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.

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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”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

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

Southbank apartments

While South Bank generally refers to the collection of suburbs south of a river that dissects the city (think Brisbane or London), Melbourne's Southbank is a suburb in its own right, and it's arguably the most connected suburb in the whole of Melbourne.

Given its proximity to the city and the river, it's no surprise that the near-12,000 apartments make up over 98 per cent of dwellings in the 3006 postcode, the 2021 ABS Census showed.

Private investment from the commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors has matched the increase in density and population, turning Southbank into one of the city's most vibrant residential and cultural hubs, right on the Yarra River. The focal point of <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> is the casino Crown Melbourne, having stood just off the river for the best part of two decades, while the Melbourne Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria are also key destinations.

It wasn't until the 1990s when the suburb began its development, having predominantly been a commercial and industrial area. Now skyscrapers line the skyline.

Just over two decades ago, work began on <a href="/buildings/eureka-tower-7-riverside-quay-southbank">Eureka Tower</a>, which by the time it completed in 2006, was the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere at nearly 300 metres, putting Southbank on the global map.

That was topped in 2020 when the 317-metre <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> was completed. Australia 108, only 200 metres from the front door of Eureka, comprises 1105 apartments across a 100-level building.

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It was one of the first crop of towers with upscaled resident amenities, a trend which we've seen only grow in the last five years.

The building boasts two exclusive resident grand lobbies with lounges and a hotel-style porte-cochere. The Sky Rise Club features a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a fully equipped gym, a theatre, a grand dining room, and a virtual golf room.

The Star Club, on Levels 70 and 71 and reserved for owners of the more premium apartments, features double-height, full glass infinity pools with spa facilities, along with two state-of-the-art gyms, dining rooms, expansive lounge rooms, a reading room, a private cinema, and a sky garden.

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One of the newest tower developments in development in Southbank is <a href="/new-apartments/sth-bnk-by-beulah-southbank-60-southbank-boulevard-southbank">STH BNK by Beulah</a>. One of the two towers, at 366 metres, will be the tallest in Australia.

The 367-apartment development has already seen records shattered after it hit the market last year.&nbsp;A penthouse broke the Melbourne off the plan apartment record when it sold for $35 million, only to be topped by a sub penthouse <a href="/news/vic/sth-bnk-by-beulah-breaks-melbourne-apartment-record-again">that sold for $38 million</a>.

At the heart of&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/sth-bnk-by-beulah-southbank-60-southbank-boulevard-southbank">STH BNK by Beulah</a>&nbsp;will be the world’s tallest ‘greenscraper’—promising a green, active and connected urban environment with the future of retail innovation, customised hospitality, fresh food perspectives, cultural experiences, and vitality and wellness at its core.

A wellness precinct, located on an entire podium level in&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/sth-bnk-by-beulah-southbank-60-southbank-boulevard-southbank">STH BNK by Beulah</a>, is designed to be the city's world-class, all-in-one health and wellness destination backed by science's leading practices.

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International developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>&nbsp;is also working on one of the largest mixed-use precincts in Melbourne nearby.

<a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a>, across an unrepeatable two-hectare site on City Road above Melbourne’s internationally acclaimed Arts Precinct, is well into its development, with two towers already completed and ready to move in.

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Currently under construction is <a href="/new-apartments/blvd-at-melbourne-square-19-hoff-boulevard-southbank">BLVD</a>, the latest stage which offers just over 600 apartments across a 74-level tower littered with facilities like&nbsp;private dining rooms, state-of-the-art gyms, a 25m indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, golf simulator, entertainment and lounge spaces, and a double-storey co-working area on levels 55 and 56.&nbsp;

Multiplex is building BLVD, which is slated for completion in early 2028.

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While precedent has been set for towers getting up to 100 levels, not every development in Southbank is reaching that high into the sky.

Almost boutique at 62-levels is The Queensbridge Building by Time &amp; Place, MaxCap Group and Hickory, under construction on Queensbridge Street, just one street back from Crown Melbourne.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-queensbridge-building-southbank-90-queensbridge-street-southbank">The Queensbridge Building</a> will have 367 apartments which will share the building with the 188-room Hannah St. Hotel, operated by TFE Hotels.

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Only a handful of developments have completed in recent years. Central Equity's FOCUS is Melbourne's most awarded high-rise development in 2023.

<a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">FOCUS</a>, rising 50 levels on City Road, won the&nbsp;prestigious Victorian Housing Award from the HIA, and also a coveted UDIA Victoria Award for Excellence.

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The $450 million FOCUS Melbourne comprises a&nbsp;mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

International developer Landence also recently completed its slice of Southbank. <a href="/buildings/the-evermore-southbank-58-66-dorcas-street-southbank">The Evermore</a>, a two-tower development designed by Hayball closer to the Botanic Gardens than the Yarra River, has over 50 different floorplans for buyers to choose from.

There are 366 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in The Evermore, atop a&nbsp;podium level housing upscale retail spaces.

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Enquiry for apartments in Southbank on Apartments.com.au has been dominated by&nbsp;first home buyers since the start of 2024.

They represent 46 per cent of enquiry in Southbank this year, followed by those buying their next home (34 per cent), and then investors (20 per cent).

Project searches in Southbank spiked by nearly 60 per cent from September to October, with enquiry also jumping by 75 per cent.

Southbank’s skyline evolution: The rise of new apartment living on the Yarra River

Southbank, <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">the epicentre of Melbourne's culture scene</a>, is set to see a striking addition to it's residential pipeline with Young Group's Aurum on Clarendon,&nbsp;a distinct new landmark designed by award-winning architecture group Fender Katsalidis.

The development will stand out amongst <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank's grand towers and high-rise buildings</a>, due in part to its graceful golden forms and sleek, modern design.

Aurum's signature circular motif is artfully incorporated into its street-level façade, engaging with passersby and introducing visitors to the exceptional design that lies within. As one's gaze ascends, the building's exterior transitions into a simpler, lighter expression of sleek, gridded glass, beautifully reflecting the brilliance of Melbourne's cityscape.

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There's three different categories of residences in Aurum; the Classic Residences, the Bespoke Residences and the Penthouse collection.&nbsp;

The Penthouses, elevated in scale and luxury, offer an extravagant amount of space and opulent details. What sets these residences apart is the personalised approach they offer, allowing residents to tailor the floor plan to suit their individual lifestyles.

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From the layout to the finest finishing touches, the Penthouses at Aurum are a testament to bespoke living at its finest.

The Bespoke Residences, on the other hand, are defined by their generous proportions and unique details. These residences feature a sculptured island bench, stone accents, and custom-made joinery that is exclusive to Aurum.&nbsp;

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For those seeking a more classic and sophisticated living experience, the Classic Residences at Aurum offer a blend of timeless design and modern comfort. The interiors boast rich stone finishes and parquetry flooring, elevating these residences to the pinnacle of elegance.

Private balconies, seamlessly integrated into the building's form, serve as light-filled outdoor retreats, providing residents with sweeping views of the surrounding cityscape.

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The development will stand out amongst Southbank's grand towers and high-rise buildings, due in part to its graceful golden forms and sleek, modern design

alisonwarters@gmail.com

How Fender Katsalidis designed Aurum on Clarendon in Melbourne's Southbank

Developer Capital Alliance is offering prospective purchasers in The Normanby, the collection of apartments above the recently opened AC Hotel by Marriott, to secure an apartment at 2022 prices, before a price increase in the next few weeks.

Prices for the two and three-bedroom apartments are set to rise from July 1. Two-bedroom apartments are currently priced from $812,400 and three-bedroom apartments from just over $1.4 million.

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Comprising 101 residences, Normanby boasts expansive views of the CBD and Bay from every apartment, with only a select number of apartments across each level.&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the residences provide a blend of style and functionality, equipped with gas cooking and ducted air-conditioning, along with a careful selection of fixtures and finishes.

Every apartment includes a personal storage cage on the residential level, eliminating the hassle of frequent trips to the basement.

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Residents enjoy full access to AC Hotel Level 7, which features a lounge, bar, and restaurant, while membership options are also available for those seeking access to the gym and pool amenities.

Normanby provides secure residential access and private residential elevators, in addition to a contract-ban on short-stay accomodation, meaning residents won't be disrupted by transient visitors.&nbsp;

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Comprising 101 residences, Normanby boasts expansive views of the CBD and Bay from every apartment, with only a select number of apartments across each level

Final chance to buy into Southbank's The Normanby before prices increase 

Melbourne's iconic Australia 108 building is offering exclusive price reductions of up to a massive $225,000.

The developers, World Class Global, have cut the price&nbsp;for a limited-time only on the project's Cloud Residences, a collection of three-bedroom apartments which have come down from $1,823,000 to $1,567,000.

Australia 108, which became Melbourne's tallest tower when it was completed in 2020, was designed by Fender Katsalidis and features interiors by Carr Design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582 project_image_fid=79946]

The tower, over 316 metres tall, features a range of hotel-style amenities scattered across it's 100 levels.

The building boasts two exclusive resident grand lobbies with lounges, along with a hotel-style porte-cochere, providing a grand entrance.&nbsp;

The resident facilities at Australia 108 are unparalleled, with the Sky Rise Club on Level 11 offering a range of amenities to enhance residents' lifestyles, including a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a fully equipped gym, a theatre, a grand dining room and a virtual golf room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582 project_image_fid=182879]

For an even more elevated experience, the Star Club on Levels 70 and 71 offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city, garden, and bay.

The exclusive space features dual, double-height full glass infinity pools with spa facilities, along with two state-of-the-art gyms, dining rooms, expansive lounge rooms, a reading room, a private cinema, and a sky garden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582 project_image_fid=182880]

The apartments themselves feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows which maximises natural light and captures sweeping views.&nbsp;

Resident's will also benefit from being within proximity to Melbourne's vibrant arts and entertainment precincts which are just a short walk away, offering a range of dining, shopping and recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=582]

Australia 108, which became Melbourne's tallest tower when it was completed in 2020, was designed by Fender Katsalidis and features interiors by Carr Design

Over $200k price reductions at Southbank's Australia 108

Growland Group are looking to tap into the investor market at their Southbank development, Marco.&nbsp;

For a limited time only, the developer is providing a rental guarantee of up to five per cent for the first 12 months of ownership to lure investors.

Located in the vibrant Southbank precinct, Marco presents a unique fusion of urban convenience and luxurious living, with an array of world-class amenities and proximity to key attractions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=257 project_image_fid=26681]

One of the standout features of Marco is its unparalleled location. Situated just a stone's throw away from the Southbank retail and dining precinct, residents will have an extensive selection of culinary delights and shopping options at their doorstep.

The renowned NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) and the Arts Centre Melbourne are also within easy reach from Marco.&nbsp;

The convenience of Marco Melbourne extends beyond its immediate surroundings. A quick drive will take residents to the bustling CBD, along with Port Phillip Bay which is also in close proximity.

Within Marco, investors and tenants will be greeted with a wealth of amenities, including a pool, a private cinema room, state-of-the-art gym and a residents lounge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=257 project_image_fid=26682]

The two-tower development comprises a total of 432 apartments across the 36-level east tower and 40-level west tower.

The apartments themselves feature premium Smeg and Miele appliances, with select units boasting marble kitchen benchtops and integrated fridges and washing machines.&nbsp;

There's only one and two-bedroom apartments remaining in Marco, with prices from&nbsp;$390,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=257]

Growland offer investor rental guarantee at Marco, Southbank apartments

The sculptural masterpiece STH BNK By Beulah is set to become Australia’s first five-minute vertical city, providing residents with a plethora of everyday essentials and world-class offerings within walking distance.

The vertically integrated city within a city will offer over 100 shops spanning retail, everyday essentials, food and dining (inclusive of a fresh food market), a comprehensive wellness precinct, a childcare centre, extensive green spaces including rooftop gardens and eight pocket parks dotted throughout, an innovative cultural centre in partnership with Centre Pompidou, over 50,000 sqm of commercial office space, in addition to a diverse residential offering.

Beulah's five-minute vertical city is substantially lower than the 15-minute benchmark set by planning models across the world, which was first introduced by French-Colombian scientist Carlos Moreno in 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=194914]

In 2019, the Victorian Government launched a 20-minute neighbourhoods pilot program, following research that 20 minutes is the maximum time that people are willing to walk to meet their daily needs locally.

There is also evidence that active, walkable places produce a wealth of health, social, economic and environmental benefits.

At the helm of the globally collaborative project is Beulah Executive Director Adelene Teh, who says STH BNK offer residents a cosmopolitan lifestyle that prioritises not just health and wellness, but ultimate convenience in the heart of Melbourne.

“Evidence suggests that active, walkable places produce not only health and environmental benefits, but social and economic too. STH BNK By Beulah is redefining what can be made possible by exploring true vertical living."

"By providing a mini metropolis that truly has everything within walking distance, individuals can spend more time on what matters most, as opposed to travelling or commuting.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=214049]

The State Government’s program outlines six key focus areas, with STH BNK By Beulah covering all six areas and more, to create a thriving mini-metropolis in the heart of Melbourne.

The first hallmark is being safe, accessible and well connected for pedestrians and cyclists to optimise active transport. STH BNK By Beulah achieves this via safe cycling networks, walkability and the STH BNK Auto Club: a fleet of 50 cars for residents to book via a car-share subscription. STH BNK By Beulah also provides services and destinations that support local living via childcare and play spaces, co-working spaces and art and culture offerings via a global partnership with Centre Pompidou.

Open spaces are addressed via local playgrounds, rooftop gardens, pocket parks and sport and recreational facilities, including exercise equipment and meditation zones, while urban farms, an outdoor cinema, cooking and dining facilities allow for improved wellbeing as a result of increased connection time.

Other hallmarks the project meets include delivering housing at density, including housing diversity across multiple sizes and price points, as well as facilitating access to quality public transport, with an abundance of trams, trains and buses within reach.

The thriving economy hallmark takes shape in the form of a world-class retail precinct, fresh food market, world-class entertainment and a global hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=214050]

According to the government’s pilot program, if 50 per cent of short private vehicle trips were instead made walking, it would save the Victorian economy approximately $165 million a year in congestion, health, infrastructure and environmental costs. This projection indicates the benefits yet to come with STH BNK’s further reduced travel time.

In addition, by participating in 15-minutes of walking a day, five days a week, the disease burden from physical inactivity would reduce by about 13 per cent, while walkable streets and community spaces can provide critical opportunities for social interaction and social cohesion.

UNStudio Founder Ben van Berkel said it was important to create a building that does much more than just incorporate planting and green areas, to instead be highly biophilic.

“Mixed-use projects are extremely complex. They need to consolidate many different functions for a wide variety of user groups. With STH BNK By Beulah, this also involves a vast public component, so we had to programme the project in the right way to be able to have something for everybody on the site; to create a village in the city for a healthy and inclusive community,” he said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=8804]

Beulah's five-minute vertical city is substantially lower than the 15-minute benchmark set by planning models across the world, which was first introduced by French-Colombian scientist Carlos Moreno in 2016.



STH BNK By Beulah to become Australia’s first ‘five-minute vertical city’

It’s quite rare to be able to buy into a completed and ready-to-move-in residential development in the heart of Melbourne, much less one that spans an entire inner-city block.&nbsp;

But buyers can still find a home in OSK Property’s Southbank development, Melbourne Square, which comprises two towers; the East and West Tower, along with a curated selection of retail, dining and amenity offerings.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=200839]

The design, by Cox Architecture, focussed on creating a community where every resident’s needs could be met within a short walk, with Southbank home to some of Melbourne’s most dynamic activity zones, including the arts precinct, the Yarra River, a number of sporting venues and open green spaces.&nbsp;

Two and three-bedroom floorplans can still be purchased in the development, with prices starting from $759,300 for a two-bed, two-bath apartment that spans 68 sqm.

Each apartment features a timeless design, with the interior curated in a joint venture by Carr Interior Design and Coco Republic. &nbsp;

The three-bed offerings are the only apartments to include a car space, which is quite a beneficial feature for an inner-city development, where parking can often be hard to find.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=201019]

A range of luxury penthouse apartments are also on offer, with the three-bed floorplans covering an expansive 192 sqm for just over $3.6 million. These residents will also benefit from a 25-metre pool, a gym and associated spa deck, which is only accessible to premium apartment buyers that are situated from level 54 and up, with the exclusive Sky Club rounding out the luxe offerings.&nbsp;

A communal podium is located on level eight in Melbourne Square, expanding further on the curated amenity within the development. Spread across two floors of both towers, the area features a 50-metre pool, along with an expansive park, a gym, seating and lounge options, as well as several dining spaces.&nbsp;

Over 6000 sqm of public space has also been included across the ground floor, with a landscaped public park, along with a number of green spaces and walkways, in addition to a full-line double-storey Woolworths, and a plethora of eateries, retail and dining options, from espresso bars, to cafes and bottle shops.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=2929]

Each apartment features a timeless design, with the interior curated in a joint venture by Carr Interior Design and Coco Republic

Limited opportunities remain at Southbank's completed Melbourne Square apartment development

Set on an elegant tree-lined boulevard in Southbank’s Arts Precinct and surrounded by 3,745 sqm of lush green parkland, Melbourne Square is an award-winning inner-city address in an established and thriving precinct delivering resort-style amenities and elevated wellbeing.

Developer OSK Property has built a successful reputation in the suburb having recently completed the build of the first two towers at Melbourne Square, as well as a heap of community amenity including a two-level Woolworths and a 3,745 sqm park designed by Taylor Cullity Lethlean.

Now the group has launched the third tower in the precinct, BLVD at 19 Hoff Boulevard, which will deliver a much needed 619 new apartments to the chronically under supplied Melbourne apartment market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=211863]

Renowned architecture firm Cox Architecture is behind the design of the sculptural tower, having created the first two glass-swatched towers in the precinct with prices ranging from $517,000 to $5.5 million.

The second stage is one of the first residential projects in Australia to be registered for WELL Certification, offering residents a healthy environment as well as future-proof living with smart technology and co-working spaces.&nbsp;

Asia Pacific International WELL Building Institute's Vice President, Jack Noonan said they know that buildings must respond better to create places that feel healthier, happier and deliver more sustainable outcomes.

“This is why BLVD is one of the first residential projects in Australia registered to pursue WELL Certification. OSK Property has applied this world-leading framework from the ground up with a holistic suite of integrated solutions, including optimised access to natural light, great thermal comfort and indoor air quality, through to social, fitness and mental wellbeing amenities. Together, they create an ecosystem to help you live well every day,” Noonan said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=211865]

Local buyers, mainly from Southbank, Docklands and the CBD are tipped to engage the most with the new tower, with strong interest already generated from buyers who purchased in the previous stage.&nbsp;

Uninterrupted view lines across the Arts Precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens and Sidney Myer Music Bowl have underpinned a lot of the interest so far, as has the ability to buy into the already established Melbourne Square community, with a full-line Woolworths, childcare centre and 3,745 sqm of established gardens, cascading water and leafy grounds.&nbsp;

Cox Architecture Director Paul Curry says with the successful completion of Stage 1, Melbourne Square is the largest consolidated site in Southbank.

“Creating any lasting legacy is ambitious, but four years ago, a vision for Melbourne Square emerged to do just that," Curry says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=211867]

"A place enhanced by the cultural Arts Precinct and iconic city venues around it, and a place that enriches life for those within it, creating a true Melbourne community amidst thriving gardens, parks and genuine amenity.

"Now we present the next evolution, BLVD. The tallest building currently planned on site that extends the language of landscape and surrounding nature. With gently rounded corners and curved glazing, the tower rises to the sky with a softness in its architecture and elegance in design. Below it, the podium displays a fine degree of materiality and focus on articulation from the ground level."

A mix of one, two,three-bedroom and penthouse apartments are on offer at BLVD, with the interiors designed by Carr.

Prices start from $517k for a one-bedroom apartment and $714k for a two-bedroom apartment. The three-bedroom apartments are generous in size in comparison to other high-rise residential projects, spanning from 106 sqm to 177 sqm, with prices for those beginning at $1.146 million.&nbsp;

Construction of BLVD is set to commence in the first quarter of 2024, with completion slated for late 2026 / early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107714]

Now the group have launched the third tower in the precinct, BLVD at 19 Hoff Boulevard, which will deliver a much needed 619 new apartments to the chronically under supplied Melbourne apartment market.

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