. We anticipate strong interest from residents and retailers.”

<img alt="Secret Garden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="693766ea-1cfa-404a-abc6-0d6adaec163d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-13%20at%209.05.35%20am.png?VersionId=Ppyt6WNxXgEKByRO.OJBI.bQnnONGouZ" />

From amenities to personalised service, Secret Garden will offer residents a hotel-style service experience. The precinct features premium communal spaces,&nbsp; such as a rooftop wellness centre including magnesium pool, sauna, meditation space, and spa. There's an exclusive terraces for residents, BBQ areas, and a teppanyaki grill. A private concierge will be part of the project.

With an eight-star average NatHERS (Nationwide Housing Energy Rating Scheme) score, Secret Garden is a fossil-fuel free residential development. Its sustainability credentials include high-performing internal features, like glazing, to regulate temperature; water-efficient fixtures and fittings; and a ventilation strategy that maximises fresh, clean indoor air.

<img alt="Pool" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d23a872-b6fe-445e-91e1-6e72dadaf73a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-13%20at%209.05.08%20am.png?VersionId=fgXoCyEXa6ybwtizp_EHGAIyLSW4QhAk" />

“We are proud to be delivering a sustainable development that offers residents the choice of 100% renewable energy supply,” Dunn added.

“Our market-leading sustainability commitments are a true point of difference for our precinct.

“Sustainable design is a must for us, and we aim to celebrate and nurture our natural environment at every stage of the process. We hope to attract residents and retailers who share these values.”

The three-storey precinct is a collaboration with Australian architect, <a href="/architects/bayley-ward">Bayley Ward</a>, renowned local interior curator Island Luxe, and local landscape architect, LARC. It follows JD Property Group’s award-winning Jonson Lane project, which has around 80 per cent of its retail, restaurant, health, and wellness offerings serviced by local Byron-based brands.

Secret Garden will comprise 22 apartments, including luxury penthouse suites, alongside 10 upscale retail and hospitality tenancies on the ground floor

Byron Bay set for Secret Garden after luxury shoptop development gets approval

Property developer Omira Property Group has carved out a reputation as one of the most architecturally-focused villa developers in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and the southern areas of the Gold Coast.

Now they're bringing their classic coastal-style to Ballina, following success in the likes of Byron Bay, Currumbin and Kingscliff.

They've brought the same team down from their most recently completed development, Asana, on Byron Bay's dress circle Marvell Street. Asana comprised just three luxury villas which sold with prices ranging from $4.4 million to $4.6 million.

The new <a href="/new-townhouses/ballina-nsw-2478">Ballina</a> project, <a href="/new-townhouses/mana-ballina-86-90-norton-street-ballina">Mana</a>, comprises 14 luxury villas, each with over 220 sqm of internal space. They start from $1.95 million.

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<a href="/developers/omira-property-group">Omira Property Group</a> Director Alasdair Baker says the villas will represent an opportunity for prospective purchasers to live in something Ballina hasn't seen before.

"Ballina has everything Byron Bay has and more at half the price tag," Baker says, calling the area a "sleeping giant of opportunity that's just about to wake up."

"The focus in this region has always been on Byron Bay, but when people travel north or south, they realise the same lifestyle opportunities, with multiple beachside precincts, exist up and down the coastline."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264608]

<a href="/architects/c2-architecture">C2 Architecture</a>, whose concept embodies an iconic coastal aesthetic with architecture inspired by Palm Springs, is working with designer Mon Palmer of Bare Cabo design studio who has developed an interior scheme that emanates calm.

Marble features predominantly throughout the three-bedroom villas, with stone cladding, timber-look panels and white render on the exterior to create a cool coastal effect.

Hit-and-miss brickwork serves to protect the home from the heat while welcoming summer breezes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264613]

Baker says the project will suit the local downsizer market, those who have been on acreages in the region, as well as those from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane who are looking for the Byron Bay-style lifestyle.

Baker says a project of this calibre needs to have a location to match, which is why they settled on a prime site on Norton Street,&nbsp;a literal stone's throw from&nbsp; North Creek and just over a kilometre to Ballina Fair Shopping Centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=261478]

Pacifico Property, who sold Omira's Asana <a href="/new-townhouses/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Bay</a>, is marketing Mana, which is slated for completion in 2025.

One of the villas has already been snapped up pre-launch for $2.4 million, bought by a downsizer from Byron Bay.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144558]

Omira Property Group bring luxe villas to Ballina as Mana launches

The rejuvenation of Byron Bay's main thoroughfare, Jonson Street, is set to continue.

New plans have been lodged by local developer Jason Dunn, whose JD Property Group is proposing a mixed-use development at <a href="/new-apartments/secret-garden-119-123-jonson-street-byron-bay">119-123 Jonson Street</a>. Earlier this month JD Property Group won two major awards at the 2023 NSW Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards for their mixed-use project Jonson Lane, down the road from the new proposal.

The latest project will be just 22&nbsp;apartments above an activated ground plane.

The 2,727 sqm site, 750 metres from Main Beach and on the corner of Jonson and Kingsley Street, will home six retail spaces and a food and beverage tenancy, set around a central courtyard.

<img alt="Byron Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a829d92c-4234-47e5-b4ef-8c3356212ec1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-09%20at%208.39.57%20am.png?VersionId=BEip2.99q9f.pudTQbwYA6HXgqIdCv7q" />

There will be 85 parking spaces created, 44 retail and 41 residential, across the two basement levels.

The two levels above the 1,073 sqm of retail will comprise 22 two, three and four-bedroom apartments. The nine apartments on the top level have their own private rooftop terraces. They share the roof with a communal pool for all of the residents.

Architecture firm BayleyWard refined their designs after working with the <a href="/developments/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Bay</a> Department of Environmental Planning for the most desired outcome.

A pre-lodgement community engagement program was undertaken late last year, with only one property making contact regarding the proposal despite a letterbox drop to every property within a 500m radius of the site, an ad in the Byron Shire Echo, and a site notice. The Community Engagement Report suggested it could be because the comprehensive project website provided sufficient information and answers.

"Whilst there were questions and there was feedback (almost all of it was positive and none of it was negative), there were no requests for changes to the draft proposal," the report noted.

<img alt="Byron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7f46ceb-fade-45f1-9645-7203e2b00b0c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Byron.jpg?VersionId=Ue5TJNSc4OAciGaUYhITV2K0vvXn_g8M" />

BayleyWard noted in their Design Statement that the&nbsp;client and design team has developed an architectural response that addresses key issues discussed during the consultation process with the <a href="/developments/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Bay</a> Design Excellence Panel.

"In considering the urban design response to Jonson Street, it was recommended that there is a two-storey expression on Jonson Street with a recessed in alignment with the objectives of the Byron Shire DCP to support the desired street character," the report read.

"This two storey expression has been incorporated into the proposal with an accentuated ground floor retail storey with a masonry balcony element articulating the second storey above. The upper levels are set back and expressed as a darker recessive masonry materiality to minimise visual impact when viewed from the streetscape."

Apartment entry spaces have been designed with generous areas adjacent to front doors to accomodate bike or surfboard storage, planting, or a place to sit and interact with neighbours.

"These spaces extend private amenity into the semi public walkways promoting a sense of ownership, connectivity and community among residents."

<img alt="Jonson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="722f6081-ac06-408e-a7d7-bf75d8cfba53" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-09%20at%208.54.52%20am.png?VersionId=Lam1.Q42bGrDb690YTTKyu0REteLiU.d" />

Larc Landscape Architecture said the vision seeks to aligns with the aspirations of the <a href="/developments/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Bay</a> Town Centre Masterplan to “connect the Centre of Byron Bay with the spirit of its community.”

"The project strives to create new diverse social hub to encourage locals and visitors to come together - centred around a new public courtyard activated with retail, lifestyle and well-being to create a unique and authentic place in Byron Bay."

The half of the site, 119-121 Jonson Street, is currently home to function and event venue Secret Garden, while 123 Jonson is occupied by a holiday accomodation block.

<img alt="Jonson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="346b8d77-6963-43bb-8b40-7a07c801190e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-09%20at%208.34.59%20am.png?VersionId=IMiQ7ZJvEqYOivcZqHzi3B0vPsfF3IFk" />

JD are also planning Jonson Lane, 28 apartments above a commercial precinct at 139 Jonson Street.

Jonson Lane won the Excellence in Boutique Development Category at the UDIA Awards. They also took home Silver in the Retail Development Category, bringing home the Commendation Award. They were the only Northern Rivers development to win an award or be nominated as a finalist in the 2023 Awards.

“Whilst we are proud of the awards, we are learning as we are progressing” Dunn said.

“As well as our collaboration with Architects Bayley Ward, we are working closely with sustainable development consultants HIP V. HYPE on 119-123 Jonson Street. They are responsible for some of the greenest developments in Australia and I really love what they bring to the table.

"Our intention is that this will be one of NSW’s most sustainable developments”.

Elsewhere on Jonson Street, Sydney developer Podia is working with local hotelier on&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/the-bonobo-by-raes-byron-bay">The Bonobo by Raes</a>.&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/the-bonobo-by-raes-byron-bay">The Bonobo by Raes</a>, at 116-118 Jonson Street, is offering a collection of 44 hotel-managed apartments, pitched as an alternative to Airbnb.

Luxcon have their <a href="/new-apartments/bohemian-90-96-jonson-street-byron-bay">Bohemian project</a> of 44 apartments above a 1,750 sqm retail shopping and international food plaza at 90-96 Jonson Street.

<h2>Fast Facts</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Address:&nbsp;119-123 Jonson Street, Byron Bay</li>
	<li>Developer: JD Property Group</li>
	<li>Site size: 2,727 sqm</li>
	<li>Retail space: 1,073 sqm</li>
	<li>Dwellings: 22 apartments
	<ul>
		<li>6 x two-bedroom apartments</li>
		<li>11 x three-bedroom apartments</li>
		<li>5 x four-bedroom apartments</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Jonson Street has been a hive of activity in the last 12 months, with Luxcon and Podia also developing new apartment projects

First look: New apartments planned for Byron Bay's Jonson Street

A new development in Byron Bay is hoping to create a new blue-print for all future mixed-use developments in the <a href="/developments/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Shire Council</a>.

The new three-level project at 9 Marvell Street, near a number of cafes, restaurants, and the <a href="/developments/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Bay</a> Bowling Club, will have a mix of eight three and four-bedroom apartments above ground floor commercial tenancies, and a resident-only rooftop with swimming pool and barbecue deck.

Australian research lab Finding Infinity prepared a&nbsp;Design Excellence Report - Sustainability, for the project, stating is has the potential to "offer better experience."

"This project is an opportunity for leadership - to create an example that makes it easy for everyone else to follow," the Report read.

The Report said it can be a place that’s easy for residents to have a positive environmental impact, calling it a "finely tuned machine."

"A building that is built cost-effectively and is high performance with a positive impact. It functions simply, and has ultra-low operating costs. It’s easy to maintain and run. Spaces are comfortable and the community thrives. A zero-carbon operational building."

They said the building could reach&nbsp;the environmental-financial threshold, where every profitable initiative is implemented, improving both the environmental and financial performance of the project.

<img alt="Byron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a132943-252d-41dc-afda-b6ec0c863882" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-07-07%20at%2011.55.11%20am.png?VersionId=0HWkwOCF5tXlvgdqdp5Bpf69Vdl30y1E" />

The 1,013 sqm site, currently home to the Byron Bay Dive Centre, has been owned by local businessman Perry Bartholomew, who is the Dive Centre's Managing Director, since 2009, when it was bought for $2,275,000.

<a href="/architects/harley-graham-architects">Harley Graham Architects</a>, who also designed <a href="/new-apartments/bohemian-90-96-jonson-street-byron-bay">The Bohemian</a> for <a href="/developers/luxcon-group">Luxcon Group</a>,&nbsp;put the plans together for the $12 million development. The average apartment size is 140 sqm.

There will be EV charging facilities in one car share space in the building, however provisions are proposed for an additional eight charging spaces to meet future demand.

Finding Infinity's Report said that it is predicted that by 2035, 50 per ent of new car sales in Australia will be electric.

Research done for the City of Sydney showed that 81 per cent of residents were in favour of installing EV charging.

<h2>Sustainability initiatives</h2>

<ul>
	<li>High performance facade and considered orientation</li>
	<li>Mixed Mode Ventilation</li>
	<li>Efficient lighting, appliances, equipment, and HVAC systems</li>
	<li>100% electric, no gas connection</li>
	<li>Heat pump DHW</li>
	<li>Rooftop Solar PV</li>
	<li>Imported GreenPower</li>
	<li>EV charging and future-proofing</li>
	<li>Smart controls and apartment kill switches</li>
	<li>Efficient water fittings and fixtures</li>
	<li>Rainwater collection and reuse</li>
	<li>Recycled water connection</li>
	<li>Zero-waste tenancy agreements</li>
	<li>E-water systems</li>
	<li>Organic waste separation</li>
	<li>Non Toxic Construction</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Australian research lab Finding Infinity prepared a Design Excellence Report - Sustainability, for the project, stating is has the potential to "offer better experience."

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