There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

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That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

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That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

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That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

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Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

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The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

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The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

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Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

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Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

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The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

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“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

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Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Residential Tower

180 George is among Meriton&rsquo;s latest developments to be delivered in Sydney&rsquo;s western suburb of Parramatta.

From the elevated podium gardens and destination ground-level retail to the superbly appointed residences, 180 George&rsquo;s towering form announces the arrival of the most spectacular homes ever created on the city&rsquo;s prized river edge.

Urban has taken a deeper look at what 180 George can offer homebuyers.

1. Riverfront address

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Soaring to unprecedented heights, 180 George will set a new standard of riverfront living in Parramatta.

Rising 67 floors, the glass tower is set to become the tallest residential building in Parramatta after its completion in December 2021, offering panoramic views from almost every apartment.

552 landmark residences look out over Parramatta River to the Sydney CBD skyline and beyond, marking a new statement building in the epicentre of Western Sydney.

2. World-class development

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Delivered by Meriton, 180 George is a world-class development, offering five-star amenities that include a 1,000sqm supermarket, a 75-place childcare centre and an adjoining 58-level hotel tower.

Other facilities include 1,200sqm of podium gardens, a barbeque area, seating, a fully-equipped gymnasium and an indoor aquatic centre with a heated pool, spa and sauna.

3. Luxurious homes

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Investors and owner-occupiers will both enjoy the diverse selection of oversized apartments on offer at 180 George, each designed to capture the best of their riverside and CBD setting.

Designed by Woods Bagot, residences are characterised by contemporary design, luxury finishes and plentiful storage.

Dual-level and dual aspect apartments are available, many with large entertainer terraces, media rooms and study rooms with bedroom-sized proportions for those seeking versatile extra space.

Sleek kitchens, some taking in the tower&rsquo;s signature views, are created around easy entertaining and modern family life, with premium quality European appliances, integrated dishwasher and VENINI microwave.

4. Sydney&rsquo;s second CBD

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&ldquo;Parramatta is rapidly transforming into a buzzing metropolitan hub with over 175,000 working professionals making it Sydney&rsquo;s second CBD&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

180 George is conveniently located at the centre of it all, just a small walk from the $2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment which will boast the country&rsquo;s largest office tower. It will house major tenants such as National Australia Bank and the NSW Government.

The key economic and cultural hub includes great community offerings, including the first vertical high school rising 16 storeys and the mixed-use Parramatta Square precinct.

5. Well-connected and well-serviced

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Meriton&rsquo;s latest Parramatta tower enjoys convenient access to some of Australia&rsquo;s best educational and medical facilities.

Among these include the Western Sydney University Parramatta campus, the University of New England, Tara Anglican School for Girls and The King&#39;s School.

A short drive to the Westmead precinct unlocks one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia including four major hospitals, three medical research institutes and the largest research-intensive pathology service in the state.

Parramatta boasts a range of transport offerings, including the free shuttle bus service, the upgraded Parramatta Ferry Wharf, a future Light Rail stop, Parramatta Station the new multi-billion dollar transport networks including WestConnex and the new Metro West.

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Urban has taken a deeper look at what 180 George can offer homebuyers

max.kwok_55688

Five things we love about Meriton’s latest residential tower in Parramatta, 180 George

Just three weeks after submitting their development application, the Sydney-based developer Sammut Group have secured $110 million in conditional sales for Coast, their Surfers Paradise apartment tower.

They&#39;ve secured sales of over 43 of the 49 total apartments, with sales so far ranging between $3.5 million and $9 million, at an average of $4.5 million.

A Sydney buyer, who already has a full floor apartments on the exclusive Garfield Terrace,&nbsp;secured a 610 sqm, full floor apartment in the development.

Sammut Group Director Allen Sammut said the inquiry for the project had been something he had never seen in more than 35 years in the development industry.

<img alt="" height="744" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coast_1.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;The take up has just been incredible,&rdquo; said Sammut, whose Sydney-based company&rsquo;s brand is synonymous with luxury apartments in the Sutherland Shire area.

&ldquo;We were confident that our luxury residential offering would be well received, although we never anticipated the sheer volume of market uptake we&rsquo;ve witnessed in the past few weeks.&rdquo;

&ldquo;To have our debut Gold Coast project welcomed with such ferocity is a sensational result that only reinforces our commitment to delivering a project that exceeds our buyer&rsquo;s expectations on every front,&rdquo; Sammut added.

There was interest from interstate and local buyers, as well as a purchaser from New Zealand.

&ldquo;The contracts will obviously be subject to DA approval however the project is code assessable and therefore well within the requirements of the town plan.&rdquo;

Coast, designed by PBD Architects and set to soar 35 levels in to sky, will have a wide range of resident amenity, including 32m wet edge pool that wraps from the east to north, wellness facilities including a yoga studio, massage rooms and sauna, function facilities, a residential beach bar and a commercial sized gym.

<img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coast_ocean_bar.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;We threw the whole box and dice at the design of this project because we believe the site was purchased well, and the quality of what we have included in Coast from both luxury apartments and amenities has simply tantalised the market,&rdquo; Sammut said.

Sammut Group Director Allen Sammut said the inquiry for the project had been something he had never seen in more than 35 years in the development industry

Sammut nearly sell-out Surfers Paradise apartment tower just three weeks after lodging DA

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Plans for Melbourne’s tallest building — 322 metres — have been given the green signal by the Daniel Andrews’ government. 
James Packer’s Crown casino will expand its Southbank site to eight hectares for its $1.75 billion 90-storey tower.
On completion, the 1 Queensbridge Street site will have a 6-star hotel with 388 rooms, 708 apartments, a pedestrian skybridge and visitor attractions.
It will eclipse the current tallest building, Eureka Tower, by 25 metres and also the Australia 108 residential tower, also being built at Southbank and planned to be 319 metres.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne, who had earlier taken a firm hand to curtail over-development of sites,
approved the project – which is claimed to represent $2.1 billion in economic benefit - after 12 months of talks with the developer and Melbourne City Council, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Premier Andrews said the project would create 4000 jobs; 3000 during construction and another 1,000 once up and running.
"It's not just about height though, the quality of this design outcome, particularly the public realm benefits that will be accessible for all Victorians, really mark this out as a very, very special project," Andrews was quoted as saying.
But the decision was met with criticism from several quarters. 
Melbourne City councillor Rohan Leppert from the Greens said the tower "makes a mockery" of new rules for skyscrapers introduced by Wynne last year. This was, he said, "particularly due to the complete lack of setback to Queens Bridge Street and the sheer bulk of the building".
He also questioned why the public had not had any opportunity to have input into the tower decision.
Wynne amended the planning scheme in order to approve the tower, instead of the usual process of first seeking formal feedback from Melbourne City Council.
RMIT Planning academic Michael Buxton was also quoted in the report as saying Crown appeared to have created its own rules for the site.
"There is supposedly a rule in place for projects like this, but there are no rules, and the more powerful you are the fewer the rules," Professor Buxton said.
Crown and its joint venture partner Schiavello Group will pay $100 million towards a community package that will see a $25 million upgrade of Queensbridge square, and $15 million towards Sandridge rail bridge.
Construction is expected to start in 2018 and could take up to six years to finish. 
There will be no gambling within the building.
The announcement comes a day after an Auditor-General report found Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation oversight of gambling and money laundering at Crown Casino was inadequate, said the AAP in a report.
The VCGLR accepted the report and Andrews said if it needed extra government support he would "only be to happy" to provide it.
 
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Crown casino wins approval for Melbourne’s tallest tower

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Australia’s newest super-skyscraper – Australia 108 – is officially the tallest residential tower in the Southern Hemisphere from floor to roof, spanning a colossal 319-metres tall or 100-storeys.

Located in the inner-metropolitan Melbourne suburb of Southbank, Australia 108 has been officially ‘topped out’ with its roof complete and its glass façade now reaching its highest levels.

This milestone has taken five years after piling work started in November 2015. 

The entire 100th floor of Australia 108 sold at record equaling $25 million asking price to a Chinese businessman in April 2015.

After one month, Australia 108 was marketed as 90% plus sold.

In September 2015, less than 30 Cloud residences were still remaining unsold as Brookfield Multiplex was appointed to to construct the residential tower. Three months later, the construction of Australia 108 was commerced. 

In June 2018, the first residents moved into the super-skyscraper. 

In November 2019, Australia 108 completed construction of its landmark Starburst's external facade. In the same month, the international property developer of skyscraper Australia 108 has been questioned by the Singaporean stock exchange about the tower’s structural soundness.

Builder Multiplex will now complete the remaining apartment interiors as well as the building’s Starburst amenity spaces, which includes two infinity pools cantilevering 210 metres above the street.

The building will be fully completed by the end of quarter three of this year.

Chief Executive at developer, World Class Global, David Ng said the topping out of Australia 108 was a special moment for Melbourne’s skyline.

“Australia 108 is already a familiar landmark and has cemented itself on Melbourne’s iconic skyline as it has risen over the past five years." 

Karl Fender, founding partner of the project’s architect Fender Katsalidis, said this milestone marked another satisfying achievement for the firm.

“The arrival of Australia 108 on Melbourne’s skyline is another defining moment for our city and of course one which we are extremely proud to have contributed to.”

Construction at the new Melbourne landmark has been led by Multiplex, which utilised new techniques developed specifically for the project. 

Multiplex created purpose-built platforms from which builders worked safely on to install the golden panels of the Starburst that were delivered by crane during the middle of the night.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director, Graham Cottam, said the build from many metres below ground to the top had required innovation and had proceeded without any major issues.

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One consideration the build team successfully addressed prior to topping out at Australia 108 is how the structure copes with gale force winds up to 140km/h which blow in from Port Phillip Bay. To combat this, underneath level-100 of the tower has been fitted with a 300,000-litre damper tank to act as a counterbalance.

Multiplex said the tower crane at Australia 108 would come down over the coming months. A special purpose recovery crane will be installed to the top of the building roof to recover the final tower crane. This recovery crane then breaks apart and is able to lift itself down from the roof to the ground.

Residents started moving into Australia 108 from 2018 as part of a staged handover of lower level apartments.

The building’s premium Cloud Residences – luxury apartments from levels 72 – are the latest residents moving into their new apartments, the majority of which are perched higher than most of Southbank’s surrounding buildings, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Melbourne.

More than three-quarters of apartments have been completed, with construction workers now focused on finishing the remaining premium Cloud Residences at the top of the building.

They will also focus on completing the amenity within the Starburst – the protruding golden structure from levels 70 and 71 which pays homage to the Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag.

Here, within the 2,800 square metre Star Club, residents can enjoy infinity pools, dining rooms, gyms and lounge areas, with residents living above the Starburst enjoying their own private VIP zones and exclusive pool.

A limited selection of 3-bedroom Cloud Residences are still available for sale at Australia 108. Exclusive one and two-bedroom Sky Rise Residences up to level 67 are ready to move into. 

 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australia 108 officially becomes the tallest residential tower in Southern Hemisphere

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The Star Gold Coast, located on Broadbeach Island, is expanding with developers fast-tracking the residential sales launch of its second mixed-use tower.  
The 63-storey, $500 million development will feature 457 residential apartments, 210 five-star hotel rooms and an array of world-class amenities. 
The second tower is the highly anticipated next stage of The Star Gold Coast’s multi-billion-dollar transformation of Broadbeach Island, following the start of construction on the first mixed-use tower, featuring the Dorsett hotel and a residential component known as ‘The Star Residences Gold Coast’. 
The first tower, which began construction in November 2018, comprises 423 residential apartments and is now 92% sold out – making it the fastest-selling residential project in Queensland since launching 19 months ago.  
The two mixed-use towers are being delivered by the same partners building the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort development in Brisbane’s CBD. 
This consortium – comprised of The Star Entertainment Group, Far East Consortium, and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited – has a combined portfolio of more than $6 billion in projects currently planned or underway within Australia. 
Far East Consortium is also spearheading the $2.4 billion West Side Place mixed-use development in Melbourne, delivering 2600 apartments across four towers with the first two towers almost sold out.
Construction of its first tower is underway with the second set to commence next month, following the recent award of its $660 million construction contract.  
Far East Consortium National Sales and Marketing Manager Lauren Sheldon said the decision to fast-track the sales launch of tower two is testament to the demand for real estate on Broadbeach Island, and a vote of confidence in the Gold Coast market. 
"Our consortium aims to invest – through The Star Gold Coast masterplan – an additional $2 billion-plus into embedding the complex and Broadbeach Island as one of the southern hemisphere's largest tourism, entertainment, and lifestyle precinct, and it is clear from the residential sales success of the first tower that buyers are on board with this vision," Sheldon said. 
"The Gold Coast is ripe for this type of development activity, supported by $13 billion in major infrastructure projects recently completed, planned, or underway in the city.  
"We're releasing the second tower to the market, with construction expected to commence in mid-2020 and completion anticipated about 2024.  
"We are confident its high-end residential appeal, premium amenity, and enviable location within the integrated resort development will be extremely attractive to prospective purchasers." 
The latest tower will feature one, two, and three-bedroom residential apartments across the upper 43 levels including an exclusive two-level resident-only recreation deck boasting a sun lounge and yoga deck; a 23.5 metre lap pool; barbeque areas; sauna and steam room; space for a kids’ club; a gymnasium; and private dining rooms. 
One-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 55 square metres to 64 square metres, will be priced from $486,000.
Two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 71 square metres to 106 square metres, will be priced from $692,000.
Three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 112 square metres to 168 square metres, will be priced from $1,295,000.
Residents will be able to choose from two different apartment colour schemes and each residence is designed to maximise views and coastal breezes.  
The Star Entertainment Group Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier said the new tower’s hotel and lifestyle offering will further underpin Broadbeach Island as a world-class tourism, leisure, and entertainment destination for visitors to the Gold Coast. 
"Through the latest tower, The Star Gold Coast will offer four hotels on Broadbeach Island – more hotels than any other integrated resort in Australia,” Bekier said. 
“The new five-star hotel will feature 210 rooms and will take the overall hotel accommodation supply on Broadbeach Island to almost 1200 rooms and suites across the four hotels.  
"Starting from level seven and spanning 12 levels, the new hotel will sit above a six-level podium featuring an active retail concourse, and will provide direct connectivity to The Star Gold Coast's other hotel and residential offerings. 
"The second tower’s retail offerings, when combined with tower one, will feature more than 12,050 square metres of retail and resort amenities.  
"These amenities include one of the southern hemisphere's most luxurious day spas and wellness centres; a cafe and wine bar with views to Broadbeach and Coolangatta; an exciting nightlife venue; and speciality lifestyle services including a boutique hair and nail salon, floral services, and a fine food market.”  
An additional sub-tropical recreation deck for use by residents and visitors will connect to The Star Gold Coast, and is designed to create a world-class rooftop experience. 
A large lagoon pool, sundecks, private cabanas, alfresco dining areas, plazas, waterplay, subtropical gardens, function lawns, and outdoor spaces will bring the iconic landmark to life. 
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Sheldon said while residents will be able to enjoy living within an integrated resort, the apartments are designed for privacy and seclusion. 
"Residents can choose to immerse themselves in the plentiful opportunities that come with living in an iconic lifestyle destination – or they can enjoy the quiet, private, and secluded environment also on offer. They really do get the best of both worlds," Sheldon said.  
"The residents-only recreation area has been carefully designed to provide seclusion, comfort, and functionality by combining intimate spaces within a lush, subtropical garden setting that offers 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline. The dedicated lobby and lifts will allow residents to feel like they have own private retreat in the sky. 
"The latest tower will be the pinnacle of luxury integrated resort living on the Gold Coast. With its enviable location and connectivity to the G:Link Light Rail, designer shopping at Pacific Fair, and proximity to all the action and major events at the adjacent Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, we are expecting solid interest from owner-occupiers and investors from the Gold Coast, interstate, and internationally."
The latest tower will be positioned south of the Dorsett hotel and The Star Residences Gold Coast apartments tower currently under construction, and will provide hundreds of car parks. Dedicated bicycle spaces will also be available for residents. 
In addition to the construction of the Dorsett hotel and The Star Residences Gold Coast apartments tower, The Star Gold Coast’s transformation to date includes a refurbishment of The Star Grand’s 596 hotel rooms; the opening of a new luxury 56-suite hotel, The Darling; 12 new food and beverage experiences; a new day spa and fitness centre, Azure Spa &amp; Fitness; and additional meeting room space and refreshed conference facilities in the Event Centre.  
A further three towers are planned as part of The Star Gold Coast’s approved $2-billion-plus masterplan for Broadbeach Island.
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The Star Gold Coast launches second residential tower

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Yuhu Group Australia has topped out at The Miller, its residential project in the heart of North Sydney.
The construction by Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) has reached its 21-storey construction height.
The Miller remains on target for completion in the second half of this year, Yuhu Group CEO Roy Huang said.
"The Miller gave life to the company’s vision of providing high-quality urban living and investment opportunities in premium assets and prime locations," Huang said.
"Our emphasis on design excellence and build quality has certainly resonated with buyers. 
"The Miller offers incredible access to the thriving North Sydney shopping precinct as well as a range of outstanding schools. 
"It is also in proximity to the waterfront and Sydney CBD just two kilometres away," he said.
The Miller, designed by architects PTW, comprises 169 private residences and 100 services apartments that will be retained by Yuhu Group and managed by Quest. 
The project offers views of Sydney Harbour.
Gregg Armstrong, Project Director of RCC, said the collaborative partnership formed with Yuhu, Savills and the subcontractors, suppliers and consultants has driven a “one team” approach to delivery.
 “This collective effort is making the project an enjoyable journey for everyone as we work towards delivering quality homes for future residents,” Armstrong said.
Project manager Savills has worked closely with Yuhu, RCC and the design team including PTW, NDY, TTW, Oculus and Aurecon to achieve the topping out milestone. 
“Constructed atop immensely strong North Sydney sandstone, The Miller embodies Yuhu Group’s values to improve life and foster growth by bringing a new level of quality and finish to the local area,” said Savills director project management, Justin Ibrahi.
The design will feature a façade with brass colored balcony ribbons of perforated aluminum.
North Sydney remains a highly sought-after, local property market with CoreLogic data showing year-on-year price growth of 5.43% for units/apartments, as well as yield growth in rentals.
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The Miller, North Sydney set for 2019 completion

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Adelaide’s tallest apartment tower west facing residents are hot under the collar, intent on launching action against the developer, claiming their units get too hot.
The Vue on King William street’s community corporation has filed a pre-trial application, The Adelaide Advertiser has reported, ahead of a likely claim in the District Court.
The action comes close to two years after the completion of the $100 million award-winning, 87 metre tall, 205-apartment tower by developer Vue on KWS Pty Ltd — a joint venture between Adelaide-based Starfish Developments and Melbourne developer the Deague Group.
The Vue on King William won the 2016 Urban Development Institute of Australia SA branch High Density Housing Award in 2016 and boasts majestic city views.
Vue on KWS’ lawyer Samuel Hurburgh, of Minter Ellison, said the crux of the issue was that the apartments get “too hot”.
“There’s either an issue with the glass, issue with the thermal performance of the building or with the air-conditioning,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s all apartments.”
The community corporation’s lawyer Amy Davis, of Barry Nilsson lawyers, told Master Mark Rice it was “primarily” the apartments facing the west have the “most difficulty”.
Mr Hurburgh told the court on Thursday that his client was opposing the application by the community corporation for pre-action disclosure of documents.
The building on the western side of King William St near the corner of South Terrace.
Starfish Developments managing director Damon Nagel declined to comment on the court action when The Advertiser sought also comment from the Deague Group.
Master Rice listed the matter for argument on June 15.
Completed in May 2016, Vue brings a new style of residential architecture to Adelaide with its 6 level podium, recessed Level 7 roof top garden, pool deck and recreation centre and 21 level glass frontage.
 
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Vue on King William, Adelaide CBD apartment owners hot under the collar

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The first residential tower within Park Central, a $1 billion development in Brisbane’s Woolloongabba, is to be released this month.
Park Central One will be developed by Singapore-based Wee Hur Holdings Ltd and will comprise 168 one and two-bedroom apartments over 18 levels.
There will be ground floor retail and a rooftop garden terrace as well that includes a swimming pool, deck and gym that take in views of Brisbane CBD and surrounds.
“Park Central One was designed for a local owner or a tenant wanting a convenient and active lifestyle, only 7 minutes from Brisbane CBD,” said Rachel Hutson, residential project manager at Colliers International, which is marketing the development.
“Being part of a transit oriented development, Park Central One will be a hub of activity offering residents direct connection to Buranda busway and rail stations as well as dedicated bikeways link to South east Freeway and the Norman Creek Bikeway and Greenway.”
One-bedroom apartments average 60 sqm in size and range from $350,000 to $425,000, while the average size of a two-bedroom apartment is 90 sqm with prices ranging from $485,000 to $690,000.
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The tower is designed by Woods Bagot, and Tomkins have recently been appointed as the builders, with construction expected to start later this year.
Park Central will also have direct access to the $944 million high frequency Brisbane Metro Service for which Council handed down its business case recently. 
The open plan living apartments will feature a designer kitchen with feature splashback, reconstituted stone island bench and quality Bosch stainless steel appliances.
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The Woolloongabba precinct is expected to grow by more than 100,000 jobs to 2031.  Woolloongabba itself is expected to generate over 20,000 new jobs.
The future stages at Park Central will include additional apartments, student accommodation, all positioned around a 4,300 sqm ‘sky park’ and 16,000 sqm retail precinct anchored by a supermarket, specialty stores and dining.
According to the master plan, ‘sky park’ will be a private recreation space that will include a club lounge, outdoor dining and entertaining areas. There is a display suite onsite.
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First apartment tower at Park Central in Brisbane's Woolloongabba

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An auction on July 29 will offer a prime Southbank site with a permit for a skyscraping residential tower.
The 54-56 Clarke Street, Southbank property occupies a prime corner site located within 100 metres of the Crown Casino complex.
It comes complete with a fully approved permit and plans for a landmark 74 level tower comprising 288 apartments.
According to Savills agent Clinton Baxter, who is marketing the property with Nick Peden, the sale by auction was aimed at providing total transparency for potential buyers together with an unconditional sale for the vendor within a defined timeframe.
"Developers can attend the auction with tremendous confidence knowing that they can bid for and buy a site poised for Melbourne’s next iconic project, one that, at 74 levels, will rise above all nearby towers and offer future occupants spectacular views in all directions,’’ Clinton Baxter said.
It will be hotly contested by local and off-shore developers..
The property will be auctioned onsite on Friday, July 29 at 11am.
 
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Southbank 74 storey tower permit auction offering

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Singaporean developer World Class Land has appointed global contractor Brookfield Multiplex to construct its landmark tower Australia 108.
It will be the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere when completed in 2020.
The building’s 1105 apartments are almost completely sold out, with construction works to commence this month.
The leading global contractor will be responsible for delivering the 319-metre luxury apartment building designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects across 100 levels.
The tower will be constructed over five stages, with the first stage earmarked for completion in 2018 and the final in 2020.
The full construction contract is estimated to be worth more than $500 million.
Aspial CEO Koh Wee Seng said the appointment of Brookfield Multiplex recognised the company’s expertise in the skyscraper market and aimed to give buyers certainty that the project is on track.
“This is a major milestone for the southern hemisphere’s tallest building, which will go where no development has ever gone before,” he said.
Brookfield Multiplex regional managing director Graham Cottam said the project brings the value of its current residential projects under construction to more than $1 billion.
Australia 108’s luxury apartments launched to market in February, with the tower’s 750 square metre penthouse selling in April to a Chinese national for $25 million, the most expensive apartment sold in Australia.
CBRE Managing Director, Residential Projects, Andrew Leoncelli, said the tower was almost completely sold, with less than 30 Cloud residences still remaining.
“There has been immense interest in this landmark project. The opportunity to own a trophy home in the sky has appealed to buyers both locally and internationally. It’s fair to say Australia 108 will be an enclave for the very discerning,” Mr Leoncelli said.
The building features 161 Cloud Residences above level 71 with their own private lobby including concierge and private lifts as well as an exclusive recreation facility within the Star Club on level 71. This health and wellbeing enclave will feature an infinity pool, private gym and entertaining facilities.
All residents have access to world-class health and wellbeing facilities on level 70 of the Star Club and a separate lobby and lifts. Further resident amenities available to all include a 25 metre lap pool, gym, golf simulator, outdoor BBQ area and theatre on level 11.
Carr Design Group has designed the five-star hotel-like interiors, while international hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), responsible for the interiors of the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas, Park Hyatt Maldives and the Park Lane Intercontinental in London, has designed the communal facilities available only to Cloud Residence owners.
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