Brisbane-based developer<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/spyre-group"> Spyre Group</a> is well-known in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast for creating some of the best new apartment projects in recent years, predominantly servicing the owner-occupier and downsizer market.

Their move into Melbourne came as a surprise to many, but the style of development did not, nor its location.

They chose Hampton, in Melbourne's affluent Bayside area, for their first development in the Victoria capital, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/hampton-ltd-36-deakin-street-n-hampton-vic-3188">Hampton Ltd</a>, just 20 apartments and three townhouses&nbsp;on the corner of Thomas Street and Deakin Street North.

Spyre Managing Director Daniel Laruccia said <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/studio-brent-lee">Hampton</a>’s combination of bayside location and community feel made it a natural fit for Spyre’s design-led approach.

“In our pursuit to offer an unmatched living experience for those who desire the extraordinary, we discovered Hampton is the ideal canvas to bring this vision to life - a prime bayside location brimming with untapped potential," Laruccia said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=220067]

The trio of buildings that make up Hampton Ltd have been designed with an individual character, a deliberate move to provide residents with a more personal living experience.

Rather than a single monolithic structure, Hampton Ltd’s configuration promotes a stronger sense of address and individuality for each home, while also allowing&nbsp;for larger setbacks and outdoor spaces compared to typical multi-residential projects in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=346337]

There are two and three-bedroom apartments on offer, as well as three two-level&nbsp;townhomes, with layouts designed to maximise natural light and create generous internal proportions.

Architecture is by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/mld-studio">MLD Studio</a>, while <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/studio-brent-lee">Studio Brent Lee</a> has handled the interiors which feature a considered palette of high-end finishes including natural stone benchtops, wool carpets and timber-look joinery.

Kitchens have been designed as central living spaces, anchored by sculptural marble island benches, while master suites offer extensive walk-in robes and abundant natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=346335]

Hampton Ltd is ideally located in Hampton, offering proximity to the beach, as well as convenient access to Hampton Street’s retail and dining precinct and the wider Bayside lifestyle amenity including Brighton's popular Church Street retail strip.

The project, which is already under construction through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/abewolf">AbeWolf</a>,&nbsp;is proving to be popular with both local downsizers and rightsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=220070]

Spyre Group is well known for its high-end&nbsp;residential developments across Queensland, including record-setting projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

“With more than $800 million of luxury developments,&nbsp;Spyre&nbsp;has identified a genuine demand in the market for aspirational properties that inspire through their design and innovation,’’ Laruccia added.

Spyre’s Moray House development on the New Farm reach of the Brisbane River broke the record for Brisbane’s most expensive apartment sale in 2023 when its two-level, 800 sqm penthouse sold off the plan for $15.75 million.&nbsp;

In March last year, the penthouse of&nbsp;Spyre’s Glasshouse development at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast sold for $24 million, giving it the title of Queensland’s most expensive off the plan penthouse.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134801]

Spyre Managing Director Daniel Laruccia said Hampton’s combination of bayside location and community feel made it a natural fit for Spyre’s design-led approach.

Joel Robinson

Spyre Group brings successful Queensland blueprint to Melbourne with Hampton Ltd

Prominent Melbourne apartment developer Milieu is back in Brunswick for its latest project, Saxon Street by Milieu.

Milieu has matched its design-first ethos with a prime location that will put future Saxon Street residents in the heart of Brunswick’s growing cultural hub, adjacent to the Brunswick Baths and library, and neighbouring the new Balam Balam Place arts precinct—part of a broader vision by Merri-bek Council to reshape the area into a cultural and community destination.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/saxon-street-by-milieu-brunswick">Saxon Street by Milieu</a>, which will be the developer’s fifth project in Brunswick and will replace the former Brosnan Centre, will comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from $575k. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working in collaboration with architecture firm Jackson Clements Burrows, interior designer DesignOffice, and landscape architect Oculus.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=350705]

The nine-level building, which received more letters of support than objections during the planning process, has been designed to respond to both the fine grain of the surrounding streetscape and the cultural institutions that define this part of Brunswick. The lower levels follow the street line, while the upper storeys step back, softening the scale and improving solar access. Curved balconies and detailing reference the neighbouring heritage architecture, while materials and finishes adopt a restrained, urban palette.

Floorplans are oriented around flexible living, with interiors favouring open layouts and high solar access. In line with Milieu’s development pillar of Sustainability as Standard, the average energy rating across the building is 7.5 stars under NatHERS,&nbsp; all homes will be powered by an all-electric infrastructure supported by solar PV systems and the building is EV Charging ready.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348840]

Shared spaces will include a landscaped communal rooftop with barbecues and two covered dining spaces, designed to encourage passive social interaction and support more sustainable lifestyles.

Brunswick’s Major Activity Centre designation has attracted steady development interest in recent years, and Saxon Street sits squarely within its most active precinct. Balam Balam Place, adjacent to the site, will further anchor the area’s transformation into a civic and cultural cluster, alongside the library, baths, and town hall.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348839]

Milieu, founded in 2010 with 24 completed projects and led by Michael McCormack and Shannon Peach, said the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct continues to evolve, fostering the arts and promoting health and wellness throughout the area.

Saxon Street is one of three developments Milieu is currently progressing. They will complete <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/plant-street-by-milieu-malvern-1-plant-street-malvern">Plant Street Malvern</a> later this year, and are soon to begin construction on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, their nature-based neighbourhood in Elsternwick.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136434]

Milieu, founded in 2010 and led by Michael McCormack and Shannon Peach, said the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct continues to evolve, fostering the arts and promoting health and wellness throughout the area.

Saxon Street by Milieu to bring new housing and urban design to Brunswick’s cultural core

Melbourne’s largest urban renewal project, the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct (FBIP), has reached a major milestone, with construction now underway to transform the former GM Holden site into a world-leading hub for advanced manufacturing, engineering, and design.

<h2>What Is the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct?</h2>

Backed by the Allan Labor Government, the FBIP is a cornerstone of the broader Fishermans Bend redevelopment, covering 480 hectares across the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip.&nbsp;

Once complete, the precinct is expected to support up to 80,000 residents and 80,000 workers by 2050.

<h2>Stage 1: Infrastructure That Unlocks Jobs and Investment</h2>

The newly appointed Winslow Infrastructure Pty Ltd will deliver the first stage of the development, establishing a vital east-west road link between Salmon Street and Todd Road. This connection will unlock development-ready lots and attract significant industry investment to the precinct.

Alongside new transport links, Stage 1 will deliver a public park and foundational infrastructure to support a world-class ecosystem for design, manufacturing, and research.&nbsp;

Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts, Harriet Shing, said, “We’re delivering a well-connected and carefully planned precinct at Fishermans Bend, with connections to roads and new public spaces that will be incredibly important as development continues.”

<img alt="Fishermens" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2e9d6ef-ac18-43d6-bdee-8af6449d6718" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%2010.19.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gR1Mf5hyDq5GWJctGhmG9laLJAwk9dmw" />

Smart infrastructure will play a key role in the FBIP’s future. OneWifi has been appointed to install smart poles across the precinct, enabling enhanced 5G coverage, improved Wi-Fi access, and support for electric vehicle charging.&nbsp;

These smart features are part of a broader strategy to create a digitally connected and sustainable innovation precinct.

Central to the precinct’s innovation ecosystem will be the University of Melbourne’s new School of Engineering and Design, opening in 2026. This campus is set to become a linchpin for collaboration between students, researchers, and industry leaders, with a strong focus on applied knowledge and practical solutions.

“The University of Melbourne is excited about the potential opportunities Fishermans Bend will bring to connect students and researchers with industry partners,” said Katerina Kapobassis, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Melbourne.

To support the growth and accessibility of the precinct, the government is also investing in a major transport overhaul. Since 2022, more than 1,500 additional weekly bus services have been introduced to improve frequency and coverage.&nbsp;

Planning is also underway for a dedicated tram connection, and the government has endorsed a preferred route for a future rail tunnel through Fishermans Bend and Docklands. These developments provide long-term certainty for landowners, developers, and future residents, helping ensure that the precinct is well integrated into Melbourne’s broader transport network.

<h2>Why It Matters</h2>

The Victorian Government is investing nearly $180 million to kickstart the FBIP, accelerating the creation of a world-class hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering right on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD.

“The Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct will attract the world’s brightest minds in advanced manufacturing and engineering,” said Nina Taylor, Member for Albert Park.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to support up to 80,000 residents and 80,000 workers by 2050.

Construction begins at Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct

GURNER Group and Qualitas have officially submitted plans for the third and final stage of its landmark $3.75 billion Jam Factory transformation - set to deliver a new precinct anchored by a new Village Cinemas flagship and a public piazza.

The latest submission marks an evolution of the site’s masterplan, replacing the previously approved “box-style” commercial tower fronting <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">Chapel Street</a> with a striking new architectural vision - sculptural ‘fluted’ towers that rise from the heritage façade.

The new development will have 800 ultra-premium residences with around 20,000 sqm of luxury retail, commercial, and hospitality venues, alongside two soon-to-be-announced world-renowned hotel brands.

<img alt="Jam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ba0a36f-995d-4fc5-b28a-e85c5412ad13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%208.52.14%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=LLpTIB6dcgyJ8I.DdaxqJrdmzu5DKZXi" />

The final Stage of The Jam Factory will seek to bring to life a vibrant, multi-sensory destination with the Stage Three amendments proposing:

• ‘Lovers Walk’, a curated retail and dining laneway pulsing through the precinct, lined with luxury brands and curated hospitality offerings of Melbourne’s best eateries, venues and bars

• A fully reimagined Village Cinemas experience that will help restore the Jam Factory’s legacy as the heartbeat of Chapel Street’s golden era - where movie premieres, fashion, and culture collided.

• Major upgrades to the public realm, with increased building setbacks and 10% more sunlight across the precinct’s open-air spaces, enhancing its role as a central gathering point for the community

• The revitalisation of Garden Street, transforming a forgotten laneway into a key arrival point through new architectural treatments and improved site flow to create an engaging new façade for the precinct

• Previous building with a series of sophisticated ‘fluted’ forms, conceptualised by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merril (SOM)

• Restoration of the heritage façade along Chapel Street and reconstruction of the heritage chimney acting as a centrepiece of the central piazza

Once complete the precinct will feature:

• 800 ultra-luxury residences across five buildings

• A world-class cinema experience by Village Cinemas

• An expanded public piazza surrounded by food, fashion, and lifestyle

• A curated retail precinct with both established and new - local and international brands -filling the missing link between Collins Street and Chadstone Shopping Centre.

• A commercial tower offering state-of-the-art workspaces enabling businesses to take full advantage of being located adjacent to the new world-class precinct.

<img alt="Jam Factory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="442c6d14-9dab-4fcb-ab84-0f5b55ece121" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%208.52.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EZ2TYacB5YjgVDQQFMBwn0xJSsghFT4d" />

Originally built in 1858, the Jam Factory has seen over 160 years of evolution - from brewery, to jam production hub, to retail icon.

Demolition is already underway led by Mann Group. Once complete the entire Jam Factory site will be 20,000 sqm, or equivalent to the size of the MCG, and will re-establish the site as a globally significant lifestyle and cultural destination.

"This incredible creation marks the most significant chapter in our brand’s evolution, as we transform an Australian icon into a new benchmark in global luxury," said Tim Gurner, Founder and Executive Chairman of GURNER Group.

“Our vision is to restore Chapel Street and South Yarra to its former glory as a hub of culture, fashion, and luxury, and bring global relevance back to one of Melbourne’s most important suburbs.

“It’s been a privilege to work closely with Village Cinemas on their new landmark complex; the Village Roadshow team is so genuinely passionate about the Jam Factory and restoring it’s status as Melbourne’s most iconic entertainment precinct.”

Once complete the entire Jam Factory site will be 20,000 sqm, or equivalent to the size of the MCG, and will re-establish the site as a globally significant lifestyle and cultural destination.

Gurner reveals new plans for final Jam Factory stage

Sydney’s thriving western corridor is set for a fresh injection of well-connected apartments with the launch of North Village, the second stage of Tian An’s Auburn Square development.

Located just a short walk from Auburn Station and surrounded by local amenities, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/north-village-auburn-square-35-northumberland-road-auburn-nsw-2144">North Village</a> will deliver 264 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to the heart of the suburb, with prices starting from $525,000.

The project will rise from Northumberland Road, directly opposite the fully completed first stage of Auburn Square, which is already home to several ground-floor retail tenancies.

Adding to its appeal, North Village will feature convenient on-site amenities including a new Coles supermarket and a café on the ground level. The project also comes with the increasingly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance—offering buyers protection against structural and waterproofing issues for a full decade after completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324852]

Designed by renowned architecture firm Rothelowman, North Village marks only their second residential project in the area, following the successful delivery of Auburn Square’s first stage. Rothelowman is known nationally for designing some of Australia’s most iconic apartment buildings.

Ray White Projects WS Managing Director Mark Bernberg says North Village appeals to a wide range of buyers.

“We are already seeing first home buyers and young professionals who see the price points as very attractive,” Bernberg says.

All one- and two-bedroom apartments are priced under $800,000, meaning eligible first home buyers won’t pay a cent in stamp duty.

“Large deposits and stamp duty costs are two of the biggest hurdles for first home buyers when wanting to buy their first home,” Bernberg says. “North Village has been priced so first home buyers don’t have to pay stamp duty, and will only pay a 10% deposit on exchange, with the rest not due until the building is completed 18 months from now.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324853]

Bernberg adds that the location is ideal for inner-city workers.

“Parramatta is just a few stops away by train, which is a three-minute walk from North Village, and the Sydney CBD is a direct 30-minute ride to Central Station. That’s appealing for anyone working in Sydney’s two biggest employment hubs.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324854]

Gold Star, iCirt-rated builder, Binah, has already cleared the site and is preparing to break ground, with a targeted completion date of Q4 2027. The development will also include smart home tech-enabled apartments and shared resident amenities such as a gym, cinema, and a landscaped rooftop garden

Tian An has increased the attractiveness of its offering by securing the in-demand 10-year Latent Defects Insurance from Resilience Insurance.&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/building/the-advantages-of-first-resort-strict-liability-latent-defects-insurance-for-off-the-plan-property-buyers">The advantages of first resort, strict liability, Latent Defects Insurance for off the plan property buyers</a>

Tian An LFD is one of Australia’s longest-standing listed property developers. Formerly known as Port Bouvard, it was listed on the ASX in 1985. Since then, it has grown into one of the country’s most successful residential developers, with projects across both the east and west coasts.

The company is backed by Hong Kong-listed Tian An China Investments Company, which has delivered over 1.7 million sqm of commercial and residential space in China since 2013.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149184]

Perth in decline on the June 2015 national property clock

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