As Melbourne’s population continues to grow and demand for housing intensifies, large-scale, well-connected developments close to the CBD are becoming increasingly important.&nbsp;

One project leading the charge is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/bradmill-yarraville-355-359-francis-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Bradmill</a> in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville</a> — a landmark regeneration of the former denim factory site into a thriving, masterplanned neighbourhood.

I recently caught up with&nbsp;Theo Della Bosca, Development Director at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/frasers-property">Frasers Property</a>, for an in-depth conversation about one of Melbourne’s most anticipated communities.

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Bradmill Yarraville, on an unrepeatable 26 hectares just six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, will become a&nbsp;vibrant, walkable neighbourhood, blending heritage, sustainability, and modern convenience.&nbsp;

It will deliver up to 1,500 new homes, a mix of townhouses and apartments. The first homes being brought to market are three and four-bedroom townhouses designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, which are already attracting significant interest, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/why-families-are-flocking-to-townhouses-in-bradmill-yarraville?hash=92f39f1bd10345c973a925313699a08bdbad509d">particularly from families and downsizers</a>.

Families are drawn to the project for its variety of housing options, generous open space, proximity to quality schools, and the convenience of having a shopping centre within the community. Investors see strong potential in the area’s rental market and appreciate the low-maintenance, high-quality homes on offer. First home buyers are also showing strong interest, particularly because opportunities to purchase this level of housing so close to the city are rare.

Later stages will introduce a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with all homes&nbsp;within the community to be fully electric, as part of Frasers Property’s commitment to sustainability.

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A key feature of the Bradmill masterplan is its mix of residential, retail, and lifestyle amenity — much of it set within repurposed heritage buildings.&nbsp;

The upcoming Bradmill Quarter retail precinct, which will front Francis Street and include a major supermarket, 15 specialty shops, a childcare centre, and a medical centre, will bring a convenient hub to Bradmill residents.

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Another standout feature of the community is Bradmill Social — a resident-exclusive lifestyle precinct that will breathe new life into the site’s historic buildings.&nbsp;

“We’ve got a proofing house down there which will be converted to a wellness centre that will feature a yoga Pilates space, gym, pool, sauna, spa, outdoor barbecue area, basketball half court — so it’s got it all going on,” Theo says.&nbsp;

The iconic boiler house, a well-known landmark in Melbourne’s inner west visible from the West Gate Freeway, is set to be transformed into a vibrant lifestyle hub. The space will include areas for children’s play, a cinema, media and co-working spaces, lounge and dining facilities, bookable rooms for family events, an outdoor barbecue terrace, a community garden, and even dog-washing facilities — offering a wide range of amenities designed to foster connection and convenience for future residents.

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Green space is also central to the project’s design, with an open space reserve threading through the community from west to east and connecting directly to the expansive 18.5-hectare McIvor Reserve.

Bradmill is being delivered in stages, with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/figurehead-construction">Figurehead Construction</a> currently working on stage one. Residents are expected to move into the first townhouses&nbsp;before Christmas.

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Michael Bird

Everything a buyer needs to know about Bradmill Yarraville: Five minutes with Frasers Property Development Director Theo Della Bosca

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/lendlease-development">Lendlease</a> has broken ground on its next waterfront residences within the Collins Wharf precinct at Victoria Harbour, following strong market demand.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ancora-at-collins-wharf-docklands-971-collins-street-docklands-vic-3008">Ancora at Collins Wharf</a>, located at 971 Collins Street, Docklands, has already secured over 50 per cent in sales, attracting buyers seeking the best of city and waterfront living.&nbsp;

The Hon. Nicholas Reece, Lord Mayor of Melbourne was in attendance to mark the start of construction of the 28-level building which will offer uninterrupted views of Victoria Harbour towards the city and the Yarra River across to Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

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As a natural extension of Melbourne’s CBD, Collins Wharf represents a significant transformation to the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> area, from its industrial past into a sought-after residential precinct. &nbsp;

The revitalisation of this part of the city offers residents an opportunity to reside in a highly connected community surrounded by water and integrated green spaces, all while being a short walk from the city’s best hospitality, sports, arts, and entertainment, with exceptional transport options nearby. &nbsp;

Ancora is Lendlease’s third residential development to be delivered in the Collins Wharf precinct, following Regatta now 85 per cent presold and under construction.&nbsp;

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In total, Collins Wharf will deliver more than 1,800 residences across six architecturally designed buildings, to be surrounded by over 5,000 sqm of parkland which is being delivered in tandem with the residences.&nbsp;

Designed by architect <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/warren-and-mahoney">Warren and Mahoney</a>, Ancora features one, two and three-bedroom apartments, known as the Waterfront Collection, alongside the exclusive Premier Collection which includes a range of three and four-bedroom townhouses, penthouses, and larger scale apartments.&nbsp;

Residents will enjoy a hotel-style lobby with concierge services, a private dining room to entertain guests, and the lush, landscaped surrounds of two rooftop terraces with panoramic views, plus a wintergarden.&nbsp;

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The residences also connect to the neighbouring Regatta via a podium to allow easy access to a range of shared wellness facilities including an indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room, gym and multipurpose rooms.

Designed as an all-electric building with electric vehicle infrastructure, the development is designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star certification.&nbsp;

Adam Williams, Executive Director, Development, Lendlease, said&nbsp;Collins Wharf is fast becoming a sought-after address, with strong market demand for the Ancora and Regatta residences located within the well-connected, inner-city community of Victoria Harbour.&nbsp;

“As a tranquil neighbourhood on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, where Collins Street meets the water, Collins Wharf is transforming this part of the Docklands into a desirable place to live, work and visit.”&nbsp;

Lord Mayor, Nick Reece, said the&nbsp;appetite for quality-designed residential living in Melbourne is insatiable.

"We're pleased to see a development that opens the door to world-class lifestyle apartments, surrounded by waterways and greenery while remaining within arm's reach of the CBD.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Melbourne's population is expected to swell by 142,000 residents by 2027, and it’s developments like Ancora that continue to cement our reputation as Australia's most liveable city.”&nbsp;

Ancora at Collins Wharf is expected to complete in 2027.

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Lord Mayor, Nick Reece, said the appetite for quality-designed residential living in Melbourne is insatiable

Joel Robinson

Lendlease commences construction at Ancora Collins Wharf

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;announced a strategic partnership with Dexus’s opportunistic Fund series, Dexus Real Estate Partnership (DREP), for the development of The Merewether Residences in Newcastle.&nbsp;

The second fund in the series, DREP2, has entered a joint venture with Third.i to deliver the $300 million, 178-unit retirement village on a one-hectare site at the Merewether Golf Club. The partnership will support Third.i’s vision and delivery of The Merewether Residences as a landmark over-55s community.&nbsp;

Luke Berry, Director and Co-Founder of Third.i Group said DREP plays a critical role in providing capital funding to support the development.

“This partnership with DREP2 reflects Third.i's reputation and experience as a developer, built on a track record of delivering outstanding projects," Berry says.

"We are excited to continue leading the way in creating vibrant residential communities.&nbsp;

Development approval has been obtained, and enabling works are underway with construction due to start later this year with completion expected by late-2027.&nbsp;

<img alt="The Merewether Residences interior" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3769a6b4-85e3-48b7-8ad9-fce4efd9be42" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/LAANSTUDIOS_S160_FINAL2500.jpg?VersionId=RImAI_J_2exPoamo.XJZGcLhmlmbh_1T" />

Located at the iconic Merewether Golf Club, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-merewether-residences-adamstown-40-king-street-adamstown">The Merewether Residences</a> is a luxury over-55s retirement community that integrates resort-style amenities such as a health and wellness space, lap pool, cinema, and a new clubhouse for both residents and golf club members.

Designed by renowned architects Marchese Partners and now overseen by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/eje-architecture">EJE Architecture</a>, the project blends coastal charm with contemporary elegance.

<img alt="The Merewether Residences clubhouse" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cc10b614-9217-4eb9-bf93-cd14428d8680" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/JPG_clubhouse_the_merewether_residences_3D_render_by_VV.jpg?VersionId=ZclC8_NPCaC_czPGKLq2Zu8q4CYcEQBs" />

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a> was appointed to build The Merewether Residences in late 2024.

Early site works have commenced on The Merewether Residences, with the demolition of the existing greenkeepers shed marking the start of construction. The new clubhouse is expected to open in late 2026, with completion of The Merewether Residences anticipated in late 2027.&nbsp;

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Third.i partners with Dexus Fund for The Merewether Residences

For several years, a prime development site on Upper Heidelberg Road in Ivanhoe—the gateway to one of Melbourne’s most exclusive north-eastern suburbs—sat vacant.

After a few delays Salter Brothers, one of Australia's leading alternative investment managers, acquired the 2,445 sqm block.

Construction is now set to begin on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela Ivanhoe</a>, the only off the plan apartment development currently available in the area.

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The brief for architect John Demos was to design a building that would embrace the unique shape of the site allowing for maximum light and flexible floor plan options that would appeal to a diverse range of buyers. The result is a boutique, six-level development comprising 62 apartments, offering a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations.

Kathy Demos handled the interior designs for the apartments, focusing on functionality and sustainability. The building has been designed to deliver a 7-star average energy rating average outlined in the Building Code of Australia.

Candela - the influence of light - inspired the name of the building, as all apartments are designed to enhance daylight access in all living areas and bedrooms, reducing the reliance on electric lighting and increasing the wellbeing of residents. Renewable Energy A 25kW Solar PV system will be installed on the roof to help power the communal areas and reduce owners' corporation contribution.

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In addition to introducing new apartment living to a suburb traditionally dominated by detached houses, Salter Brothers is also bringing a number of amenities to Ivanhoe. The apartments will sit above a providore, and commercial spaces—encouraging resident interaction while serving the wider community. Residents will also enjoy private amenities, including a landscaped communal rooftop terrace for resident use.

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Arguably, Candela’s biggest drawcard is its location. Boasting a Walk Score of 90 out of 100, the development is just a six-minute walk from Ivanhoe Station and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, parks, and schools. In this highly walkable neighbourhood, owning a car is truly optional.

Construction will soon commence on Candela, with completion expected toward the end of 2026.

Kingsford Direct Director Sonia Fava says Candela has been worth the wait for owner-occupiers seeking to secure a home in the brilliantly located Ivanhoe Village.

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Kingsford Direct Director Sonia Fava says Candela has been worth the wait for owner-occupiers seeking to secure a home in the brilliantly located Ivanhoe Village.

Salter Brothers to reshape gateway to Ivanhoe as Candela starts to rise

Design-led developer Milieu is making strong progress on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/plant-street-by-milieu-malvern-1-plant-street-malvern">Plant Street by Milieu</a>, its first new development in Melbourne’s prestigious south-eastern suburbs.

This boutique project comprises just 21 residences and has been thoughtfully designed by acclaimed architecture studio Ritz &amp; Ghougassian, with interiors by Georgina Jeff. The development continues Milieu’s commitment to context-driven design—creating homes that blend seamlessly with their surroundings while offering a fresh, contemporary take on apartment living, a hallmark of the brand since its founding in 2010.

We recently visited the Plant Street display suite to give our audience a closer look at what future residents can expect.

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The architecture by Ritz &amp; Ghougassian is striking—defined by a bold, textured concrete façade and smooth slab edges that shift and soften with the movement of natural light throughout the day. The result is a dynamic streetscape that feels both architectural and organic: distinctly urban, yet quietly restrained.

Inside, Georgina Jeff has curated a warm and inviting interior palette, using tactile materials that are designed to age gracefully over time.

At the heart of each residence, the kitchen reflects Milieu’s design-led philosophy. Integrated Swiss-made V-ZUG appliances, stone benchtops, and refined detailing come together to create a highly functional and elegant space.

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Generous open-plan living areas are framed by expansive windows that flood the interiors with natural light, while offering leafy outlooks to the surrounding landscape.

Every element—from spatial proportions to natural materiality—has been carefully considered to evoke a calm, retreat-like atmosphere in the heart of Malvern.

Landscape architecture studio Acre softens the building’s bold geometry with a curated selection of layered, seasonal plantings. This thoughtful landscaping enhances the indoor-outdoor connection and further roots the development in its natural environment.

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Positioned just moments from Malvern’s cafés, boutique shopping, and leafy parklands, Plant Street places residents at the centre of Melbourne’s vibrant south east.

Construction by Manresa is progressing steadily, with completion anticipated in Q3 2025.

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Knight Bailey team join DiJONES in Southern Highlands

Staff reporter

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