8 urban hubs that have reshaped our cities

Infusing a location with vitality, aesthetic appeal and innovative design, true urban hubs become the beating heart of a neighbourhood, promoting community and opportunities.

Over the years, Frasers Property Australia has revitalised many complex urban sites in our capital cities, creating thriving and award-winning communities in their place.

Here are some of the developer’s most influential placemaking precincts – from industrial transformations in Sydney and Melbourne, to waterfront hubs in Perth and the Gold Coast.

Burwood Brickworks, VIC

On the site of a former brick manufacturing plant, Burwood Brickworks is a visionary urban village connected to what is recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable shopping centres.

An example of peak contemporary neighbourhood design with a focus on community and sustainability, the future-focused project has won a slew of awards over the years, including for Medium Density and Design excellence from the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

While shopping centres aren’t usually associated with the environment, here the urban plaza, village green parklands, cycling and walking paths seamlessly connect with dining, entertainment and shopping.

The residential development includes apartments, detached and semi-detached homes, as well as land lots, which were snapped up in record time.

Cova, QLD

From a centrepiece marina and promenade to picturesque lakes and canals, water informs every part of the Cova development in a stunning slice of southeast Queensland.

Whether boating, fishing or dining at the water’s edge, lifestyle and recreation is the focus at this Hope Island enclave, including nine parks and over 5km of walking and cycle paths.

The Cova Boathouse, exclusive to residents, features a 25m lap pool, a gym, barbecue and kitchen facilities, and a work pod.

The modern coastal streetscapes are dotted with apartments, terraces and expansive family homes with private pontoons.

Discovery Point, NSW

Tucked away in Sydney’s inner south-west, just 10km from the CBD, Discovery Point is home to more than 3,500 residents, enjoying architecturally designed apartments by Cooks River.

Combining the tranquillity of waterside living with the pulse of the city, this hub showcases smart, sustainable initiatives to ensure nature and the neighbourhood can thrive together.

An on-site water-recycling plant helps with irrigation of the community’s drought-tolerant parks and gardens, while sustainable transport options include a car-share service and train station, just one stop from Sydney’s Domestic Airport.

Resort-style features include expansive parklands and playgrounds, a piazza-style village market, indoor and outdoor heated pools, gymnasiums and walking trails.

Freshwater Place, VIC

Nestled on the southern bank of Melbourne’s Yarra River, Freshwater Place is a residential, retail and commercial precinct that celebrates art, commerce and connection.

Acting as a bridge between Melbourne’s history and future, the Southbank site has an important Indigenous heritage, and the subsequent development of warehouses and wharves in the late 1800s led to Melbourne’s first port.

In 2005, Frasers Property Australia set out to redevelop the neglected precinct, restoring its former glory as a trading post and meeting place, all while reconnecting with bustling streets and laneways across the river.

The masterplan combines 37 floors of office space with riverside restaurants and retail amenities. Luxury apartment living offers a fully equipped gym, rooftop garden, function space, theatre, pool, sauna, and more.

Port Coogee, WA

Every day is a holiday at this coastal hub in Perth’s south, full of laidback charm by the Indian Ocean. Residents of Port Coogee will tell you they’d never live anywhere else.

Evolving into a world-class oceanfront destination and drawcard, the neighbourhood has a planned 300-berth marina, waterfront dining precinct, vibrant Main Street, and a close-knit community atmosphere.

The mix of townhouses, apartments and short-stay accommodation are connected by pedestrian-friendly corsos and laneways that support a healthy, active lifestyle.

From the waterfront park and the sight of pristine beaches, Port Coogee exudes a sense of the good life.

Queens Riverside, WA

Celebrating the unique beauty of the Swan River and surrounding native parklands, Queens Riverside is quintessentially Perth – all in strolling distance of local landmarks such as the WACA and Queens Gardens.

A European-inspired piazza flows between four architectural apartment buildings, framed by beautifully landscaped open links, spectacular water features and gardens.

Residents of the luxury apartment towers enjoy exclusive resort-style amenities including pools, hot tubs, a residents’ lounge, theatre room, gym and concierge services.

The mixed-use precinct in East Perth also includes Fraser Suites Perth, offering short or long-stay, so you can call Queens Riverside home for a day, a week or a lifetime.

Ed.Square, NSW

A new neighbourhood in Sydney's booming south-west, Ed.Square offers urban village-style living among more than six hectares of green open space in Edmondson Park.

Frasers Property Australia collaborated with world-class architecture firms HDR, GroupGSA and HASSELL to deliver the vision for a 21st century town centre, with 1,884 homes in a mix of apartments, terraces and ‘mews’-style townhomes.

The town centre at Ed.Square offers a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, shopping, entertainment, playgrounds and parklands, with a fresh food market place and Eat Street, plus cinema and childcare – all within walking distance of the residences.

There's also a vibrant and accessible Community Centre to foster connection, often hosting events such as playgroups, reading groups, board game nights, painting classes, meditation and stretching sessions, meet-your-neighbour events and community resilience training.

Yungaba, QLD

From colonial landmark to luxury riverfront living, Yungaba is one of Fraser Property Australia’s most unique projects: an inviting enclave with a suite of world-class residences.

Centred around historic Yungaba House, the masterplanned residential community comprises four apartment buildings connected by manicured gardens, and 10 unique restored homes.

Frasers Property Australia worked alongside the nation’s best heritage consultants to transform Yungaba, which is set on the banks of Brisbane River, just 800m from the CBD.

A specialist team of architects, builders, acoustic engineers and landscape designers managed the delicate heritage design and restoration process, keeping a century of Brisbane history alive for generations to come.

 

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Originally published as ‘8 urban hubs that have reshaped our cities’.