The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
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SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Sydney Apartments

Alton Property Group have amalgamated a massive nine lot site in the heart of the exclusive Neutral Bay on Sydney&#39;s Lower North Shore, with plans to create a 40-apartment development.

Designed by A+ Design Group at 4-14 Merlin Street,&nbsp;the proposal involves alterations and additions to an existing nine-storey residential building, demolition of existing dwellings on six lots, and&nbsp;the construction of a four-storey residential flat development with a rooftop communal open space and residential amenities on the ground floor.

&ldquo;The scale of the buildings has been carefully modulated in bulk, height, landscaped area and spatial separation controls to represent an expression of the desired character in the locality,&rdquo; A+ Design Group Architect, Tony Leung, noted in their submission.

<img alt="" height="1098" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-10_at_10.55.02_pm.png" width="2214" /> 
A render of the proposed development at 4-14 Merlin St, Neutral Bay. Image credit&quot; A+ Design Group.&nbsp;

Set to comprise a mix of four one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and 19 three-bedroom apartments, the development aims to keep with the demand in the marketplace, which is predominantly for owner occupiers looking for two and three-bedroom spaces.

The planning and arrangement of the apartments have been designed to maximise solar access, natural ventilation and daylight with a focus on blending the inside to the out.

&ldquo;The proposal contains an appropriate composition of building and landscape elements, textures, materials and colours to reflect the positive elements of the existing neighbourhood,&rdquo; Leung added.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve intended to achieve a clean modern aesthetic through a selected palette of materials, as well as the articulation of the building mass.&rdquo;

<img alt="" height="1016" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-10_at_10.55.12_pm.png" width="2198" /> 
A render of the proposed development at 4-14 Merlin St, Neutral Bay. Image credit&quot; A+ Design Group.&nbsp;

A number of canopy trees will feature around the perimeter of the site, with planting along the street frontages providing privacy and a softening to the built forms, as well as planting along the western boundary creating a buffer from the Warringah Freeway.

&ldquo;The proposed landscape design is an integral part of the overall design intent&rdquo;, said Leung, with over 1,191 sqm of the site dedicated to green and open spaces.

Set to comprise a mix of four one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and 19 three-bedroom apartments, the development aims to keep with the demand in the marketplace, which is predominantly for owner occupiers looking for two and three-bedroom spaces.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

First look: Alton Property Group to create Neutral Bay apartment development

The international developer Mulpha, who are developing the $1 billion zero-carbon, masterplanned Norwest Quarter project, have already secured over a third of the sales in the first release.

The recently approved first stage of two apartment buildings, Banksia and Lacebark, will home a total of 196 apartments. The first stage will also include&nbsp;more than 3,000 sqm of specially curated and sustainably led retail and commercial space, including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.

The initial sales have shown a strong interest from&nbsp;a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.

Mulpha has appointed Parkview Construction to build the project, with work expected to commence in June, with a focus on quality control and delivering new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196023]

&ldquo;We are very excited to launch the first apartment buildings in Norwest Quarter which we believe will set a new benchmark in lifestyle design with its focus on community, sustainability and harmony with the natural environment,&rdquo; said Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer.

The 115-apartment Banksia building, designed by leading architects Bates Smart, will offer a choice of one, two and three-bedroom open plan apartments, with views north towards Castle Hill Country Club and southwest over Norwest Lake. Banksia&rsquo;s design prioritises outdoor space and connecting to nature, with each apartment featuring one or more oversized balcony, complimented with lush landscaping.

The 81-apartment Lacebark building, designed by Smart Design Studio, comprises generously sized one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with three-bedroom penthouses, all with curved balconies and angled blades, designed to bring in more sunlight in the winter and protection from the sun in the summer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196019]

Banksia will also be home to a residents-only podium rooftop, which will have a swimming pool, sunlit garden, a lounge, work from home pods, and function room for hire, while Lacebark is set to include a resident&rsquo;s lounge and a comunal garden, complete with a kitchen, sundeck, and barbecues.

&ldquo;The design of both buildings far exceeds standard sustainability regulations with best practice passive design principles and high-performance environmental initiatives throughout,&rdquo; Spencer said.

An open public plaza will link the two buildings together, with a wild botanical garden, as well as an amphitheatre, timber walkways, water and wild play for children, decked areas and seating, with the plaza contributing to the 70 percent of open green space within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196021]

The Norwest Quarter environment has also been designed to minimise the urban heat island effect (UHIE) through substantial re-wilding of the natural landscape, which in turn will promote local flora and fauna.

Initiatives to enhance long term re-wilding include pollination and soil health management, which will all contribute to the creation of a cooler and healthier environment throughout the precinct. Apartments in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical apartment, and one third less water from the grid.

Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the apartments, purchasers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196003]

&ldquo;I believe people will choose to live here for the opportunity to be part of a community, aiming for a better future, targeting 100 percent renewable energy, reduced waste, and efficient use of resources including water,&rdquo; Spencer added.&nbsp;

Both buildings will also feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. Apartments will benefit from high efficiency lighting and appliances, and are 100 per cent electric with induction cooktops and electric hot water.

Other sustainable community initiatives will include communal electric barbecues, communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes.

Once complete, Norwest Quarter will transform over 3.8-hectares of greenfield land into a vibrant village centre for over 2,000 residents. There will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

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Over a third of the first release residences sold out within the first two weeks, with a strong interest from a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.



Mulpha secure quick sales in first stage of Norwest Quarter zero-carbon apartments

Aqualand has just released stage two of its North Sydney development, AURA.&nbsp;

The $1 billion luxury mixed-use residential development sits among an area undergoing a huge revitalisation, with plans already underway to deliver public domain works that complement the suburb&rsquo;s new transport, commercial and cultural infrastructure.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181055]

Aqualand&rsquo;s stage two is a new release of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments range from 55 sqm to 262 sqm, with most featuring north-facing living rooms offering abundant sunlight, west views out to the sunset and district views out to the horizon.

Once known as Australia&rsquo;s largest office precinct outside of a capital city CBD, North Sydney is experiencing a growing demand for larger homes and apartments and is set to transform into a more vibrant and liveable place.

Economist Nerida Conisbee says the transformation will pose an exciting investment opportunity for property investors and owner-occupiers alike as demand for housing in North Sydney explodes over the next five-years.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Given the high level of amenity and proximity to other parts of the city, there is very strong demand for housing in North Sydney, driven by a combination of increasing population growth and the move to apartment living in inner Sydney,&quot; Conisbee says.

&quot;This major transformation will make it an even more attractive, sustainable, and vibrant place for residents, workers and businesses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181050]

&ldquo;Unit price growth over the past 2 years has been unprecedented, doubling over the past decade and increasing by 12% over the past 12 months. As North Sydney transforms, it will attract more than 6,000 new residents over the next 15 years, with nearly 3,600 new dwellings required to accommodate them.

&ldquo;As empty nesters and downsizers are the main growth category, most will need to be suitable for couples without children and singles. Due to land shortages, almost all will need to be medium to high density.&quot;

AURA by Aqualand, featuring architectural design by award-winning firm Woods Bagot and interiors by Richards Stanisich, will offer residents extensive&nbsp;views,&nbsp;leafy surrounds and unmatched urban convenience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181062]

Aqualand&#39;s stage two release features apartments&nbsp;aligned with a modern&nbsp;lifestyle, with residences offering&nbsp;a multi-functional room that can be used to create a second living area, home office or guest room. Select apartments will also enjoy sunlit, glazed studies.

Residents will have a choice between three&nbsp;colour schemes, with Dark, Mid and Light.&nbsp;Spaces are flexible and generous, allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility and&nbsp;the seamless balance between living and working from home. Each AURA residence is unique in planning and proportion, offering different models and solutions to balancing work and home life in the same space. Marble benchtops anchor kitchen spaces that balance form and function, with touches of rich oak and dark bronze adding artistic luxury, while the bathrooms feature marble flooring and bronze powder-coated, framed mirrors.

AURA by Aqualand features a range of community amenities, including an expansive pool and gym, sun deck and community centre, reserved for residents&rsquo; private use.

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High-end dining and entertaining is only moments from the apartments, with&nbsp;Aqualand&rsquo;s hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, also curating and managing AURA&rsquo;s multi-level hospitality precinct, which is set to home a providore, bakery, diner, and contemporary Japanese eatery.

Further afield, the new North Sydney metro station is a short stroll from AURA, giving residents convenient access to the rest of Sydney.

Etymon Projects will also deliver&nbsp;24/7 concierge services to AURA residents. Customised to AURA residents&#39; lifestyles, services will include everything you&rsquo;d expect from a luxury concierge, including home management and event planning, welcoming guests, making dining reservations, and planning itineraries.

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The $1 billion luxury mixed-use residential development sits among an area undergoing a huge revitalisation, with plans already underway to deliver public domain works that complement the suburb’s new transport, commercial and cultural infrastructure. 



Growing demand for larger apartments in North Sydney sees Aqualand launch stage two of AURA

The national property developer Fortis has seen a flurry of sales at the recent launch of its luxury Darling Point apartment project, MONA.

Some 60 per cent of the apartments on offer sold, with CBRE&#39;s&nbsp;Premium Sales division head Ben Stewart noting the two and three-bedroom apartments sold&nbsp;well.

&quot;Our team are feeling very encouraged by the initial lot of sales achieved,&quot; Stewart says, adding that there&#39;s still a very good selection of stock remaining.

The two-level penthouse, with 253 sqm of internal space as well as its own rooftop terrace and swimming pool, was sold even before the recent launch event. It was bought by property developer Michael Barakat for $13.75 million, a sale reflecting $55,000 per sqm. There was also a $7.8 million sales to a local downsizer.

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MONA, named after its location on Mona Road, one of Darling Point&#39;s best streets, has been designed by&nbsp;MHNDU to blend old-world charm with New York chic.

Stewart said the one and two-bedroom apartments are garnering a lot of enquiry from parents assisting their children.

&quot;It&rsquo;s a great way of getting them into forced saving for a long-term asset,&quot; Stewart suggested.

&quot;MONA has already started to attract this type of buyer because of its location, as well as being a striking looking development that will prove to be a great short to long term investment.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108913 project_image_fid=197639]

Fortis Director Charles Mellick said there has been&nbsp;a mix of owner-occupiers and downsizers who have come from the Eastern Suburbs (Elizabeth Bay, Bellevue Hill, Rose Bay) looking at the two- and three- bedroom residences, with many owner-occupiers coming from the Lower-North Shore (Killara and Linfield) as well as the Inner-West.

Initially Fortis had earmarked&nbsp;the site for a commercial project and ground-floor retail, but Mellick said the&nbsp;current market demand and limited supply for residential is so strong, that with the 180 degree city and harbour views and accessibility to local amenity this really made the location the perfect place for high-end city fringe living.

&quot;Something that is hard to come by and that result is clear with the high demand on sales and response on our sales launch weekend.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108913 project_image_fid=197650]

The creative inspiration for MONA comes from the history-steeped harbourside corridor it overlooks. The design by MHNDU pays deep respect to the architectural details of the original brick apartment buildings and the bustling inner-city neighbourhood.

The &lsquo;blade edge&rsquo; form of the residential tower delivers a boldly modern street presence, complemented by a north-facing glazed fa&ccedil;ade and rooftop sky terrace with unobstructed views.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108913]

Some 60 per cent of the apartments on offer sold, with CBRE's Premium Sales division head Ben Stewart noting the two and three-bedroom apartments sold well

Fortis secure sales flurry at MONA, Darling Point

Leading NSW developer, ALAND, is officially launching their $800 million master-planned precinct in Merrylands, in Sydney&rsquo;s west.

There has already been strong demand for the first stage of the project, with the prime 2.5-hectare site, located adjacent to the Merrylands train station, set to deliver 365 apartments across three buildings, up to 20 storeys in height.

The Gladstone Village&nbsp;is a rare offering for Merrylands and one of the last remaining pockets along Sydney&rsquo;s rail network to be developed.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7642 project_image_fid=197118]

Complete with quality Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, designer Grohe tapware and stone bench tops, each residence has been carefully designed to maximise on space, light and comfort.&nbsp;

&quot;It is the first development of its kind in the suburb within enviable proximity to Stockland Merrylands and the train station and bus terminal,&rdquo; ALAND CEO George Tadrosse said.

With a number of compounding factors influencing the current Sydney property market, including a lack of supply of new housing, ALAND is in a strong position to deliver the majority of apartment stock in Western Sydney.

&quot;ALAND has over 1,200 dwellings under construction at any time, with a strong market share across the western corridor. Despite ongoing supply chain issues, we have managed to secure enough stock, material and labour to maintain optimal efficiency to meet our pipeline demand.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7642 project_image_fid=197117]

&quot;Additionally, buyers priced out of the housing market are seeking more affordable properties, further fueling demand for quality and centrally-located apartments.&rdquo; Tadrosse added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The apartment market in Merrylands is showing heightened demand according to ALAND, with older residents looking to downsize and working professionals seeking accommodation close to employment.

&quot;The Merrylands suburb is an undervalued pocket in comparison to its surrounds &ndash; which is a huge opportunity for buyers. It is also an attractive suburb to investors because it is only a short distance to Parramatta CBD, world-class education precincts and an array of employment hubs,&rdquo; said Bianca Anton, ALAND General Manager.

With a high proportion of tenants currently renting in Merrylands, investors can expect stable occupation rates and a choice of prospective tenants who hold professional occupations.

&quot;In 2020, approximately 31 per cent of people in households within Merrylands were aged between 25 to 39 which is 25 per cent higher than the Greater Sydney Metropolitan area. The area boasts strong demand drivers for younger singles and coupes, including proximity to jobs, public transport and amenities,&rdquo; Anton commented.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7642 project_image_fid=197120]

Western Sydney, as a region, is currently seeing declining vacancy rates and increasing rents which provide the ideal environment for investors.

The first stage already has approval for 365 apartments set across three buildings and will include approximately 2,600 sqm of retail and commercial space, plus basement car park. It will comprise 17 studios, 98 one-bedroom, 219 two-bedroom, and 31 three-bedroom apartments.

&quot;The remainder of the development is set to undergo additional planning with current controls currently allowing for a mix of retail, residential and commercial assets surrounding 5,000 sqm of internal parkland and open space totalling 6,000 sqm.&rdquo; said CEO Tadrosse. 
[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7642]

The Gladstone Village is a rare offering for Merrylands and one of the last remaining pockets along Sydney’s rail network to be developed.



ALAND launch The Gladstone Village, Merrylands precinct

A new 600-plus apartment development is heading for the heart&nbsp;of Sydney&#39;s Box Hill.

The prominent Western Sydney property developer, Bathla Group, is set to create 637 apartments across eight low to mid-rise buildings at 34 Terry Road, which have been designed by WMK Architecture to suit the needs of the future community and to cater for a wide cross section of buyers..

There will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as two, three and four-bedroom townhouses. There will also be a selection of four-bedroom sky terraces on offer.

Each apartment is inclusive of views and private open space, with the sky terraces featuring&nbsp;expansive roof terraces, privately accessed, giving views across the Hills Shire region.

WMK said in their design statement that the&nbsp;proposal will provide well-designed housing stock in an area where there is a strong demand for this type of development.

<a href="/new-apartments/34-terry-road-box-hill"><img alt="" height="858" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-03_at_8.46.36_pm.png" width="2142" /></a> 
View of the proposed development&rsquo;s central spine from Skarratt St. Image by WMK. &nbsp;

&quot;It&rsquo;s designed to encourage social interaction and engagement through the creation of large common courtyards at the ground level, as well as a community room.&quot;

The project is not only divided into a total of eight buildings, in a bid to reduce the overall massing, but it is further split into precincts with Block A and C dubbed&nbsp;the Green Precinct. They will feature&nbsp;facades along the northern edge defined by a gridded column and beam aesthetic, taking inspiration from the traditional veranda typology.

Blocks B and D will be known as the Heritage Precinct, with facades featuring a horizontal emphasis and&nbsp;a terracotta red, brown and grey palette in response to the existing buildings on the site and the heritage zone to the south. Blocks E and F are within the Urban Precinct, delivering a formal fa&ccedil;ade articulation with a more vertical expression, incorporating strong vertical dividing walls and shading elements throughout.

A pool has been proposed in the courtyard of Block C along with a community room on the ground floor of Block D, which will be accessible to all residents.

<img alt="" height="445" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-04_at_2.54.56_pm.png" width="1144" />

The Box Hill development lands in an area with a variety of mixed uses that is undergoing significant change, which when completed will include a new retail centre opposite Terry Road, recently completed apartment developments, and sites making their way through the planning process.

&ldquo;The proposal together with the adjacent Town Centre contribute toward ensuring the future Box Hill area is fulfilling its economic, social and creative potential,&rdquo; WMK added.

The use of simple but articulated detailing of corners, window reveals, vertical grids and feature boxes, with varying scales of detail, are employed to avoid large, flat planes and break the building mass and building height.

&ldquo;The proposed design responds to the change from low-scale conservation area to high-density apartment developments and is to be read as a &lsquo;family&rsquo; of buildings rather than a monolithic development&rdquo;, said WMK.

Landscaping has been designed throughout the precinct by landscape architects, A Total Concept, creating a contemporary, functional and aesthetically pleasing landscape that seamlessly blends with the built form and surround area.

Bathla Group have previously developed in the area, with the Pinnacle Collection, which was released in three stages in the heart of Schofields. Just down the road from the future Box Hill development, Pinnacle delivers a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, conveniently located within walking distance to shops, eateries, schools and public transport.

The group currently have a number of other residential developments in the pipeline with a range of town houses and villas, apartments, and house and land projects currently under construction or in planning. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6509]

The apartments will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom sing-storey apartments, two, three and four-bedroom two-storey townhouses, along with two, three and four-bedroom two-storey sky terraces.



First look: Bathla Group to build over 600 apartments in Box Hill precinct

The national property developer, Podia, is expanding its apartment portfolio in Sydney's Lower North Shore area.

They've just lodged plans for their recently acquired block at 96 Ben Boyd Road, Neutral Bay, seeking to create a six-level, 23-apartment development. It will be the group's second in the area, having previously developed Premier&nbsp;Place nearby.

MHN Design Union have put together the plans which will see the&nbsp;two existing residential buildings revitalized with one modern, architecturally designed flat building, which MHNDUnion said in their architectural statement&nbsp;will complement its surrounding context and maximises amenity to all units.

The building is split between two massing blocks, reducing its perceived bulk and scale from the street. Targeting the owner-occupier, the project will have 19 three-bedroom apartments and just four four-bedroom apartments.

<a href="/new-apartments/wirra-neutral-bay"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1136" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-03_at_4.15.03_pm.png" width="1938" /></a> 
A render of the proposed development at 96 Ben Boyd Road, Neutral Bay. Image credit: MHN Design Union.&nbsp;

“The proposal has been designed with careful consideration to the local character of Neutral Bay through its interpretation of materiality and form. The proposal achieves harmony with its neighbouring context in response to the provisions outlined in the North Sydney DCP,” MHN Design Union noted in their submission.

At the ground floor and level one a highly articulated sandstone base provides sheltered alcoves for residents, serving as outdoor spaces with view aspect whilst maintaining visual privacy from Ben Boyd Road.

The upper level apartments are made up of rendered concrete and off-white brickwork with projecting eaves creating a horizontal language whilst scalloped vertical walls achieve visual privacy.

Entering at the Southern boundary along Ben Boyd Road, residents descend into a naturalistic “sandstone gully”, expressed as a raw escarpment with extensive planting.

The ground floor sits below the natural ground level, providing a sense of enclosure and privacy from the street, while the split building form allows indirect light to penetrate throughout the courtyard.

The main courtyard transitions into expansive private courtyards for each residence. Large blocks of raw stone and native plants are dispersed throughout the quarried courtyard, creating an intimate connection to nature and celebrating the site’s geological heritage.

Neutral Bay is a prime inner-city residential area located on the waterfront of the lower North Shore. The suburb has a rich history and has been home to several industrial transformations, as well as being recognised as a site of Indigenous significance.

<a href="/new-apartments/wirra-neutral-bay"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1238" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-03_at_4.15.35_pm.png" width="852" /></a> 
A render of inside the proposed development at 96 Ben Boyd Road, Neutral Bay. Image credit: MHN Design Union.

Forsyth Park is situated immediately to the West of the Site, which is within close proximity to Neutral Bay shopping precinct, Neutral Bay Wharf and North Sydney Business District.

With a highpoint of 95-metres above sea level, many sites have views across Sydney Harbour, including landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanical Gardens. An offering of small shops, community and school facilities are nearby for residents, while sitting just six kilometres from the Sydney CBD.

Podia is also behind a 25-apartment project, coined Premier Place, which is nearing completion just around the corner at 14-20 Premier Street.

The group have a number of projects in the pipeline across the Sydney metro, as well as a 41-apartment project in Byron Bay, with Podia acquiring the hotspot early last year for $18.55 million.

The proposal seeks to revitalise two existing residential buildings with one modern, architecturally designed flat building, which MHN Design Union said in their architectural statement, will complement its surrounding context and maximises amenity to all units.



Podia lodge plans for six-storey Neutral Bay apartment project

A DA approved mixed-use site is set to attract major interest from a range of parties after coming up for sale in Sydney&rsquo;s south-west.

The 890sqm property at 279-281 Belmore Road in Riverwood has an approved GFA of 3,443 sqm and unique approval for 33 apartments plus two retail shops.

The plans also come with 52 car spaces across three underground levels.

<a href="/new-apartments/279-281-belmore-road-riverwood"><img alt="" height="1240" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/279-281_belmore_road_riverwood_1.jpg" width="1754" /></a> 
Aerial shot of the location of the proposed development site at 279-281 Belmore Rd. Image supplied.&nbsp;

Located next to Riverwood Plaza, it comes with prominent 33m frontage to Belmore Road and B2 Local Centre planning, making it permissible for a range of users.

The property is exclusively listed with Trent Gallagher and Frank Oliveri from Colliers.

&ldquo;This is an extremely rare offering as it is both DA approved and within immediate proximity to Riverwood Train Station. The location is crucial as it is the gateway site into the Riverwood precinct,&rdquo; Gallagher said.

&ldquo;The approved DA adds another element to this property, as boutique development sites are in very high demand. We expect to receive strong interest that stems from the current strength of the residential market,&rdquo; Oliveri added.

The asset comes with a stable holding rental income of $82,637 per annum plus GST and is set to take advantage of an active owner-occupier purchasing market with strong population growth, on top of high rental demand, which also favours investors.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6735]

The 890sqm property at 279-281 Belmore Road in Riverwood has an approved GFA of 3,443 sqm and unique approval for 33 apartments plus two retail shops.



Mixed-use site in Sydney’s south-west to draw major interest from developers 

The Croydon apartment development, L1ON Croydon in Sydney&#39;s inner west, has officially sold out.

Located at 1 Lion Street, Croydon, L1ON Croydon has 35 modern one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two buildings, behind a sleek fa&ccedil;ade designed by Benson McCormack Architects (BMA).

The project has been built and developed by construction veterans and renowned property developers Hone Constructions, who offer a unique combined approach to quality building with over 15 years of experience in the property industry.

Sydney&rsquo;s HAUS Agency sold out the project, which also features a number of two-level residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95518 project_image_fid=191812]

&ldquo;We know that Croydon is a wonderful location, just 20 minutes from the CBD, and buyers that have been eager to secure their first home somewhere that makes commuting to work easy,&rdquo; Alexander Vrisakis, HAUS Agency Director, said.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re really excited to bring such a unique building to the market in Enfield, a location that many don&rsquo;t realise is an area on the flanks of Sydney&rsquo;s Inner West experiencing a sustained expansion in terms of both key transport and lifestyle advantages,&rdquo; said Vrisakis.

&ldquo;At the heart of this domain is Coronation Park, a new and innovative approach to sophisticated yet affordable urban style.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95518 project_image_fid=191799]

L1ON Croydon apartments feature&nbsp;Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances,&nbsp;engineered European oak flooring, Caesarstone kitchen benchtops, bespoke blinds and LED lighting throughout.

HAUS Agency didn&#39;t start marketing the apartments until they were nearly completed, a strategy which&nbsp;HAUS Agency Director Sean Dowling said saw them see success.

&quot;It&rsquo;s rare to find such high-quality apartments that are untouched and available to purchase now, with every apartment completed and ready to inspect,&quot; Dowling said.

The majority of sales have been to first home buyers looking to get a foot on the property ladder, but also local owner occupiers looking for something new, post-COVID-19.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95518]

Located at 1 Lion Street, Croydon, L1ON Croydon offers 35 modern residences across two buildings within a sleek façade designed by Benson McCormack Architects (BMA).



L1ON Croydon apartment sell out

Having recently completed their most recent Arncliffe apartment project, Belle Vue, local developer and construction firm Buildview Corp has lodged plans for its next project.

They&#39;ll be creating a 10-level development of 60 apartments at&nbsp;67-73 West Botany Street in Wolli Creek, just over a kilometre from Belle Vue.

They&#39;ve had Marchese Partners draw up the plans for the new $20 million project, which will see the development incorporate the Victorian-era heritage cottage on the site.

<a href="/new-apartments/67-73-west-botany-street-arncliffe"><img alt="" height="471" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-04-26_at_2.51.44_pm.png" width="530" /></a>

There will be&nbsp;16 one-bedroom apartments, 41 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom apartments, in addition to the heritage listed cottage which will be renovated as a three-bedroom dwelling.

Particular attention has been made to defining the relationship between the development and the heritage house, Marchese Partners note in their design statement.

&quot;A two-storey podium has been designed to be sympathetic in scale and materiality with the listed heritage cottage, enabling its appreciation and interpretation from the public domain,&quot; Marchese Partners noted.

&quot;The proposed tower is set well back from the eastern boundary of the site, so not to visually dominate the historic cottage.&quot;

A generous communal open space is located along the north and west boundaries. These dedicated zones are equipped with outdoor amenities for residents&rsquo; recreation, such as seating and barbeque areas.

<a href="/new-apartments/67-73-west-botany-street-arncliffe"><img alt="" height="415" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-04-26_at_2.50.21_pm.png" width="642" /></a>

Landscape features&nbsp;has been included in the private outdoor areas of the apartments located on the ground floor, &nbsp;while on the second floor, on top of the podium, planters are in place with hanging vegetation, surrounding the structure.

&ldquo;These landscaping features will bring a more subtle transition between the podium and the tower and provide a green aspect to the whole development when viewed from the street,&rdquo; Marchese submission read.

The site is conveniently close to recreational amenities including, the Cahill Park, the Kogarah Golf Club, shops and public transport.

Buildview recently completed Belle Vue, their modern Wolli Creek development of just 36 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6821 project_image_fid=195117]

Designed by BKA Architecture, Belle Vue has a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with kitchens with SMEG appliances and Samsung air conditioning.

Select apartments have a balcony off the living space, and a study nook.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6821]

 Marchese Partners has drawn up the plans for the new $20 million project, which will see the development incorporate the Victorian-era heritage cottage on the site.



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