Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Melbourne off the plan apartments

The standard for amenities in new developments has drastically risen over the past decade, shifting from a focus solely on practical functionality to a holistic approach that considers how the entire building can enhance a resident’s lifestyle.

While a prime location provides inherent lifestyle advantages like proximity to dining and retail offerings, developers and architects are increasingly shaping buyer decisions by optimising in-building amenities, offering residents a more comprehensive and convenient lifestyle. This focus has grown exponentially nationwide, driven by evolving resident needs and expectations of prospective buyers.

ASX-listed developer <a href="/developers/lendlease-development">Lendlease</a> prioritised amenity design in its latest <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> residential offering, <a href="/new-apartments/ancora-at-collins-wharf-docklands-971-collins-street-docklands-vic-3008">Ancora at Collins Wharf</a>. Ancora will be the third building in the Collins Wharf precinct, a previously underutilised wharf at the end of Collins Street which is being developed into a thriving new community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314802]

The attention to detail starts at the front door, where residents are greeted by a grand hotel-style lobby with triple-height ceilings, providing a distinguished sense of arrival. Each resident at Ancora will have access to concierge services, ranging from accepting deliveries to leisure and entertainment-based services and everything in between.

Collins Wharf aims to enhance the lifestyle of its residents by offering an impressive range of amenities that make living easier through social connection, health, and wellness. To achieve this, they’ve designed not one, but two open-air terraces at Ancora.

Each terrace features spacious alfresco dining areas with barbecue facilities, comfortable seating, beautifully landscaped gardens, and stunning north-facing views of the city and Harbour. These thoughtfully designed spaces are perfect for residents to connect with one another, creating an ideal setting for both casual gatherings and welcoming guests to Ancora.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314808]

It’s the same concerted effort to promote social interaction that inspired The Collins Room, a residents' lounge and private dining area that enhances the offering of an inclusive, connected community.

There are many components to a healthy lifestyle. Collins Wharf has also laid an importance to the physical aspect of health and wellbeing. In addition to the social spaces, Ancora also offers a fully-equipped, private gym with water views, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, and a steam room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314809]

Beyond what has been included in the building, Ancora benefits from its connected location. Collins Wharf sits at the end of Collins Street, one of Melbourne’s best streets and the cultural heart of the capital. Collins Street is lined with world-class dining, cafes, luxury retail, premium hotels, and major business headquarters. All of the above are just a short walk, or a free tram ride away from Collins Wharf.

Collins Wharf has not just leaned on the convenience of Collins Street to satisfy its future residents. The next stage of Collins Wharf will see over 5,000 sqm of new parkland established to enhance the resident experience by creating a connection to nature, something that is often overlooked in inner-city developments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=318937]

Designed by landscape architect <a href="/landscape-architect/openwork">Openwork</a>, these green spaces incorporate indigenous plantings and will feature fitness stations, play zones, covered seating areas, and open lawns, fostering a sense of community and creating yet another space for Collins Wharf residents to gather without going far from their front door.

Designed by <a href="/architects/warren-and-mahoney">Warren &amp; Mahoney</a>, Ancora offers 302 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments across two different collections; the Waterfront Collection and the Premier Collection, the latter of which offers a range of house-sized living options including skyhomes and townhomes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314797]

Nick Deans, Principal at Warren and Mahoney, describes Collins Wharf as a remarkable example of placemaking, with a design inspired by its unique waterfront location and urban interface.&nbsp;

“In partnership with Lendlease, we’re creating a distinctive precinct that seamlessly blends the vibrancy and amenities of Melbourne’s CBD with the tranquillity of a waterfront retreat. Ancora redefines apartment living, offering world-class amenities and exceptional outdoor spaces, all set right on the water’s edge.'

Construction on Ancora is set to commence later this year, with completion expected in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=9779]

Nick Deans, Principal at Warren and Mahoney, describes Collins Wharf as a remarkable example of placemaking, with a design inspired by its unique waterfront location and urban interface

Lendlease creating world-class resident experiences at Collins Wharf

Seldom does an apartment development offer its residents both parkside living while also being within meters of significant transport connections and retail opportunities.

<a href="/buildings/irving-domain-box-hill-21-23-irving-avenue-box-hill-vic-3128">Irving Domain</a>, the newest apartment development in <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a>, offers all three in abundance.

The new development on Irving Avenue, currently under construction and set for occupancy later this year, sits directly across the road from Box Hill Gardens, the largest park in the suburb, offering walking tracks, playgrounds, sports courts, and a one-kilometre running track around its boundary.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8569 project_image_fid=311426]

While Box Hill is already well-connected to wider Melbourne, with Box Hill Station just a six-minute walk from Irving Domain, residents will be even closer to greater transport connections soon, with the new Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) station being built directly under the park opposite.

The SRL is a 26-kilometre underground rail network that will connect Box Hill to Cheltenham, integrating seamlessly with existing transport options and allowing residents at Irving Domain faster and more convenient travel across Melbourne.

With a direct link to Monash University in just 12 minutes, the rail loop will enhance Box Hill’s status as a major employment, education, and lifestyle precinct.

This major infrastructure project is expected to double job opportunities in the area by the 2050s and facilitate the development of thousands of new homes.

The project also includes new pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, a linear park on Whitehorse Road, and upgraded plazas, ensuring residents of Irving Domain benefit from improved accessibility and an enhanced urban environment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8569 project_image_fid=317419]

Box Hill is a suburb well known for its diversity, both in its population and its hospitality and retail offerings.

Box Hill Central, located just 500 meters south of Irving Domain, provides a diverse selection of shopping and dining experiences, particularly celebrated for its Asian cuisine. Highly-rated restaurants such as Zero Mode, Tang, and cafes like Second Wife, ae Melbourne, and The Penny Drop are within walking distance.

The area also boasts reputable educational institutions, including Box Hill Institute and Box Hill High School, and essential healthcare services, with Box Hill Hospital only two kilometers away.

Designed by <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, Irving Domain offers one and two-bedroom apartments with high-quality interiors and functional layouts.

Residents will have access to a rooftop retreat with panoramic city views, complementing the natural greenery of Box Hill Gardens next door.

Construction is well advanced and is expected to complete in Q3 2025.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=8569]

Parkside and primed for growth: The strategic location of Irving Domain

One of Melbourne's most garden-focused new neighbourhoods is one step closer to becoming a reality, with the design-driven developer <a href="/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> appointing Brady Constructions to build its Elsternwick development,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>.

The former ABC Studios buildings on Gordon Street have been demolished on the unique 11,740 sqm site that borders the iconic Rippon Lea Estate, a heritage-listed manor surrounded by heritage-listed gardens.

Brady Constructions, which is nearing completion of MAB Corporation's Merri Northcote riverfront project, will begin excavation on the Gordon Street site in the coming months.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288414]

Milieu recently launched the first stage of Elsternwick Gardens, Gordon Place, which includes the first two of six buildings in the community. These buildings have been expertly designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with K.P.D.O, who is responsible for the interior design, and Oculus who is in charge of the landscaping.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ENqjtquSQ30?si=9Zxw2SBpGNemskzz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The buildings are strategically positioned around the perimeter of the site, separated by large expanses of landscaped gardens and walkways. Milieu knew the importance of the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate. They went to great lengths to create an extension of the gardens, that upon completion will be maintained by the gardeners of Rippon Lea Estate. . Residents will also have private, direct access from the new community to the neighboring gardens, which are over 140 years old.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288413]

There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments on offer at Gordon Place, designed with a focus on indoor and outdoor living, as well as sustainability.

All apartments will be fossil fuel-free, powered by renewable energy, and feature provisions for EV charging and water harvesting.&nbsp;Elsternwick Gardens will also include amenities such as wellness facilities, dog wash, and a hospitality offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288415]

Milieu Managing Director Michael McCormack says appointing Brady Constructions was a major milestone in the development of Elsternwick Gardens.

“We are excited to see the builders commence on site to deliver this once-in-a-lifetime project which is immersed in nature with a truly unique community”, McCormack says.

“We are thrilled to see Brady Constructions commence on site. We see Elsternwick Gardens as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an apartment in a truly unique community in this area.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136535]

Milieu Managing Director Michael McCormack says appointing Brady Constructions was a major milestone in the development of Elsternwick Gardens.



Milieu appoints builder for Elsternwick Gardens neighbourhood

<a href="/new-apartments/scotch-hill-gardens-hawthorn-147-robinson-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Scotch Hill Gardens</a> is a new lifestyle precinct by <a href="/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a>, renewing an underutilised site on Auburn Road, Hawthorn, in Melbourne’s affluent east.

The six-building elevated living precinct resides on a former University of Melbourne campus site in the Scotch Hill catchment area. Located adjacent to the green spine of fields and parklands along Gardiners Creek trail, the site’s hilly aspect benefits from views to established tree canopies, lush gardens, and the city skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327680]

<a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> is behind the masterplanning, architecture, and interior design, while <a href="/landscape-architect/tract-landscape-architects">Tract</a> is responsible for the landscape design, which will make up 40 percent of the site. Standing between four and eight levels high, the residential pavilions are interspersed within 4,000 meters of public gardens, with landscaping subtly defining boundaries between public and private zones.&nbsp;

Drawing inspiration from nature, the masterplan has been inspired by the organisation of lily pads on a pond – organic formations, discrete but interconnected, sitting lightly in within their context. Employing the principles of the “nature-based cities” guidelines, the site benefits from integrated nature, amenity, wellness and community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327647]

Woods Bagot Director Peter Miglis says the precinct’s formal and material language is inspired by <a href="/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>’s established residential vernacular, invoking the charm of local character homes with a unique, contemporary inflection.

“The architecture needed to take from the DNA of the surrounding residential homes and translate that to a multi-residential scale,” says Miglis.

“Referencing the authenticity, grandeur and heritage of the Hawthorn home, the architecture should feel familiar, yet elevated, fostering a natural sense of belonging within the neighbourhood.”

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As one of Melbourne’s oldest and grandest suburbs, Hawthorn remains a beautifully preserved example of the city’s evolution through the Victorian, Federation and Edwardian periods. Each residential pavilion takes on a unique identity from a composition of varied materials, with some buildings reinterpreting the local Victorian or Edwardian details from rhythmic brickwork to opportune archway moments, others paying homage to the Federation arts-and-crafts homes of the area.

“The Woodburn draws inspiration from the verandahs of the Victorian home ubiquitous in the Hawthorn area,” says Miglis. “The use of vertical columns and fine filigree detailing evokes a classic staple of Victorian Australian design.”

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The Tate building, meanwhile, includes a strong brick masonry element, incorporating archway motifs and apertures characteristic of the Edwardian era.

Finally, The Ingleburn’s strong geometric order takes its reference from the Federation arts and crafts style with brick detailing and heavy geometry.

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Woods Bagot interior design leader Cara Gabriel says a cohesive language has been developed between architecture and interiors, incorporating tactile, textured and subdued tones that complement the natural landscape.

“We wanted the apartments to have a sense of quiet luxury, to allow the residents to look outside and appreciate the nature they’re surrounded by,” says Gabriel.

“From an interiors perspective, it’s all about these framed views and their relationship to the outdoors that defines this project.”

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Each residence features authentic materials, generous proportions, and a return-to-craft approach, using Victorian and Tasmanian-based makers, from lighting designers to metalworkers and joiners.

“It was important to use a palette that exuded a sense of timelessness over trends,” adds Gabriel. “Colour and texture are expressed through the characteristics of the material itself, such as oak or walnut grain and veined natural stone, rather than an applied texture—it’s an honest materiality approach.”

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Belying its generous outlook, the precinct will appear recessive within its native context, consciously contrived to minimise bulk at street interface. Surrounded by a vegetated veil of established trees, the development will be sequestered from street view, adding to a sense of privacy and belonging.

With landscape architecture by Tract, the design team will retain 77 existing mature trees onsite during the development process, planting an additional 151 trees to create a verdant city sanctuary.

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Architects are also retaining and reviving the Serpentine Garden – a meandering brick pathway and molded garden designed by landscape architect Paul Thompson in 1976. In consultation with the original designer, Woods Bagot will celebrate the curvilinear geometry, creating a source of variation and intrigue in the journey into the heart of the site. &nbsp;

Scotch Hill Gardens is the first proposed carbon-neutral development for the City of Boroondara.

Catering to growing families and downsizers alike, the project will address the shortfall of housing supply in the Hawthorn area.

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How Woods Bagot and Tract created Scotch Hill Gardens, Hawthorn's new nature-driven community

<a href="/developments/murrumbeena-vic-3163">Murrumbeena</a>, in Melbourne's southeast, is known for its wide, leafy streets, lined with Federation-era homes.

Hughesdale Village serves as the heart of both Murrumbeena and Hughesdale, with an array of shops, cafes, and Hughesdale Station.

What has been missing in the area is a new apartment development, which is what prompted joint venture partners&nbsp;Progressio and&nbsp;<a href="/developers/damgar-group">Damgar Property Group</a> to explore the opportunities available as close as possible to the village.

They secured a prime site at 50 Rosella Street, on the corner of Poath Road, just a stone's throw from the station and the Hellenic Depot, the popular Greek restaurant and bar. They commissioned Cera Stribley to design&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/rosella-murrumbeena-50-rosella-street-murrumbeena-vic-3163">Rosella</a>,&nbsp;70 one, two and three-bedroom apartments when completed later this year.

Cera Stribley was inspired by the adjacent Hughesdale Station when designing Rosella. The seven-level building&nbsp;features a façade of rough-cast concrete, dark terrazzo, and warm copper accents, reflecting the architectural character of the Hughesdale Station underpasses.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=288651]

Each apartment has been designed to maximise natural light and livability, featuring large balconies and terraces that provide excellent outdoor entertaining space

Inside, the apartments start at over 60 sqm for the one-bedroom units. Every apartment comes with at least one car space and is equipped with integrated Miele appliances and stone benchtops in the kitchens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=288652]

Rosella residents will be spoiled for choice with Murrumbeena Village just moments away, along with six new retail tenancies on the ground level. These are expected to include a variety of restaurants, cafes, and wine bars.

The location is exceptionally well-connected, with Rosella residents just 20 minutes from the CBD by train, direct from Hughesdale Station.

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Murrumbeena Park and its playground, as well as a variety of dining options like Murrumbeena Wine Bar, are all within a 10-minute walk.

Chadstone Shopping Centre, the largest indoor shopping centre in Australia, is just one kilometre up Poath Road. Known as 'Chaddy', the retail precinct boasts over 550 stores, around 100 restaurants and cafes, a fresh food market, and a full entertainment quarter featuring escape rooms, dodgems, mini-golf, a cinema, and bowling.

Rosella is progressing well with construction and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

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Rosella residents will be spoiled for choice with Murrumbeena Village just moments away, along with six new retail tenancies on the ground level

Rosella's prime location in Hughesdale Village

Well into construction of the first two stages of its net-zero masterplan, property developer Sunkin has revealed the most premium apartments in their <a href="/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a> community.

They've started selling the Luxury Collection, just 12 residences which are a step up in quality and design from what has been offered in the new precinct before. Think Gaggenau appliances, natural stone benchtops and significant outdoor spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300054]

Each residence in the Luxury Collection includes three bedrooms and a variety of layouts. The collection is designed to cater to different preferences, from penthouse-style apartments with wraparound terraces and Bayside views to townhouse-style homes with direct access to landscaped grounds and kids' playgrounds.

Sunkin is offering a range of incentives for those purchasing in the Luxury Collection, including an impressive $12,000 voucher for furniture from interior design experts Coco Republic, as well as a free styling consultation.

Coco Republic has infused the design with a Hamptons-inspired aesthetic, characterized by a neutral color palette, natural stone, and herringbone timber flooring throughout the living spaces.

The marble kitchens, featuring integrated Gaggenau appliances, are anchored by a waterfall island wrapped in natural stone, under feature pendant lighting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=331189]

Each residence in the Luxury Collection is also equipped with an ABB Home Automation package integrated with the Highett Common Connect app for seamless control over lighting, climate, and music.

Prospective buyers can secure one of the best apartments in Highett Common with just a five per cent deposit. Apartments start from $1.25 million, meaning a deposit of $62,500 is required upon unconditional sale, with the apartments set for completion later this year.

The Luxury Collection is part of the first stage of Highett Common, set to be Victoria’s first medium-density, net-zero targeted community. Located on a 9.3-hectare site in the heart of Highett, the development is ideally positioned to benefit from the vibrant bar and restaurant scene on Highett Road. Future residents will also be close to Sandringham Beach, Highett Shopping Centre, and Highett Train Station. Three hectares of the large site will be kept as a conservation area, and another one hectare will be dedicated to parkland.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=331186]

SK Construction recently topped out the first two buildings late last year. They are now starting to work through the fitout of the apartments, meaning those interested in securing a Luxury Collection apartment can see the apartment as an empty shell.

Buyers in the first stage are expected to move into their apartments around November. The surrounding park and playground will also be finished as part of the first stage, as will the new Bayside Community Facility which will home a two-level public library, study areas, rooms for community classes and meetings, and an adjacent café.&nbsp;

Further amenity, like the indoor lap pool, wellness centre with a gym, and a bookable private dining room, will complete as part of the next stage next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108019]

&nbsp;

Sunkin takes luxury to new heights at Highett Common

The Federal Government’s latest announcement of a temporary two-year ban on foreigners purchasing existing housing in Australia has led to some confusion about its impact.

Under the&nbsp;updated FIRB regulations, foreign buyers can&nbsp;still purchase off the plan properties and newly completed dwellings without being affected by the revised rules.&nbsp;

The new regulation, effective from 1 April 2025, will prevent temporary residents from purchasing established houses. This change is intended to support the creation of new housing by redirecting demand towards new apartments and houses, which will see further demand channelled towards key off-the-plan markets.&nbsp;

Colliers Managing Director, Victoria | Residential, Tim Storey, said they expect the effects of this policy change will surprise on the upside, especially for developers of new apartments in Melbourne who will now have a larger pool of buyers.

“This policy is a positive step towards addressing the housing supply issue in Australia. By encouraging the purchase of new dwellings, we are also supporting the construction industry," Storey said.

According to the latest available statistics, foreign buyers have purchased an annual average of only 1,291 established homes over the past three years, representing just 0.24 per cent of overall housing market sales. &nbsp;

Significantly, Victoria has consistently attracted the highest levels of foreign buyer activity across all categories, accounting for 45 per cent of purchases across Australia over the past three years. This trend is expected to continue, benefiting developers in the state.&nbsp;

“The updated FIRB regulations combined with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent announcement of a cash rate cut, which lenders have passed through, create a more favourable environment for new housing developments," Storey added.

"Developers should see this as an opportunity to meet the growing demand for new dwellings. This change ensures that the market for off-the-plan properties remains robust and continues attracting foreign investment."

FIRB regulations to drive foreign buyers to new apartment development market

640 Bourke Street represents a culmination of six years of vision and development by Far East Consortium.

The journey began in 2019 when the consortium acquired the historic Eliza Tinsley building, situated on a prime 2,765 sqm site at the Spencer Street end of Bourke Street. While the landmark building, dating back to the early 1900s, will be preserved, it will be complemented by a striking glass tower designed by Rothelowman, which will seamlessly extend from the heritage structure.

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<a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> offers prices befitting of its address, with the one-bedroom apartments starting from $640,000. There are also two and three-bedroom apartments on offer throughout the 68-level skyscraper, designed with the owner-occupier in mind.&nbsp;

Far East Consortium sought to create larger apartments than the previous approval that came with the site purchase had proposed. That had 813 apartments, which have now been cut down to just over 600 to accomodate larger floorplans.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335432]

"The people who do want to be in the city want bigger apartments, and we're catering for that need,"&nbsp;Far East Consortium Executive Director Craig Williams said.

On the new design, Williams said history shows if you can put a modern sculpture piece of architecture behind a heritage building, the two complement each other.

"It's a very elegantly designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

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640 Bourke Street will also be filled with resident amenity, over 3,000 sqm of it, to elevate its residents lifestyle.

There will be everything from a pool&nbsp;inspired by Turkish hammams to a gym, an art therapy room, co-working spaces, a whisky lounge, a library, and movie theatres.&nbsp;

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Residents will enjoy seamless access to Melbourne's renowned retail, arts, and green spaces, from Bourke Street Mall to Flagstaff Gardens.

"Bourke Street is a very proud address," Williams added.

"Whilst we may be towards the western end of the old city, we are at the centre of the new city of Melbourne."

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640 Bourke will be&nbsp;Far East Consortium's 14th building in Melbourne. Their most recent completion was the four-tower, $2.4 billion development West Side Place, just 400 metres away on Spencer Street.

Buyers only have until October 2025 to take advantage of the VIC Government's <a href="/news/vic/vic-government-slashes-stamp-duty-for-off-the-plan-property-buyers-savings-available-immediately-oct-2024">generous stamp duty concessions</a> announced late last year.

*Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as at March 2025.

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Far East Consortium’s new CBD apartment tower rises behind the historic Eliza Tinsley Building

Far East Consortium launches new Melbourne CBD apartment tower, 640 Bourke Street

Mirvac has celebrated commencement of construction on its new Prince &amp; Parade residential community in Brunswick, marking the start of major works for the project that will rejuvenate a disused site and deliver 167 much-needed new apartments to Melbourne.

With <a href="/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick">Prince &amp; Parade</a> underway, Mirvac now has more than 900 apartments currently in progress across Melbourne, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Victorian residential market.

Mirvac’s CEO Development, Stuart Penklis and General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson, were joined by Peter Khalil MP, Federal Member for Wills to celebrate the project’s milestone.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=217137]

Penklis said Prince &amp; Parade demonstrates how government and industry can work together to transform previously underutilised sites into much-needed homes for Victorians in desirable inner, middle ring locations, close to transport; and delivering this type of housing is a priority for government.

“With the support of the State Government, Prince &amp; Parade received the green light through the Development Facilitation Program and now we are delivering almost 170 modern apartments, creating 300 construction jobs and ongoing employment opportunities for the local community,” Penklis said.

“Formerly the old Princes Park Motor Inn, this residential community is a great example of how we can take a site that is no longer fit-for-purpose and deliver additional housing for the community.

"It’s important that we continue to work with all levels of government to find efficient planning pathways that allow industry to identify opportunities to accelerate housing across Melbourne."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=217129]

Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson said Prince &amp; Parade will join Mirvac’s $7.6bn Victorian development pipeline, with a new build-to-rent community opening in <a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> later this year.

“This project completes Mirvac’s construction trifecta for our apartment offering, joining The Albertine in the St Kilda precinct and Trielle in Yarra’s Edge,"&nbsp;Anderson said.

"Across our build-to-rent and build-to-sell projects, we are committed to delivering a range of apartments for downsizers, growing families and investors that are built for tomorrow."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=217119]

Prince &amp; Parade will offer a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments and will mark Mirvac’s third collaboration with design practice, Bates Smart, joining The Melburnian (2011) and The Eastbourne (2019) in the duo’s multi-award-winning developments.

The development will include a residential lounge, shared dining room and kitchen, crown courtyard, library, gym, shared roof top terrace and concierge. The building will deliver an average 7-Star NatHERS energy rating through double glazing, induction cooktops, heat-pump technology for hot water, and rooftop solar panels – all designed to minimise reliance on the grid and reduce environmental impact.

&nbsp;

Mirvac will also be creating a green link connecting Brunswick Road through to Park Street, designed by Jack Merlo and a number of public bike spaces throughout.

The development will include a publicly accessible retail tenancy which will offer a convenient spot for the community to enjoy café offerings. The tenancy will be independently operated and is expected to be open around the time of completion.

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Mirvac to transform old motel into apartments in Brunswick as Prince & Parade construction kicks off

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

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