Melbourne's well-documented supply chain woes aren't easing in a hurry.

There were some notable development applications however submitted across the capital in April, some of which will bring some much-needed density to the apartment sector.

Of course, these projects won't be realised for several years, with the approval phase, marketing, and then the build generally making the lifespan of a new development between four to five years, depending on density and the speediness of the approval process.

We've wrapped up some of the biggest and best development applications across Melbourne in April.

<h2>Address: 99-109 Lorimer Street, Docklands</h2>

Melbourne&nbsp;developer Ross&nbsp;Pelligra&nbsp;is set to take on one of his largest projects to date, lodging plans for a huge multi-stage precinct in Melbourne's&nbsp;growing Fishermans Bend precinct.

Development manager <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/citinova">Citinova</a> has proposed a four-tower development, designed as a "cohesive 'family' of towers" by Architectus, that will bring over 1000 apartments to the chronically undersupplied Melbourne market.

One of the towers will be dedicated build-to-sell, while there will be more build-to-sell apartments in tower two that will also home 200 hotel rooms and extensive amenities.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Citinova plot multi-tower development in Fishermans Bend" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-19%20at%204.18.10%20pm.png?VersionId=eogu21v9z8UCqB3bNm08l5GSzxKbbgXs" />

Tower three will be a commercial office tower that may suit a coworking provider, and Tower Four will be build-to-rent apartments. All the towers will be linked by a podium that will feature vibrant laneways with an arts and culture hub, retail tenancies and an urban grocer.

The five-stage project will also include an unencumbered 3,075 sqm public open space.

Landscape architect <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/mala">Mala Studio</a> has been part of the design, as have planning consultants <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/tract-landscape-architects">Tract</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-citinova-plot-multi-tower-development-in-fishermans-bend">First look exclusive: Citinova plot multi-tower development in Fishermans Bend</a>

<h2>Address: 616-646 High Street, Prahran</h2>

<h2>Developer:&nbsp;Abadeen</h2>

Having launched&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/malvern-east-vic" target="">Malvern East</a>'s Central Park,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>, led locally by former&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/cbre-residential-australia" target="">CBRE</a>&nbsp;Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/content/abadeen-officially-announce-expansion-into-victoria-with-two-luxury-projects" target="">Andrew Leoncelli</a>, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/toorak-park-delivers-where-it-matters-most" target="">Toorak Park</a>&nbsp;and Orrong Romanis Reserve.

<img alt="First look: Abadeen lodge plans for second Melbourne apartment development" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-17%20at%2011.05.29%20am.png?VersionId=79fVjZ.l2snAFEPFAw3RuGyQuZFmK7pW" />

They had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/carr-design" target="">Carr Design</a>&nbsp;a four-level building that curves around a Smooth Bark Apple tree, immovable as it's listed as a national trust significant tree.

There will be 26 apartments across the four levels, a mix of two-bed, two-bed plus studies, and three-bed apartments. They will sit above two levels of the basement with parking for 56 cars.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/first-look-abadeen-lodge-plans-for-second-melbourne-apartment-development">First look: Abadeen lodge plans for second Melbourne apartment development</a>

<h2>Address: 38 Clarke Street, Southbank</h2>

<h2>Developer: LAS Group</h2>

Melbourne developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/las-group" target="">LAS Group</a>&nbsp;has submitted plans for a new 25-level tower in the heart of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/southbank-vic" target="">Southbank</a>.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fender-katsalidis-architects">Fender Katsalidis</a> 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.

<img alt="First look exclusive: LAS Group propose Fender Katsilidis apartment tower in Southbank" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/38%20Clarke%20-%20render.jpg?VersionId=B3il28IAk1qJEHo4edK3uCToCRSrDKVc" />

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;

The lower ground level at street level features resident amenities including a dedicated bike lobby and parking area, pool and gym.&nbsp;

The top of the podium features a densely planted native garden bed designed by renowned Tract Landscape Architects.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-las-group-propose-fender-katsilidis-apartment-tower-in-southbank">First look exclusive: LAS Group propose Fender Katsilidis apartment tower in Southbank</a>

<h2>Address: 81A Bell Street, Coburg</h2>

<h2>Developer: Blue Earth Group</h2>

Amenity-centric Melbourne&nbsp;developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/blue-earth-group">Blue Earth Group</a>&nbsp;is trying again to get its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/coburg-vic" target="">Coburg</a>&nbsp;development approved.

The plan is for over 444 apartments and townhouses designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cht-architects" target="">CHT</a>&nbsp;Architects on what the planning documents call a "significant land parcel" given its location on the south-western corner of Bell and Rodda Street which forms the entrance/gateway to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/coburg-vic">Coburg</a>&nbsp;Major Activity Centre (‘MAC’).

<img alt="Blue Earth Group to push on with three-tower Coburg development" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-02%20at%209.52.17%20am.png?VersionId=33G.L9WvG3b_3KSGDsF.27.kfuTMfVy1" />

The revised design response continues a similar design concept, containing three buildings ranging in height from five to 11 storeys, with large areas of publicly accessible open space and pedestrian links provided within the site that is bordered by ground floor activity with the provided building separation and setbacks consistent with the Tribunal’s findings in maximising daylight receipt to the apartments and sunlight to provide open space areas.

Proposed are 223 one-bedroom apartments, the majority with a study, 195 two-bedders, 15 three-bed apartments, and 11 townhouses.

There will be around 239 sqm of shop floor space and 106 sqm of food and drink premises.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/blue-earth-group-to-push-on-with-three-tower-coburg-development">Blue Earth Group to push on with three-tower Coburg development</a>

There's been applications submitted in April from Citinova, Blue Earth Group, Abadeen, and LAS Group

Joel Robinson

The top four new apartment developments planned across Melbourne in April

It's continued month-on-month gains in the Gold Coast unit market.

CoreLogic's Home Value Index showed another solid gain of one per cent over April, following growth of 1.1 per cent in both March and February.

The median value for a Gold Coast unit, which incorporates both townhouses and apartments, is now at $768,000, having started the year at $727,000. The median far outstrips the median unit value in Brisbane ($600,000) and Melbourne ($613,00).

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/city-beat-march-2024-what-is-happening-in-the-gold-coast-off-the-plan-apartment-market">City Beat March 2024: What is happening in the Gold Coast off the plan apartment market?</a>

<h2>What happened in the Gold Coast off the plan market in April?</h2>

There was little activity on the Gold Coast in the way of new projects launching to the market in April, however many more are coming in the pipeline.

The only project to launch was Marquee's latest Gold Coast development, La Belle at Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/la-belle-332-the-esplanade-palm-beach">La Belle Palm Beach</a>&nbsp;will comprise 74 premium beachfront apartments over 14 levels that will take advantage of sweeping views from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld?sort=">Surfers Paradise</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld?sort=">Coolangatta</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102340 project_image_fid=273590]

The development, with 40 metres of beach frontage, has three, four and five-bedroom apartments on offer, with internal living spaces between 150 sqm and 680 sqm, catering for the owner-occupier.

Designed by award-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects" target="">Cottee Parker</a>&nbsp;Architects and detailed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, La Belle&nbsp;is set to offer a diverse range of amenities including a heated outdoor pool and spa, multiple teppanyaki dining bars and entertaining areas, and a resident’s lounge with a billiard room, bar, and a large screen TV.

There will also be a wellness centre with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, yoga and Pilates movement room, Nordic and Infrared saunas, indoor hydrotherapy hot pool and two cold plunge immersion baths.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102340 project_image_fid=273596]

Given how tight the market is for new projects, developers who can get their projects in market, with confidence that they're going to go ahead, are seeing strong results.

John Kearney's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/immerse-projects" target="">Immerse Projects</a>&nbsp;has seen a surge in sales at their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ombre-robina-46-scottsdale-drive-robina">Ombré</a> apartment development in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/robina-qld">Robina</a>, hitting the $40 million mark within just four weeks of launching.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=251416]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ombre-robina-46-scottsdale-drive-robina">Ombré</a>, comprising 95 apartments designed by BDA Architecture, offers a diverse range of floor plans. Some of the one-bedroom apartments have two living areas, as do some of the two-bedrooms. They've been popular given there's nothing like that on the market in the whole of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld?sort=">Gold Coast</a>.

Kearney's construction company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/greyburn">Greyburn</a>&nbsp;will build Ombré, which is slated for completion in December 2025.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=241133]

Veteran Gold Coast developer, Morris Property, is also seeing success at their Broadbeach apartment development, Crest.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/crest-broadbeach-13-armrick-avenue-broadbeach">Crest&nbsp;Broadbeach</a>, which marks Morris Property Group's eighth high-rise residential project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld">Broadbeach</a>, recently hit the 50 per cent sold milestone. The first tower in the project tapped into the demand for new apartments in the sought-after Broadbeach postcode.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Crest saw a total of 25 sales, with an average sale price of $1,089,000 per apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=241132]

&nbsp;

Morris has padded out its future pipeline in their favourite suburb, submitting plans for their 10th residential development&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld">in the suburb</a>&nbsp;neighbouring Surfers Paradise.

Morris has submitted plans for a high-end tower focused on the more affluent owner-occupier at 14 Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach, a 607 sqm site next to their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/opus-16-18-chelsea-avenue-broadbeach">Opus</a>&nbsp;Broadbeach tower which they completed in 2021.

<img alt="Exclusive first look: Morris Property Group plot another Broadbeach tower" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-16%20at%2012.19.37%20pm.png?VersionId=Uq9PTtSp1oEQp41rCDLZXE0_CyXITfY2" /> 
The plans for 14 Chelsea Avenue. Image credit: Cottee Parker

They've had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>&nbsp;design a 25-level building with 22 full-floor apartments and a sole two-bed unit. They will sit above three basement levels which will have 45 parking spaces.

"Buyers love Broadbeach because it offers beachside living with metropolitan amenities, which is what the market is after," Morris told Urban back in 2022.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/exclusive-first-look-morris-property-group-plot-another-broadbeach-tower">Exclusive first look: Morris Property Group plot another Broadbeach tower</a>

Getting closer to the launch of their next project is&nbsp;Aniko Group who on their flagship $2 billion mixed-use development, The Landmark in Mermaid Beach.&nbsp;

They <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/aniko-settle-on-32-5-million-mermaid-beach-the-landmark-site">settled on their $32.5 million</a>&nbsp;<a>Mermaid Beach</a>&nbsp;site, earmarked for&nbsp;four towers which are set to transform the long-vacant property into a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-landmark-14-seaview-avenue-mermaid-beach">vibrant new residential, commercial, dining and leisure precinct</a>.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/aniko-group">Aniko</a>&nbsp;purchased the 1.13ha site, located at the corner of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>&nbsp;Highway and Seaview Avenue, in 2022.

<img alt="Aniko settle on $32.5 million Mermaid Beach The Landmark site" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/JPEG_aerial_aniko_masterplan_3_3d_render_by_volumevision.jpg?VersionId=1.uLIVBpLz2pmKWHXojCQzLNEk6zvYrM" />

Elsewhere on the Coast, Sydney apartment developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/chanine-developments" target="">Chanine</a>&nbsp;Developments settled on a secured a site across 1407 Gold Coast Highway and 402-404 The Esplanade through site amalgamation specialists GV Property Group.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/chanine-developments" target="">Chanine</a>, led by Marwan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/chanine-developments" target="">Chanine</a>, has now lodged plans for a boutique eight-level building with 15 half-floor apartments and a massive five-bedroom penthouse.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/chanine-developments" target="">Chanine</a>&nbsp;said the vision&nbsp;is to bring the opulence of the Eastern Suburbs to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld" target="">Palm Beach</a>, in both finishes and aesthetics.

<img alt="Sydney developer eyes Palm Beach luxury apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-22%20at%204.38.57%20pm.png?VersionId=y4ALTq055_MU5Wgcg6pnUfQ6iLLkhQvj" />

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/macquarie-york">Macquarie York</a> is another starting to put their marketing together for their next project, having received approval from the Gold Coast City Council for&nbsp;a 17-level tower&nbsp;at 50 Sunset Boulevarde, a 1,057 sqm riverfront block on the Nerang River facing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld">Chevron Island</a>'s Home of The Arts building.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/plus-architecture" target="">Plus Architecture</a>&nbsp;designed the building which will have 42 two and three-bedroom apartments and a three-level, four-bedroom penthouse.

Plus, led locally by Danny Juric, says the project has been "meticulously designed to seamlessly blend with its urban and natural surroundings, achieving a harmonious balance between the human-scale streetscape, riverscape, and the emerging skyline."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/macquarie-york-secure-approval-for-new-surfers-paradise-apartments">Macquarie York secure approval for new Surfers Paradise apartments</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/city-beat-march-2024-what-is-happening-in-the-gold-coast-off-the-plan-apartment-market">City Beat March 2024: What is happening in the Gold Coast off the plan apartment market?</a> 
&nbsp;

The median value for a Gold Coast unit is now at $768,000, having started the year at $727,000

City Beat May 2024: Gold Coast unit market continues to surge

ASX-listed developer Mirvac is continuing to position itself as one of the biggest apartment developers in Melbourne, with a string of their completed developments and new projects resulting in a huge contribution to the Melbourne apartment market.

One of their newest towers is <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarras-edge-16-point-park-crescent-docklands&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1715126368950000&amp;usg=AOvVaw278ZIHnPwnmeJ2MGVfEyqc" href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarras-edge-16-point-park-crescent-docklands" target="_blank">Trielle</a>, part of the Yarra's Edge precinct <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mirvac&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1715126368950000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ddk-ImzH0WJSVM44ekpDc" href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mirvac" target="_blank">Mirvac</a> been masterfully developing for over two decades.

Perfectly positioned on the north-facing bank of the Yarra River, just two kilometres from Melbourne’s bustling CBD, Yarra’s Edge offers lush parks and playgrounds, a&nbsp;1.3 kilometre riverfront promenade, retail and dining options, and for boating enthusiasts – Marina YE.

Trielle&nbsp;is one of&nbsp;Mirvac's most amenity-filled projects they've ever developed, with every facility from a&nbsp;wellness centre designed by&nbsp;Australia’s leading&nbsp;spa expert Naomi Gregory&nbsp;complete with 25-metre lap pool and spa, biophilic gym, magnesium spa, cold-pail contrast treatment and day spa treatment rooms to hybrid and flexible work options including a resident library with business-class work pods as well as the Mills Place dedicated office spaces.

Relaxation and entertainment amenity has not been overlooked with a piano bar, resident dining room, cinema room, games room, golf simulator studio, teppanyaki barbecue with adjoining outdoor dining and dog wash bay being a welcome addition to every resident's home.

We recently visited Trielle's display suite, onsite at 16 Point Park Crescent, Docklands,&nbsp;to look at the development in more detail.

<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/ippjTj29tiM?si=meGYAojUHdUthdUE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114216]

Urban Editorial

Inside Trielle: Urban's display suite tour of Mirvac's latest stage at Yarra's Edge

Property developer Wickton is continuing to move fast in Melbourne's development space.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>, led by Blanco Norton and architect Will Leaf, has just secured approval for a mixed-use development in the Hawksburn Village precinct, on the border of South Yarra and Prahran.

They secured 387-403 Malvern Road, near Hawksburn Station,&nbsp;late last year. The 1,436 sqm site had approvals in place for both a full residential project and a full commercial project.

Leaf, whose architecture practice <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>&nbsp;is designing three other mixed-use buildings in the Hawksburn Village precinct, redesigned the plans to create a collection of luxury apartments above strata offices and ground-level retail.

"Our goal is to create a true mixed-use typology that draws inspiration from the locale's rich contextual fabric," Will Leaf said.

The design blends brick, steel, and glass with strong vertical forms and generous apertures to create a balanced and sympathetic addition to the village streetscape.

<img alt="Malvern Wickton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9081276c-fd7c-4bcb-8853-3256ad181afa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-23%20at%2010.49.59%20am.png?VersionId=xSgeVO3PqivKPJOHBrzST63JHqNxOlYb" />

There will be a vibrant ground floor retail with premium hospitality and retail spaces that will anchor three levels of strata offices. Seven two and three-bedroom apartments will occupy the top two levels of the building,

The designs were altered from the previous plans so the floorplates expanded, which meant the apartments sat above the building's large privacy screens and the adjoining buildings so both levels of apartments take in uninterrupted views across Melbourne and back to the city skyline.

Blanco Norton said Hawksburn Village is going through a&nbsp;renaissance.

"The village is starting to come alive again," Norton said.

"It's a much more affordable proposition from both a residential and commercial standpoint compared to Toorak village, with all the same level of amenity on the doorstep. It will be the place to be."

Wickton is expecting to start demolition of the bottle shop and adjoining commercial building on the site later this year, and start the build in early 2025. The luxury apartments, two and three-bedders, will hit the market in Q3 2024.

Wickton has been busy in Bayside where late last year they took two owner-occupier focussed projects, both in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/hampton-vic">Hampton</a>, to the market in the space of a week.

The first project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton">Linacre Rise</a>, comprises 27 modern apartments, while the latest release,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/58-beach-hampton-58-beach-road-hampton">58 Beach</a>, has just six apartments with views of both Hampton and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sandringham-vic" target="">Sandringham</a>&nbsp;Beach. Both were also designed by Leaf's architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/steller-and-ewert-leaf-combine-for-a-reworked-south-melbourne-apartment-tower" target="">Ewert Leaf</a>.

Wickton also has another upcoming project in the Bayside area.

First look exclusive: Wickton look to South Yarra for latest mixed-use development

WINIM is set to launch its Parnell House Penthouses in Newcastle this month, atop a new 46-room luxury hotel.

The penthouses, Sand and Dune, will offer something Newcastle hasn't seen before.&nbsp;

Designed by SDA Architects and MXM Design in collaboration, the twin penthouses, priced at $8.5 million and $14 million, occupy the entire rooftop of the boutique hotel, Parnell House.

Parnell House will reside within a celebrated heritage building at 21 Parnell Place, the former Newcastle Beach Hotel, artfully re-imagined. Alongside the luxury accommodation is a café, bar, restaurant and wellness spa.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb2ac439-e0b6-4fb8-a2bf-d6fc46038b9e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-08%20at%204.34.51%20pm.png?VersionId=PNsuEwFxHWKC1LWi_rCRElr1I4yv3r85" />

The $8.5 million, three-bedroom penthouse will have 191 sqm of internal living space and 78 sqm of terraces, while the adjoining four-bedroom penthouse will have 245 sqm internally and 123 sqm of terraces.

The penthouses pay homage to the barefoot nostalgia of Newcastle’s past while setting a new benchmark for the future. They feature abundant light, organic curves and natural materials, with high-end finishes and hand-crafted pieces throughout.

Each penthouse has an expansive entertaining space with a covered outdoor kitchen, dining terrace and sun deck leading to a private plunge pool nestled in a private courtyard.

Residents will have access to resort-style services from Parnell House, including five-star dining without leaving home, room service, hotel concierge and cleaning services.&nbsp;

Construction on Parnell will begin in August 2024, with completion expected in Q3 2025.

<img alt="Penthouse" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c2e5f6d-fcac-4a35-babd-dae48696f830" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-08%20at%204.35.02%20pm.png?VersionId=OJMTiv3DbY_Eof9r3i2QZ288BHgv2uca" />

Leading hospitality and management company EVT, which&nbsp;currently manages 80 hotels and 12,000 rooms across Asia Pacific with brands such as QT, Rydges, will operate the hotel.

&nbsp;

According to a March report by CoreLogic, high-end home prices have been on the rise in Newcastle since the pandemic. There's been a string of multimillion-dollar sales over the past 12 months, including a city penthouse apartment for $8.5 million in The Royal Apartments building on King Street.

The rise in high-end properties accompanies broader economic and regional growth, including population, commerce, education, and infrastructure investments. The city’s population grew by nearly one per cent between 2023 and 2024, buoyed by Newcastle University’s expansion, the reopening of the Royal Newcastle Private Hospital following a $1 billion investment, and the expansion and upgrade of Newcastle Airport.

High-end buyers moving into the city are a mix of Sydneysiders, Melburnians, and Hunter Valley locals, drawn by its mix of natural beauty, community atmosphere, career opportunities, and cultural activities.

Newcastle is also well-connected locally and nationally, with a compact city that’s easy to navigate and good public transport, making it convenient for residents to commute and explore.

Parnell House will reside within a celebrated heritage building at 21 Parnell Place, the former Newcastle Beach Hotel, artfully re-imagined

First look: WINIM reveal Newcastle's most expensive penthouses atop Parnell House

Sydney’s iconic Coogee Bay Hotel is set for a transformation.

Plans have now been approved to transform the landmark watering hole and hotel on the corner of Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road, creating new hotel rooms, a refurbishment of the current building, and the addition of a shoptop housing development with 58 apartments, 11 retail premises, and an internal laneway from Coogee Bay Road.

The approval comes after more than four years of design and planning, discussions with stakeholders, community consultation and mediation between the owners of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/coogee-nsw">Coogee</a> Bay Hotel and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/randwick-nsw">Randwick</a> City Council. &nbsp;

The Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel&nbsp;granted a Deferred Commencement Consent, consent that will become operational once there has been a resolution of a noise management plan with Randwick City Council.&nbsp;

In their determination, the Panel considered the major changes made by the applicant to their original development application lodged in July 2021. These included an improvement of bulk and scale, a reduction in height, removal of the proposed supermarket and improvement of urban form and amenity. It was also noted by the Panel that view loss was reduced by the amended plans.&nbsp;

<img alt="Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment gets the green light - internal laneway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d40acb8d-20ea-42ce-919d-901766674e83" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Coogee%20Bay%20Hotel%20Redevelopment%20Internal%20Lanway%20from%20Coogee%20Bay%20Road%20to%20Arden%20Street.jpg?VersionId=_J8cZuNHA6PjB36ZsvFxzdjRoelvecMv" />

Chris Cheung, Managing Director of the Coogee Bay Hotel, said: “We are happy to be finally moving forward and excited to deliver a renewed Coogee Bay Hotel that will reinvigorate the &nbsp;Precinct. &nbsp;

“This significant 8500 sqm site is in the heart of Coogee, provides a gateway to the oceanfront, and offers excellent access to services and public transport," Cheung said."&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As members of the community for the past 30 years, we understand the local environment and believe our plans will better integrate the hotel within the community and reinvigorate the entire site. The proposal will enhance the heritage elements of the hotel building, upgrade its accommodation offering, create a wider range of entertainment, dining options and public meeting spaces, and create a more family-friendly environment. &nbsp;

“Re-casting the Coogee Bay Hotel as a more family-friendly place will improve social outcomes, add value to local business, boost the local economy and complement the character of the local area."

<img alt="Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment gets the green light - vicar street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bcbf36e-e823-4ca2-8ee2-4b68b855afec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Coogee%20Bay%20Hotel%20Redevelopment%20from%20Vicar%20Street.jpg?VersionId=akWABmOSGS2gAHA1JA828IwEejnLc9SI" />

The approval includes the demolition of buildings, works to the Coogee Bay Hotel including refurbishment to provide for 18 hotel rooms, a new three-storey building to the southern side of the beer garden with 13 new hotel rooms (resulting in a total of 31 hotel rooms), construction of five/six storey shop top housing comprising 58 dwellings, 11 retail premises, internal laneway from Coogee Bay Road, basement parking for 158 cars, subdivision, landscaping and associated works. &nbsp;

Discussions between the owners and Randwick City Council on the redevelopment proposal began in 2019. &nbsp;

The original development application was lodged in July 2021 and an 18-month mediation process with Randwick City Council in the Land and Environment Court has led to the grant of the Development Consent. &nbsp;

Discussions between the owners and Randwick City Council on the redevelopment proposal began in 2019

Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment gets the green light after five years of planning

Woolworths Group's proposal for a mixed-use development in Waterloo is taking a significant step forward with its recent determination approval.

Their development arm Fabcot <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/woolworths-venture-into-apartment-projects-starting-in-sydneys-waterloo">moved into the residential development sector</a> around three years ago, signalling their intent first in Waterloo, before revealing more projects in Neutral Bay and Rose Bay.

The planning proposal for their site at 923-935 Bourke Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/waterloo-nsw">Waterloo</a>, which garnered unanimous support from the Central <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> Planning Committee (CSPC) and the City of Sydney Council in late 2023, was officially gazetted in March 2024.

Concept plans have been put together by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart" target="">Bates Smart</a> for the development, which will see apartments sit above a new Woolworths Metro, with some dedicated to affordable housing for key workers. At this stage, all images are concept plans.

<img alt="Woolworths Group receive determination approval for Waterloo mixed-use" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e44d1932-f8e0-4395-adad-d65f1f6f6795" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/woolworths-waterloo-design-features.jpg?VersionId=E.VxfkxoBcjztrMcRxIO1gx2sEnmnYqG" />

Waterloo and its neighbouring suburbs have witnessed substantial population growth in recent years, with projections indicating an influx of approximately 40,000 new residents by 2036.

Despite this growth, the area remains underserved by full-line supermarkets, making Woolworths' mixed-use development a significant addition to address a 9000-sqm undersupply of supermarket floor space in the area.

Once completed, the development is expected to become a vibrant local hub offering not only a full-line Woolworths supermarket but a range of amenities, including 2000 sqm of commercial space, 1500 sqm of specialty retail, dining options, landscaped open areas, and 120 architecturally designed apartments.&nbsp;

A Design Excellence Competition was conducted to select the project's architect, with the winner to be announced in June 2024.

<img alt="Waterloo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35748dce-8d01-4020-b6bb-b665347a3a90" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-08%20at%2010.25.36%20am.png?VersionId=FxYZGw2Gh8YkjACuDTitcPt8Eklbydsv" />

The project also encompasses pedestrianised through-site links, retention of over 80 per cent of existing street trees and provision of 10 per cent affordable housing.

In addition to meeting the housing and retail needs of the community, the development will exceed BASIX requirements and support the City of Sydney’s Net Zero 2026 initiatives.&nbsp;

The strategic location of the mixed-use development, being a 10-minute walk to public transport including Green Square Train Station and Waterloo Metro Station, along with its proximity to parks, cafes, and other local attractions, makes it an increasingly desirable and accessible area to residents and visitors alike.

The development is expected to become a vibrant local hub offering a full-line Woolworths, 2000 sqm of commercial space, 1500 sqm of specialty retail, dining options and 120 apartments. 

Woolworths receive determination approval for mixed-use Waterloo development

The burgeoning Stones Corner in Brisbane, on the fringe of the Woolloongabba Olympic precinct, is set for a new apartment development with the recent approval of a two-tower project just off Hanlon Park.

Peter Gartshore from the family-ran Idec Group is behind the plans on the 3,846 sqm site at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/73-85-cleveland-street-stones-corner">73-85 Cleveland Street</a>, which will feature a striking skybridge connecting the two recreational rooftops designed by NMDS Architecture.

The development will have 226 apartments, split into 79 one-bedroom apartments, 83 two-bedders, 62 three-bedroom units, and only two four-bedroom apartments.

The skybridge will connect the two rooftop recreation areas that total 1273 sqm, allowing residents from both towers to access the full range of recreational facilities that include&nbsp;a pool, spa, terrace area, gym, sauna, showers, change rooms, alfresco and indoor dining areas, a theatre, community garden, and a dedicated dog walking area.

The submitted town planning report highlights the strategic importance of the proposed site in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/stones-corner-qld" target="">Stones Corner</a>, stating that it falls within a growth node on a selected transport corridor identified under the City Plan. It emphasises that areas within these nodes offer opportunities for more intense urban forms that cater to the needs of the local community.

<img alt="Twin tower apartment development proposed for Stones Corner" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-05-16%20at%2010.57.15%20am_0.png?VersionId=HA9ugUKWWoVT.sMLNezZta6A1OGOH1dn" />Render of the proposed twin tower&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/stones-corner-qld" target="">Stones Corner</a>&nbsp;development. Credit: NMDA Architecture

The report emphasises the housing crisis in the southeast Queensland region, with low rental and housing stock levels, and states that the project will provide 226 additional housing opportunities near centres, community services, and transport options.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/stones-corner-qld" target="">Stones Corner</a>, located just over two kilometres from Woolloongabba, the home of the 2032 Olympic Games, is undergoing significant urban transformation with the aim of residential and mixed-use densification.<img alt="Twin tower apartment development proposed for Stones Corner" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-05-16%20at%2010.57.40%20am.png?VersionId=gqA7E4EGRrPWzlrhMaNWTPJ1RuYS0exI" />Render of the proposed twin tower&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/stones-corner-qld" target="">Stones Corner</a>&nbsp;development. Credit: NMDA Architecture

The development will prioritise green spaces and landscaping. The landscaping design by Wild Studio includes vertical green walls extending the full height of the building, feature trees at the main entrance on Cleveland Street, raised garden beds, and planter boxes with climbing and cascading plants.

The integration of greenery aims to create a vertical, subtropical micro-climate that enhances the building's appearance, provides cooling to residents, and contributes to the overall streetscape.

The development will include three basement levels with space for 330 cars. While the area is well-serviced by public transport, alternative transportation options will also be provided to residents. A car share system will enable those without vehicles to access ten electric vehicles, and there will be ample bicycle parking spaces, 283 in total, supported by an on-site bicycle workshop.

The project will comprise 226 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms on a 3,846 sqm site at 75-85 Cleveland Street

New apartment development approved for Stones Corner

Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), is changing the game for off the plan apartment buyers in Australia.

This insurance product provides off-the-plan apartment buyers with a 10-year warranty on their new apartment and the building it's situated in. The cover is purchased by the property developer/builder (pre-construction) and is designed to protect owners against any immediate or future problems with the structural components of their new property, from leaks to cracks and everything in between.

Some of Sydney’s biggest and most respected developers have embraced the new insurance. The likes of Deicorp, Kanebridge, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>, Coronation Property and Urban Property Group have rolled out the insurance across some, if not all of the projects they’re currently undertaking.&nbsp;

Sydney-based Resilience Insurance, the first insurer to launch LDI in Australia, is now taking the product national, and is having conversations with developers in Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Perth.&nbsp;

<h2>How does Latent Defects Insurance work?</h2>

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent says the insurance, which has been around for about seven decades across the globe, benefits both the purchaser and the developer.

“Ultimately what we’re trying to do is build better buildings the consumers can have trust in, but more importantly improve the post completion and settlement process, so that when buyers take possession, they have full insurance protection, from day one, for 10 years” Nugent says.

“The insurance protects the buyer from any structural defects in the building, and developers who have taken Resilience LDI have reported an uptick in both sales volumes and sale values compared to competing developments that don’t have Resilience LDI.”

While giving confidence to the consumer at the end of the build, Resilience LDI is actually in place throughout the build process. Rather than it solely being used as a rectification product, the insurance kicks in to fix issues when they arise, rather than down the track following completion. Of course the insurance protects owners at that stage too, however the ideal scenario is any problems that come up during the building get fixed well before settlement.

Resilience has a string of expert partners who are onsite even before construction has started to ensure even the ground the development is being built on is structurally sound.

<h2>What does LDI mean for off the plan apartment buyers?</h2>

A survey undertaken by MatterFact, Urban.com.au’s data product, shows the biggest thing holding back prospective purchasers from buying an off the plan apartment is the trust and faith they have in the developer, followed closely by the concern the build won’t be of good quality. It was a common consensus on the survey conducted from state to state, where delivery was much more of an issue raised compared to budgets, approvals or price of the apartment.

“LDI is about to change the game in the off the plan apartment market,” Urban.com.au CEO Mike Bird says, adding that the insurance will be a huge boost to helping solve Australia’s housing crisis.

“With the large imbalance of supply and demand in Australia, there has to be a move to off the plan apartments, but to get there, consumers need to be more confident in delivery.

“Unfortunately the industry has been tarnished by a small number of developers who haven’t acted on behalf of the consumer in the last five years or so. Developers who have Resilience LDI are telling consumers that they’re in a partnership with them, and they will deliver the quality that they promised. If they don’t, then the insurance protects the purchaser, without all the trials and tribulations of litigations and long, drawn out court cases which often cost thousands of dollars as well as significant upheaval whether it be mental or physical.

<h2>How does Latent Defects Insurance impact the developer?</h2>

Data collected by MatterFact also showed 60 per cent of off the plan apartment seekers would pay over 1.5 per cent of the apartment price for it to have LDI cover, which typically outweighs how much it costs a developer to purchase Resilience LDI.&nbsp;

Nugent says there have been instances already where developers have reported prices with a four to five per cent increase due to them having LDI, compared to similar projects in the same area.

While there’s been a handful of progressive new tools to try and build confidence in the off the plan industry, such as the iCIRT-rating system and KMPG’s Building Trustworthy Indicator, no one has gone as far as Resilience LDI in terms of actual protection for an off the plan apartment buyer.

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler recently lauded the introduction of LDI, suggesting it will improve the design and construction of apartment buildings in NSW.

“These reforms have come about due to the united commitment of government and industry to transform the NSW construction sector,” Chandler said.

“NSW is now in the position of being a national leader in offering an insurance product of this type for Class 2 buildings because of the three years of conscious effort and commitment by Government and industry to the journey we have been on under Construct NSW.

“We’re looking to clean up the market and bring an end to expensive litigation against developers who have deep pockets or subsequently vanish into thin air.”

To find out more about Resilience LDI, <a href="https://resilienceinsurance.com.au/">click here</a>.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent says the insurance, which has been around for about seven decades across the globe, benefits both the purchaser and the developer

What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?

Melbourne developer Givoni Projects has revealed its latest apartment development.

After success in boutique apartment developments in Toorak and Prahran, Givoni, led by Paul Givoni, has launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/110-112-balaclava-road-caulfield-north">Caulfield North Residences</a>, named after their location in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/caulfield-north-vic">Caulfield North</a>. Gary Peer is marketing the development of just 17 two and three-bedroom apartments which start from $1.65 million.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/telha-clarke-architects">Tehla Clarke</a>, Caulfield North Residences exhibits a sense of elegance and grandeur characterised by its symmetrical forms, deep window reveals, and horizontal detailing, integrating with the surrounding landscape while exuding permanence.&nbsp;

The fusion of admired nuances of European Modernist architecture and contemporary attributes creates a welcoming and spacious environment inside the homes.

<img alt="Caulfield North" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c305b34-a7a9-4b63-aa56-30137c4ccfe3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-07%20at%2012.25.19%20pm.png?VersionId=VwdkPVWVXvEcFBFkYpsKbYUSaHr6aBnO" />

Generous living areas with timber floorboards meet floor-to-ceiling windows which maximise natural light and open to a balcony. The living spaces also meet the kitchens that feature stone countertops and state-of-the-art appliances and tapware.

Residents have the flexibility to combine floor plans and customise spaces according to their preferences, ensuring that each home reflects the unique style and preferences of its occupants.<img alt="Caulfield North" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8823ce57-d0b4-4d75-8817-4ae5c3c4a0d3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-07%20at%2012.25.31%20pm.png?VersionId=kF104mErduIDOJ9wOVkE3Wr_D8tx.CiF" />

Caulfield North Residences come with single-level car parking for security and convenience, and the inclusion of EV charging stations within the garage underscores a commitment to sustainability and modernity.

Located at 110-112 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North Residences offer the perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility, less than a 15-minute walk to Caulfield Park, a five-minute ride to Caulfield Racecourse, and a 27-minute drive to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> CBD.

Caulfield North Residences is slated for completion in July 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139176]

Located at 110-112 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North Residences offer the perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility, less than a 15-minute walk to Caulfield Park, a five-minute ride to Caulfield Racecourse, and a 27-minute drive to Melbourne CBD

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