Luxury developer&nbsp;Central Element has broken all of Coogee's real estate records with the sale of the penthouse at their heritage restoration project, Ballamac House.

The three-bedroom penthouse sold for $20 million, the highest price paid for anything in Coogee.

The 241 sqm penthouse sold for just under $83,000 per sqm internally, and close to $90,000 per sqm when incorporating the 77 sqm of external space.

&nbsp;

The sale trumps the previous suburb record which was $13.1m for a four-bedroom house located on Wolseley Road, just a short distance from Wylie’s Baths ocean pool with views across Coogee beach to Wedding Cake Island.

The record for an apartment was previously held by the recent sale of $8.8m for a 286 sqm four-bedroom penthouse on Carr Street, with panoramic north-facing views across Coogee Beach to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/clovelly-nsw">Clovelly</a>, by former NSW premier Bob Carr.

It also beats the record in neighbouring South Coogee, which is $18.5m for the three-level five-bedroom clifftop residence at 1A Seaside Parade that was achieved earlier this year. Before that, the $16.85m for the Bunya Parade ‘Coogee Castle’ held the record, which was purchased by Fred Schebesta, the co-founder and CEO of the comparison website, Finder, in 2021.

CE’s <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ballamac-house-39-arcadia-street-coogee">Ballamac House</a> has a long and colourful history – established by Charles Moore in 1860, the coveted estate has lived many lives over the years, as a private residence, hotel and infirmary, with many prominent figures passing through its doors.

CE will transform the site into eight prestigious three-bedroom oceanfront residences across two buildings.

The heritage Victorian house itself will undergo a meticulous restoration to reinstate it to its original grandeur as it is converted into two exquisite residences, with the further six dwellings sitting in a new building to the east with awe-inspiring ocean views. The project will launch to market later in the year.

The $20 million sale was to a local owner-occupier who fell in love with the history of the site and the uninterrupted views out to Wedding Cake Island that will be enjoyed from the building's elevated position on Coogee’s north headland.

Cameron Porter, Head of Sales at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>, says Coogee is growing as a sought-after destination.

“We’re seeing a lot more buyers in that ultra-luxury downsizer market who would have traditionally been looking in Bondi and Bronte now turn to Coogee, with the suburbs elevated lifestyle offering," Porter says.

"The flurry of hot new restaurants Coogee’s seen appear in recent years, such as Yana and Louie, and of course Coogee Pavillion’s mimi’s, means locals have world-class dining as well as everything else the idyllic coastal suburb has to offer right on their doorstep."

Porter says they knew there was demand for premium apartments in the area following their success of their&nbsp;award-winning Anden Coogee project around the corner.

"With Ballamac House’s enviable location on Coogee’s north headland just up the road from mimi’s, combined with the quality of product that buyers know Central Element can deliver, we’re expecting this project to be snapped up as it launches to market later this year.”

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Cameron Porter, Head of Sales at Central Element, says Coogee is growing as a sought-after destination

Joel Robinson

Central Element smash Coogee apartment record with $20 million Ballamac House penthouse sale

Wollongong is set for a new apartment tower.

Plans have been lodged by RM Developments for a $24 million project across a 2,700 sqm site at 41-47 Denison Street, right next to Wollongong Station and the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/wollongong-nsw">Wollongong</a>&nbsp;town centre.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/design-workshop-australia">Design Workshop Australia</a> (DWA) put together the plans for the 17-level, mixed-use commercial and residential building that will comprise 75 apartments above office tenancies and medical suites.

<img alt=" 41-47 Denison Street podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cad14906-2cb3-4b4d-b0d8-0f1220d632b1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/41-47%20Denison%20Street.png?VersionId=aZyLqTBVu3wIMWmllD8B817nujiu92Ph" />

The proposal involves partial demolition of an Art Deco-styled brick building and at-grade car parking to make way for the mixed-use development. The podium design integrates the retained façade of the Art Deco building to connect neighbouring buildings and harmonises with Denison Street's streetscape.

DWA's proposal emphasises the importance of the preservation of the existing building fabric to maintain the area's character and inform the curvilinear visual language of the tower levels.

The tower's curved geometry provides a distinct building character, offers residents unique views, and prioritises solar access for residential units and communal open spaces while minimising the overshadowing of neighbouring sites. Balcony elements and glazed vertical elements add visual interest and depth to the tower.

<img alt="Wollongong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f30f9ebc-a75a-42ea-91ea-d790a84d69a7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-18%20at%2012.04.29%20pm.png?VersionId=H.NT1RhPGlDrZgO_ilBBZivAoiGJJJuT" />

The Design Excellence Report by GYDE Consulting suggested the&nbsp;proposed mixed-use development will provide high-quality commercial uses on the ground floor, enhancing the site’s public interface suitable to the streetscape and character of the locality, as well as a diverse range of apartment types.

There will be just six&nbsp;one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-beds and two three-bedroom units, as well as&nbsp;gardens on level one, seating areas, barbecue facilities, fitness areas on level nine, and a pool deck with lounging areas and an infinity edge pool on level 17. 151 parking spaces have been proposed for residential, commercial and visitor usage.

<img alt=" 41-47 Denison Street rooftop" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4aa75dc-5a9a-4d4a-97a4-210d08ddbaa5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/41-47%20Denison%20Street%20Rooftop.png?VersionId=ZV4igerSoNhscwx2jDmrA6sZJsCX0cPX" />

In line with best practices for Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD), the project also aims to incorporate various sustainable initiatives such as rainwater collection, deep soil planting, use of water-efficient fixtures, LED lighting, sustainable concrete components, and the potential for solar panels.&nbsp;

The development also plans to include electric car charge points and spaces to promote eco-friendly transportation.

The site's strategic location is within walking distance of key amenities such as Wollongong Train Station, Lowden Square bus interchange, Wollongong Hospital, and Wollongong Central Shopping Centre.

Plans have been lodged for a $24 million project across a 2,700 sqm site at 41-47 Denison Street, right next to Wollongong Station and the Wollongong town centre

Urban Editorial

First look: Wollongong's latest new apartment tower revealed

In the first four months of 2024, Lower North Shore developer WINIM has launched three new residential projects across their favoured Sydney region.

Following launches of apartments in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/mosman-nsw">Mosman</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/cremorne-nsw">Cremorne</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a> has launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon">Lume Gordon</a>, 14 townhouses ideally located just off Gordon's main retail strip and near&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw">Gordon</a>&nbsp;Station.

They had their go-to architect <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> create the house-sized townhomes that offer three, four or five-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269522]

Lume's architecture is characterised by traditional brick and timber expression. Integral to the design is a smooth, effortless transition from the interiors to the alfresco spaces.

&nbsp;

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings," Gary Tsui of Rothelowman said.

The townhomes feature fireplaces, bespoke cabinetry, wine storage, and expansive alfresco entertaining terraces with a custom-created outdoor kitchen featuring an in-built barbeque and bench seating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Homeowners at Lume have the option to choose from two interior colour schemes. Amaroo reflects hues of the bushland, dappled light and pale gum trees, while Gully is inspired by stronger and deeper tones of the forest.

&nbsp;

In addition to the individual home amenities, residents of Lume also have access to a landscaped communal outdoor BBQ area, creating opportunities for social gatherings and community interactions.&nbsp;

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The development is designed to integrate with its natural surroundings, with a pathway connecting the residences to a natural creek bed and a raised boardwalk with seating areas.

"The private reserve adjoining Lume’s homes provided us with the rare opportunity to create a very special place for residents. Just as waterways carve their way through Kur-Ring-Gai’s landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis," Ben Newell &amp; Kate Phillips of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a> Said.

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For those who prefer working outdoors, charging stations in the communal area enable a change of scenery while staying connected. This feature aligns with modern lifestyle preferences, offering flexibility and convenience to homeowners.

Lume's proximity to Gordon Village, train station, and shopping precinct, only 300 metres away, provides residents with convenient access to local amenities and services.

Residents can also explore the nearby St Johns Avenue multicultural culinary eat street, adding a diverse range of dining options to their lifestyle.

WINIM kicked off 2024 by launching <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/winim-reveal-huntington-residences-cremorne-luxury-apartment-development">Huntington Residences in Cremorne</a> in late January, before <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/winim-launch-second-apartment-development-in-2024-as-kl-o-mosman-hits-the-market">then revealing Kleo Mosman</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

WINIM kicked off 2024 by launching Huntington Residences in Cremorne in late January, before then revealing Kleo Mosman.

Launch Alert: Lume Gordon townhouses mark WINIM's third residential launch in 2024

Eastern Suburbs property seekers have been given one of the best opportunities to buy into the priciest region in Australia at prices not seen in years, with the release of the final apartments in Crown Group's award-winning development, The Grand Residences, Eastlakes.

Due to a shareholder dispute, Crown Group was placed into provisional liquidation in August 2023. The apartments are now being released to the market in an ordinary wind-down of the Group. &nbsp;

The first stage of the project was developed over a five-year period. Beneath the apartments there is a vibrant retail precinct with 15 retailers. Anchored by a large-format Aldi Supermarket, there is also a Woolworths Metro, Australia Post and a variety of speciality stores and services.

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Completed to much fanfare at the beginning of 2022, the first stage won the Urban Taskforce Australia Development Excellence Awards in the Mixed-Use Development category, one of the most prestigious awards a development can get in Australia.

Chair of the Urban Taskforce Judging Panel, Chris Johnson, said The Grand Residences by Crown Group represented an exemplary project in mixed-use developments and urban renewal.

“It will significantly revitalise this previously overlooked area of Sydney and create immeasurable benefits for the local community, allowing it to better meet the needs of the future forecast population growth,” Johnson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7652 project_image_fid=262587]

Everything Crown Group has done well over the past decade is on show at The Grand Residences. Their commitment to producing larger apartments than the norm is apparent immediately, even with the one-bedroom units which span nearly 60 sqm and have a balcony off the open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. Every apartment within the complex has at least one car space.

Crown Group’s signature high-end amenity is also a key feature at The Grand Residences. On offer for residents is a 25-metre heated pool, gym, landscaped gardens, BBQ facilities, and rooftop deck with panoramic views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7652 project_image_fid=262600]

The Grand Residences offers a gateway into the Eastern Suburbs in terms of both affordability and location. The Evans Avenue address puts residents beside the growing inner-east suburbs of Alexandria and Rosebery. Rosebery has become a hotbed for creative business and coffee culture due to the popular retail and hospitality hub, the Cannery. As well as the thriving cafe scene, residents are also just a 10-minute drive to some of Sydney’s best beaches, the closest being Coogee.

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The provisional liquidators have appointed McGrath Projects and Crown Property Agency to assist with the sell-down of the development.&nbsp;

McGrath Projects and Crown Property Agency have already held a highly successful weekend launch of the apartments, which was attended by a mix of first home buyers, “rightsizers”, investors and owner-occupiers who see the value this Eastern Suburbs address provides.

McGrath Projects Director, Adam Sparkes, says the building offers incredible value for every cohort of buyers looking at the Eastern Suburbs.

“The building is achieving strong rental yields for the area, and since completion two years ago properties have been tightly held. The opportunity to buy at this price point and in this location isn’t likely to come around again.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7652]

Final opportunity to buy in The Grand Residences, Eastlakes

National townhouse developer Metro Property Group is well advanced with its latest luxury Sydney townhouse development, Canopy in Crows Nest.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/canopy-crows-nest-23-27-wheatleigh-street-crows-nest">Canopy</a> brings just 10 contemporary townhouses to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw">Crows Nest</a>, set on a quiet residential street between St Leonards and Naremburn. Only three remain after being snapped up by locals during the build.

There are three and four-bedroom configurations on offer designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/corben-architects">Corben Architects</a>, each&nbsp;with landscaped gardens by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, designed for minimal maintenance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112885 project_image_fid=269237]

The architectural highlight of the project is the generously proportioned glass doors that offer uninterrupted views of the landscaped gardens and foster a connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

Native plants soften the modern building, while sculptural plants highlight the sunny yards.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112885 project_image_fid=269239]

Each townhome at Canopy comes with internal access from its lock-up garage and is serviced by a private internal lift for added convenience.&nbsp;

The residences feature chef's kitchens equipped with high-end European appliances and fixtures, including wine fridges and integrated refrigerators, with the option to upgrade to state-of-the-art Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

The contemporary bathrooms showcase a pared-back styling with muted shades and porcelain tiles, contributing to the overall modern aesthetic of the homes.

The townhomes are artfully composed with a calming colour palette, tactile finishes, and a considered lighting plan.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112885 project_image_fid=269241]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/metro-property-group">Metro Property Group</a> also offers purchasers a unique opportunity to be part of the design process, allowing them to tailor spaces and interiors to suit their lifestyle preferences. Additional upgrades such as stone-clad Jetmaster fireplaces are available as centrepieces within the homes.

Canopy is strategically located close to North Shore's vibrant café culture, specialty stores, parklands, and the new Metro Line train service.

The development is on track for completion in mid-2024.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112885]

The townhomes are artfully composed with a calming colour palette, tactile finishes, and a considered lighting plan

Canopy Crows Nest luxury townhouses approach completion

There's very little in the way of comparison when looking at Miami in Florida and Miami on the Gold Coast.

As a matter of fact, they're polar opposites.

Miami in Florida has the third highest city skyline in the US, after New York and Chicago, while its Gold Coast namesake is at completely the other end of the spectrum. It flies under the radar in the grand scheme of the Gold Coast, and that's just how locals like it.

Miami is the only beachside Gold Coast suburb with a strict three-level height limit on buildings, which essentially&nbsp;puts a cap on density and how much new development can occur.

When there's a cap on supply, there's always long-term price growth, something which is not lost on property investors.

What the two do have in common however is their ability to draw both locals and visitors through culture, convenience, and climate.

It was the combination of liveability and the opportunity to develop in a tightly held location that drew&nbsp;prolific townhome developer Highlife Homes to Miami, sandwiched between the more well-known suburbs of Mermaid Beach and Burleigh Heads, two suburbs where the number of apartments has skyrocketed in the last 15 years.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/highlife-homes">Highlife Homes</a> secured a site on Hythe Street, 160 metres from Miami Beach, the beachside cafe&nbsp;Piccolo's Espresso Café, and the&nbsp;Miami Surf Club.

The location, and the laid-back Gold Coast lifestyle that has been preserved in Miami compared to some of its now built-up neighbours, has been a major factor for purchasers of Highlife's four villa development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/harmoni-on-hythe-19-hythe-street-miami">Harmoni on Hythe</a>.

Only one townhouse remains in Harmoni on Hythe, which recently welcomed its new residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140364 project_image_fid=218339]

The remaining townhouse has four bedrooms, however, it's been cleverly designed so the top level bedroom could be used as a mulit-purpose space or a second living room, given it opens onto the outdoor roof terrace which features a full barbecue kitchen and views over the beach.

All up the townhouses have 245 sqm of living space including balconies, with a further 60 sqm of terraces and courtyards. Each courtyard has its own shower, an added feature designed for residents to wash off the sand, rinse the surfboard, or clean the dog.

Highlife, always one step ahead, future-proofed the townhouses for those looking long term, installing an internal private lift in each home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140364 project_image_fid=214022]

Residents at Harmoni are ideally located to take in the very best of what Miami has to offer.

Dotted with open green spaces, Harmoni benefits from being just a five-minute walk from beachside parks such as Don MacSween Park and Ed Hardy Park.

Harmoni is also strategically positioned close to both the Burleigh Golf Course and Pizzey Park, with the multipurpose facility offering rugby, tennis, swimming, netball, gymnastics, and even an athletics track. There's also a skate park and a dog exercise facility.

Miami Aquatic Centre, featuring two heated Olympic 50-metre pools, an indoor training pool, and a children's play area, is just five minutes away, as is Miami Tennis Club, which has ten synthetic grass courts, two air-conditioned clubhouses, and a pro shop.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140364 project_image_fid=214025]

Residents of Harmoni on Hythe are also well-connected to the broader Gold Coast area. The Gold Coast Highway is easily accessible, allowing for convenient travel both north and south. The nearest bus stop is only a two-minute walk away, along with several others dotting the highway.

The Gold Coast Highway is also home to several dining and retail options. ALDI is just 650 metres away south of the property, while in the other direction, there's the Miami Fish Market, four minutes away.

The Esplanade is also within walking distance, with highly rated dining establishments like Miami Tavern and North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club.

Miami Marketta, just one kilometre from Harmoni, brings the suburb to life at night every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The indoor and outdoor night market features a diverse selection of street food, cocktails, and craft beer, all accompanied by the backdrop of live music.

The sole remaining villa at Harmoni on Hythe is one of just five four bedroom-plus homes for sale on the eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway near the beach.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140364]

Residents at Harmoni are ideally located to take in the very best of what Miami has to offer

Miami Gold Coast: The unassuming beachfront enclave offering the epitome of Gold Coast living

The Victorian division of Sydney's longtime luxury Lower North Shore development company Abadeen, is continuing its push into Melbourne's owner-occupier market.

Having launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/malea-94-burke-road-malvern-east">Maléa</a>, a collection of just seven luxury apartments on Malvern East's Central Park, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>, led locally by former CBRE Director Andrew Leoncelli, has filed plans for its next project.

They'll be developing a boutique building in Prahran at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/616-646-high-street-prahran">616-646 High Street</a>,&nbsp;on the corner of&nbsp;Airlie Avenue and High Street near Toorak Park and Orrong Romanis Reserve.

Abadeen secured the 2,198 sqm site, which is the&nbsp;former Cabrini Hospital medical facility, last year.

They had Carr design a four-level building that curves around a Smooth Bark Apple tree, immovable as it's listed as a national trust significant tree.

<img alt="Abadeen Prahran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="118ee15e-cc57-4aff-a458-4c5090c0f520" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-17%20at%209.15.19%20am.png?VersionId=4_eYVITw1EoMhK0gle3whzIs3rdxCrP." />

Carr is no stranger to having to incorporate a heritage-listed tree in a new development, nor are they a stranger to having to do so for a development overseen by Leoncelli.

Leoncelli's ALP Developments were behind&nbsp;Victoria &amp; Burke in Camberwell, where Carr had to incorporate a 220-year-old gumtree in the development of just 15 apartments. The Burke Road project broke records for the suburb when two of the penthouses sold off the plan for $5.5 million each in 2020.

There are a further three trees on the Prahran site, two Flowering Gums and an English Oak, which line the perimeter and need council approval to be removed or pruned.

The documents submitted to the Stonnington Council said the building form pays homage to the existing heritage-listed tree curving around its canopy.

"Windows and glazing are perpendicular to the building grid and juxtapose against the curved form, creating moments of interest in the facade."

<img alt="Abadeen Prahran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8647f41e-0e4f-4427-ba68-5f1a84078ec8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-17%20at%209.12.56%20am.png?VersionId=P_vUPehlSvvrzY5jjV_kkx86j3RHz0cb" />

There will be 26 apartments across the four levels, a mix of two-beds, two-bed plus study's, and three-bed apartments. They will sit above two levels of basement with parking for 56 cars.

The two-bedroom apartments start from around 100 sqm internally and the largest three-bedrooms, the three penthouses, range in size from 180 sqm to 269 sqm internally, not including the wraparound terraces and the private rooftop terraces.

Abadeen broke onto the Melbourne off the plan apartment development scene late last year when they launched Malea.

Designed by Ewert Leaf and in landscaping by John Patrick,&nbsp;Malea comprises seven two and three-bedroom apartments with&nbsp;Miele and Gaggenau appliances, extensive outdoor spaces immersed in nature, and a parkside location unrivalled in Malvern East.&nbsp;

First look: Abadeen lodge plans for second Melbourne apartment development

North Melbourne is set for one of its most impressive community-led developments to date with The Tapestry project, spearheaded by Orb Property Partners.

Extensive research across Australia, the US, and Europe has shaped <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/wobo-north-melbourne-103-105-boundary-road-north-melbourne">WOBO</a>, the first apartment release in Tapestry designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fender-katsalidis-architects">Fender Katsalidis Architects</a>. We've taken an inside look at WOBO, which will take centre stage in the heart of the 1.4-hectare boundary road precinct.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IDEa7nHqDuk?si=4rM_SM-62mP02SP7" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Industrial heritage design by Fender Katsalidis Architects: The WOBO apartments have been designed by renowned architecture firm Fender Katsalidis to pay homage to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/north-melbourne-vic">North Melbourne</a>'s industrial heritage and roots. WOBO will comprise 99 one, two and three-bedroom New York-like warehouse-style apartments. All one beds have already been snapped up, leaving two and three bedrooms starting from $590,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112082 project_image_fid=249769]

North Melbourne's local luxuries: Located adjacent to Flemington Road, WOBO enjoys proximity to Royal Park, Melbourne's largest open space sprawling across 188 hectares. Future residents of WOBO will enjoy a prime location with easy access to nearby nature playgrounds, sports fields, and the renowned Melbourne Zoo, as well as transport and shopping centres. WOBO is just 700 metres away from Macaulay Station, just over a kilometre from Kensington Station, and a nine-minute walk to Woolworths.

Exclusive conveniences at WOBO: The ethos of community is woven into WOBO's fabric. Residents of WOBO will benefit from a range of exclusive resident facilities, including a sustainable wellness centre, co-working spaces, al fresco areas and the private members' lounge complete with a central fireplace and modular lounges designed to bring the residents of WOBO together.

Activated precinct at residents' doorstep: At ground level, WOBO buzzes with life, offering a spectrum of amenities including premium retail outlets, cafes, restaurants, a fresh food marketplace, and essential services like a bar, bakery, hairdressers, beauty salon, and medical centre. This comprehensive array of facilities ensures that residents have everything they need at their doorstep and contributes to a lively and dynamic neighbourhood atmosphere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112082 project_image_fid=249784]

Sustainability initiatives with Ross Harding: In line with modern environmental values, sustainability takes centre stage at WOBO. Orb Property Partners collaborated with Ross Harding, a prominent figure in urban sustainability, to implement cutting-edge initiatives including rooftop solar panels to power 70 per cent of the project's needs, an organic energy plant to provide hydronic heating to the retirement living buildings and wellness spas, rainwater harvesting systems, and high-efficiency fittings to further solidify WOBO's position as one of Melbourne's most sustainable precincts.

With interest from both local and interstate buyers, WOBO stands out not only for its affordability but also for its commitment to redefining urban living through thoughtful design, community integration, and sustainability.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/orb-property-partners">Orb Property Partners</a>&nbsp;is expecting WOBO to be completed in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112082]

Orb Property Partners is expecting WOBO to be completed in mid-2026

Inside WOBO North Melbourne: Urban's display suite tour of one of North Melbourne's newest apartment developments

Melbourne developer LAS Group has submitted plans for a new 25-level tower in the heart of Southbank.

Fender Katsilidis (FK) has put together plans for the 188-apartment tower at 38 Clarke Street, on the corner of City Road and Clarke Street just behind Crown Melbourne.

In contrast to the neighbouring buildings with predominantly glass facade buildings, 38 Clarke Street embraces the industrial heritage of the area, with the building's lower level finishes drawing on the 19th-century local vernacular found on City Road with rich red brick detailing and arched windows.&nbsp;

FK associate principal Kianson Tay says the design of the tower needed to respect the context of the site and the surrounding area, while offering a fresh, timeless expression for residents to connect with, both within the development and beyond.&nbsp;

“City Road has a heritage of 19th century masonry warehouse buildings which we believe offers opportunities for contemporary reinterpretation," Tay says.

"There is an architectural language here of tactile materiality and brickwork detailing which we are excited to interpret into 38 Clarke Street. The material palette of our scheme has a sense of solidity and tactility, with materials that will patina and age gracefully over time."

Comprising two interlocking tower forms, the solidity of the masonry base transitions to a lighter and more delicate tower materiality of expressed warm-coloured concrete blades with an oxide finish.&nbsp;

<img alt="25-storey tower proposed for Melbourne’s Southbank" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f4be34a-ee78-4b51-8b2e-ea9a1e94d33e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/38%20Clarke%20-%20street%20view.jpg?VersionId=7AC.jnVL9cFHLjoNowSY3Sry2NS1Od62" />

The lower ground level at street level features resident amenities including a dedicated bike lobby and parking area, pool and gym.&nbsp;

"To enhance the pedestrian experience and engagement along the street frontages, we have carefully considered the podium ground-level experience through human-scaled elements with a sense of craft and detailed design," Tay added.

"An off-form concrete canopy establishes a datum line at the base, with a composition of arched brick bay windows that evoke the industrial past of the neighbourhood. We were conscious that City Road can be a busy and hard-edged environment, &nbsp;and so we wanted to introduce architectural detailing and fine-scaled elements to enrich the experience at street level."

The top of the podium features a densely planted native garden bed designed by renowned &nbsp;Tract Landscape Architects. The garden bed provides residents and neighbouring towers with a visual connection to nature and strengthens the site's ecological value.&nbsp;

Sustainability measures targeting a 5-star Green Star rating include a bike-friendly lobby with extensive bicycle parking accommodating more than 200 spaces, far beyond typical allowances, &nbsp;to encourage the use of the city’s cycle lanes and reduce vehicle reliance. From an energy perspective, the all-electric building features distinctive angled fins that will passively reduce solar heat gain.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/las-group">LAS Group</a> spokesperson Les Smith said one and two-bedroom apartments are highly sought after in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/southbank-vic">Southbank</a>, particularly at a mid-tier price point.

"We’re excited to partner with FK, experts in tall buildings, to actualise these designs that both respect the heritage of the &nbsp;area and create a sense of place for people to call home in one of Melbourne’s most desirable locations, just 1km from the CBD.”

LAS Group spokesperson Les Smith said one and two-bedroom apartments are highly sought after in Southbank, particularly at a mid-tier price point

First look exclusive: LAS Group propose Fender Katsilidis apartment tower in Southbank

Apartments are getting more rare in Melbourne's quiet bayside pocket of Hampton East.

Despite the growing suburb's population rising above 5,000 from the 2016 census to the most recently collected census in 2021, the percentage share of apartments declined.

Apartments accounted for over 22 per cent of dwellings in the small 1.4-kilometre squared suburb in 2016. That number has dropped to just over 20 per cent, with the data suggesting just nine extra apartments added over five years.

The lack of apartment supply makes Marcopolo Property's latest development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/casa-tranquila-hampton-east-15-19-king-street-hampton-east">Casa Tranquila</a>, even more rare.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113441 project_image_fid=208735]

The project is ideally located to take advantage of a number of Bayside suburbs. While its postcode is 3188, Casa Tranquilla sits on the border of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/hampton-east-vic">Hampton East</a> and Moorabbin, right next to Moorabbin's retail precinct and just 300 metres to the Moorabbin Station.

"It's a true Bayside suburb," Chad Arbid at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/chad-arbid-projects">Chad Arbid Projects</a> says.

"It shares the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/hampton-vic">Hampton</a> postcode, it's in an area known for parks, the beach, the best schools, restaurants and cafes, all within three or four hundred metres of the front door."

With this strategic location on King Street, conveniently but quietly set a street back from the South Road thoroughfare, comes a vibrant selection of local retail outlets, cafes, restaurants, and bars, including station-side establishments like Wilbury &amp; Sons, Uncles, Comma Food &amp; Wine, TOAST IT!, 4 Seasons Laksa, and Everwell Medical Center.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113441 project_image_fid=256593]

The location of Casa Tranquila also places it within reach of some of Victoria's premier golf clubs, such as Chutter Golf Club and Brighton Golf Club, both within a five-minute drive.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby green spaces, with Dendy Park and Brighton Beach offering idyllic settings for outdoor activities and relaxation.

&nbsp;

Families considering Casa Tranquila will also find themselves in proximity to esteemed educational institutions in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a>. Moorabbin Primary School, St Agnes' School, St Paul's School, and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College are all within a convenient five-minute drive from the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113441 project_image_fid=256602]

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/chandler-architecture">Chandler Architecture</a>, Casa Tranquila comprises one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

The development welcomes residents with a landscaped ground plane, a sophisticated hotel-style lobby featuring concierge services, and amenities such as a cocktail lounge and central garden.

Casa Tranquila offers a shared car parking facility, enabling residents to conveniently access on-site rental car services for various durations, from short hourly rentals to full-day usage.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113441]

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