It looks like Watergate is under construction, does anyone know the timelines? Here's the photo:

http://users.bigpond.net.au/rpaparon/DSCF0019.JPG

Cheers
Simon

couldn't find an existing link for it, no doubt Lozza will have one eye on this building more than others

http://www.watergate.com.au/images/map.gif

http://www.watergate.com.au/images/building2.jpghttp://www.docklands.com/precincts/images/watergate2.jpg

excavations from last week
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/watergate_2003_02_28.JPG

construction proper this week, no piling units and two crane bases are in place
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/watergate_2003_03_06.JPG

where abouts is your apartment Lozz?

Colonial's finally getting a few friends ;)

anyone remember the total number of apartments in both towers ?

tays

I am pretty sure there is 157 in each tower so that makes 314 all up...

Colonial aka Telstra will have many friends soon!

That corner at Bourke Street west and Harbour esp. IS going to look great! NAB, Watergate and Vic point!

Gday Silver MB

Thanks for starting up this thread !

And yes, i am really excited about this building and i will be watching it closely as i have a 1 bedroom apartment with a balcony in it ! it is about 65 square metres.

My apartment is in the south tower on the corneron level 9, .

The view i will have is of the city, spanning from bourke place right to the crown casino !

So i will have a fantastic view of the rialto and EUREKA !:banana: :banana:

cheers :cheers:

Lozza

there's that much gold glass at the docklands even YE5 will blend in...

After a chat with a couple of your CFMEU mates Tays, I was able to get a few pics nice and close onsite. You know we're in a boom when new concrete suppliers enter the big smoke. I'm preety sure this is Broadway and Frame's first big-time project
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/watergate_20030326=2.JPG

After a chat with a couple of your CFMEU mates Tays,

da-dong... WRONG.

:gunz:

tays

split from 700 Collins thread

I just realised there is no thread for NAB Docklands .. so this is the closest thing..

Taken Saturday..

http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/DSC00478.jpg

Watergate is in the foreground.. can just see the cranes at right of pic..

Ever so slow is the gradual cladding of NAB, but this was today. The footy was on at the stadium and I could tell every time Collingwood got a goal by the deafening roar emanating over docklands this afternoon.

http://pnavy.com/prburt/albums/album02/IMGP0208.sized.jpg

http://pnavy.com/prburt/albums/album02/IMGP0209.sized.jpg

just for Lozza; cheer up Lozz those doggies will come good some time in the next decade (if they're not the Western Roos by then)

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/wgate_20030526.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/wgate_20030523.JPG

wont have to look at soil much longer

managed to get a few this morning, up above ground, with two cores going up

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/wgatesub.JPG

what d'ya reckon.... 1 year for completion, or too optomistic ? ;)

Well tays according to this report from infolink.com.au it says it should be completed by 2004! So it could be possible.




Gate open for Abigroup in Melbourne Docklands

The $100 million contract to build the high-profile Melbourne Docklands Watergate Apartments has been awarded to construction company Abigroup.

Developed by Pan Urban and covering a total area of 50,000m2 , the 19 level twin tower Watergate development will include 339 apartments, car-parking facilities, plus retail outlets and restaurants along the Docklands new Waterview walk.

The walk will link the new Collins Street extension to the harbour.

Work is expected to commence immediately with completion due by 2004.

6 June 2002

For more info on Watergate and 351 Collins

Philip Cassap
Baracon Group Project Managers

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/wgate_20030703=6.JPG

nice shot silvermb! :D

languishing down the bottom of the second page like a few others, both cores are up and running, decent pattern on the rear wall

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483wgate_20030826.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483wgate_20030826_1.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483wgate_20030826_2.jpg

AHA ! thats my Baby ! :rock: :dooby:

i have a feeling that watergate won't be finished until late 2004 ( thats around november / december)

when my apartment is ready, i will have to invite you all over for a party !

cheers :cool:

lozza

Lozz, just heard the news.

All apts on level 9 have just been scrapped. No such floor anymore. You will have to tell your tenants to live on the street. LOL.

Hey, did you also hear that Nathan Brown was going to do a Leon Cameron and cross to the TIGERS next year.

with nathan brown, anything wouldn't surprise me Richo !

He will probably be at Collingwood next year !!

lozza :rock: :dooby:

no dickhead

melbman, to who are you referring to as 'dickhead' in your earlier reply?

For the lozzman ..

http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/Docklands/DSC00545.jpg

Starting to form a nice wall of it's own..

I think the sleek triangular shape of the whole site looks rather sleek actually !

hope it looks really cool once the gold glass starts to go on. :rock:

cheers

lozza

Latest pic. That wall on the left seems pretty imposing!

http://homepage.mac.com/jbadcock/Docklands/Images/P1020061.jpg

Seems to be going up damn slow!

some glass visible in the middle pic, its golden alright, better sort than YE5. Watergate and Vic Point will be real eye-catchers with the golden look
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483wgt_200310.jpg

thanks for the pics silver mb,

but where exactly is the gold glass? :wtf:

can't see it ??? :rant: :rant:

cheers :dooby:

lozza

golden boy....very cool!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483wgt.jpg

Hmmmmm...

looking at the cladding on this and Tower 5 YE, I'm starting to wonder if the wonderful 'city of gold' that appears in the renderings of Docklands will, in reality, turn out to be more like the 'city of muddy brown'

Originally posted by Garmatt
looking at the cladding on this and Tower 5 YE, I'm starting to wonder if the wonderful 'city of gold' that appears in the renderings of Docklands will, in reality, turn out to be more like the 'city of muddy brown'
At least they will compliment the Yarra ;)

watergate is definitely not the sae colour as YE 5 .

watergate is more of a Hyat on Collins St Gold , whereas Yarra Edge 5 is a browny gold. Victoria Point, which is on the other side of the road from watergate is roughly the same colour as watergate too ! ( from my observations anyway )

cheers

lozza:dooby:

Just heard the news..... and it aint about Watergate.

BROWN TO RICHMOND. I flagged this back on the 30th of August.

GO TIGERS. :D :D

dont worry Richo, they'll still be shit

Marko, we will discuss that at the next meet over 16 beers. By the 16th beer you will think the Tigers are the best team to follow and in tern dump that bunch of wankers called Essendon.

hmm....

seeing the picture of the glass on watergate now, maybe i am wrong ! maybe it is the same colour as YE 5 ???? :wtf:

interesting ey !

and as for the doggies richo, well, i suppose theres no point keeping brown when he wants to go ! its like flogging a dead horse ! we're better off without him i think ! :D :colgate:

cheers

lozza

Here's the first complete render of Watergate showing the final product. The balconies are a gauze mesh attached to the internal rail, similar to Liberty Tower, same architect.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483watergate.jpg

Lozza don’t be surprised if a few of us want to check out the place once its done, maybe even have a drink or two (he he he) or try the pool above the podium

Even better than the original renders IMHO !!

Bring on industrial neo-gold Docklands .. :rock:

Lozz you da man for the pur-chase ..

Yeah ! she's looking all right the old girl , i tell ya !

It is supposed to be ready and finshed in Ausust next year . Although i still reckon it will be around September / October in my opinion.

Yeah, u can all come up and have a look if u like. the views of Eureka , , The Crown , The Rialto and Bourke Place from my apartment are bloody awesome !!! :rock:

cheers :cheers:

lozza :dooby:

here's some liberty tower comparison pics.....

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090209.jpg

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090205.jpg

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090203.jpg

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090201.jpg

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090211.jpg

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090210.jpg

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090213.jpg

http://www.architectureaustralia.com/resources/aa/2003/05/images/090214.jpg

it's a nice one - understated is good:D

designed by a young lass who was finishing off her Architecture degree - lol, not a bad first go!

Personally I was very disappointed with the finished Liberty tower it could have been so much more of a land mark statement on such an important cornwer but to me it is too much of the brultiaist to be appealing to the eye.
Im not surprised that a 17 yr old designed it.

Not much changed from the last pics...

This corner is a hype of activity!

http://members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/MelbourneNov/DSC00021.JPG

http://members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/MelbourneNov/DSC00017.JPG

What's with the blank walls facing east? Is there going to be another building on the east side of these towers or at least a low rise to hide these very ugly blank walls?

Although the textured concrete walls are interesting, they are bloody awful and they should not have been approved!

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/walk10.jpg

Gday Aussie Steve,

These blank, grey walls hide the carpark, which is behind the wall.

I think that it will eventually be rendered. Also, there is a vacant section of land in front of the wall, so hopefully , the wall will be covered up with a low rise development in the future.

Several members on the forum have indicated that they quite like the concrete wall though, which is interesting.

cheers :cheers:

Lozza:dooby:

Originally posted by barneybuck
Personally I was very disappointed with the finished Liberty tower it could have been so much more of a land mark statement on such an important cornwer but to me it is too much of the brultiaist to be appealing to the eye.
Im not surprised that a 17 yr old designed it.
I agree - it shouldn't have won an RAIA medal...

Several members on the forum have indicated that they quite like the concrete wall though, which is interesting.

why are you making me laugh lozza, you've bought an apartment in watergate and dont know they're gonna build the office component last on the vacant area when the towers are done, which will front onto the blank wall.

now the towers shape are visible this, its such a great design except for the balconies, what has she done? mesh boxes - no good!

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/wgt_20031215.JPG

Yeah dont know about this steel mesh business, hope it doesnt have the tackiness of liberty when done

Gday

if u want to see something really cool, go to

www.watergate.com.au

Check out the interior finishes of the apartment in the pull down menu. Its got marble benchtops and European Stainless Steel Appliances! Very Classy !

ANYONE WANT TO RENT IT ??? ( $360 p / w ??? ) hehe !

Silver, as for the concrete carpark wall which will be covered up by the commercial development, i am not so sure that it will actually.

If it was going to be covered up, why is the wall rendered? Surely if it was to be covered up, it would just be a plain concrete wall that is flat and not rendered????

cheers

lozza

and up it goes

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/watergate1501041.jpg

Eh lozza, you're apartment would be structurally complete by now wouldn't it?

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483vp_20040212_6.jpg

^^ a silvermb co. production

?

Watergate is making a bigger-than-expected impact on Docklands - particularly when you drive down the new Collins St overpass ..

One for ya lozzman..

http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/Cons/DSC00690.jpg

The reality is fast matching the render v.nicely - me like a lot!

The more of the balconies that go up the better they look, very different which is what you want in docklands. Of course they are pretty in your face and some probably won't like them but it's a refreshing change from the run of the mill concrete or glass balconies.

those balconies are very different indeed. what are they made from?are they sort of metal gril stuck on?
I remember back last year a Melbourne real estate guy used to go on forum (his name escapes me) and he asked me to make a small scale model for one of his clients as a momento. i made it from floor plans and elevation he sent me and a height of 66m. So at scale 1;1000 they were pretty cute.i painted them gold i mailed them to him.
:cheers:

Hey Lozz,

Good to see that Watergate is moving on in leaps and bounds. Pitty you can't say that about the Bullies - LOL.

I just loved the way Nathan Brown cut you to bits on Friday night, it was a trade worth the price - GO TIGERS.

Here's Some more intersting news about Watergate ,

For those of you that don't know , The Watergate site is divided up into 2 building envelopes. One contains the Residential Tower, which i have bought an apartment in , and the other parcel of land has been reserved for a 5 storey development which will contain retail , office and a new concept called "Soho Apartments."

Soho's - (Small Office / Home Office ) are very common in New York city. They are the trend for people who need to tracel and and work at home.

Watergate has just sent me documentation on this development site called "Site One. "

Site One is designed by the same people that designed
Watergate ( Elenberg Fraser) As you will see , the design is pretty spectacular and full of glass !

Check the website out at www.siteone.com.au

Cheers

Lozza

this is the quiet achiever in docklands. three-tier coloured glass and now clear glass balustrades to offset the mesh balconies. will only get better when the second phase is built...both core boxes removed

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/uploads/483/wgaa.jpg

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/wgaa.jpg http://www.banns.freeserve.co.uk/xanga/ny/flatiron.jpg

the Flatiron we never had!

great update silvermb.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic65.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic66.jpg

Here's some more interesting news about Watergate.

Lozza has a unit on level 9 - but 9 just happens to be 1 less than the amount of goals (being 10) that RICHO kicked against the Western Bulldogs in todays AFL game at the "G".

GO TIGERS.

P.S Thanks for Nathan Brown - what a champion.

That almost looks like YE5 in those sunset pics


Nice one Richo, I was right behind the goals in that last quarter
Hope my voice comes back tomorrow

More Watergate:
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/watergate.jpg

Hello Rialto:
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/watergate rialto.jpg

Hmmm...interesting looking balconies! I almost thought the images didn't load up properly :lol:

Hmmm...interesting looking balconies! I almost thought the images didn't load up properly :lol:

Hehe, yeah, in that view of the two of them beyond the park, I kept waiting for my eyes to focus. :nuts:

I shall bequeath them - the "Blurry Vision Buildings". ;)

The rebirth of Watergate
From 'The Age'
Gary La Personne

My undercover sources have turned up the latest on Watergate. No, not the 1972 political scandal that brought down a US president, but what's happening at the blockbuster development down at Docklands, due for completion in December.
With a sense of fun - and historical perspective - developer and publisher Morry Schwartz has tipped his hat to the powers who exposed Richard Nixon. The 19-level Watergate project features imposing twin towers named Bernstein and Woodward, after the Washington Post reporters whose investigations forced Nixon's resignation and led to the indictment of 40 lackeys.
The building's base, the podium, continues the Watergate theme. It's called the Graham, in recognition of the late Katherine Graham, the tough former publisher and owner of the newspaper, who backed the hot-shot newsmen.
The development, incidentally, is a close-knit family affaair.
Mr Schwartz's wife, gallerist Anna, is sourcing the art to hang in the foyer and the designers are Melbourne architecture's 'it' couple, Mr Schwartz's stepdaughter Zahava Elenberg - Telstra's 2003 Young Business Woman of the Year - and her husband Callum Fraser.
Their architectural practice Elenberg Fraser designed the $50 million multi-level Liberty Tower on the corner of Spencer and Collins Streets, where the clan live side by side.
Apparently, Watergate will house another of Ms Elenberg's companies, Move-In, which is in the apartment packaging business. There's plenty to outfit here, with 339 apartments, retail outlets and restaurants.
While Mr Schwartz declined to be interviewed, inside sources say Watergate has been a successful campaign, with about 80 per cent of apartments sold off the plan and without the benefit of a display suite. The remaining apartments start at $350,000 for a one-bedroom to $1.5 million for a penthouse.
As yet, there's no word on what the cavernous undercover car park will be called. Deep Throat, perhaps? Bernstein, Woodward and their deep cover informant would have loved its anonimity. :)

The trees are up on top! Means this one is nearly finished!

When do you move in Lozza? You have an apartment tehre don't you?

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/water1.jpg


http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/water2.jpg

Gday Kasper ,

Completion is around October / November , so it should be ready to hand over by then.

I wish i was moving in ! But at this stage i will be putting a tenant in my Watergate Apartment ! So if u know of anyone who wants to rent a 1 bedder , let me know ! hehe !

I am pleasently surprised at how well Watergate has turned out actually. I think its one of the better Buildings in the Docklands actually,

Cheers :cheers:

Lozza :rock:

my most favoured docklands development, the colours are spot on
one of those cranes is on the way out

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/wga200406.JPG

the thing that sells the most for me is the right amount of reflective glass, and no Avatar isn't the only reflective glass maniac on this forum ;)

I am loving these two babies

Whats happening here, why does one of the cranes have no boom???? Has there been an incident requiring the boom to come out???? The job still looks to have a bit to go on that side so it seems queer that the crane would be coming right down. Looks like the crane boom has had to come out for some reason. Anyone up to speed on this??????

Somebody better pull the rug from under the feet of that lady who's designing crap like Watergate and Liberty Tower and "winning awards" for it, too! The Empress has no clothes on!!!

Shit , Watergate is not that bad Blabby Boy ! I've seen much , much worse ! :bash:

It looks quite modern and different to anything else down at Docklands actually ! :rock:

Cheers :cheers:

Lozza :rock:

Somebody better pull the rug from under the feet of that lady who's designing crap like Watergate and Liberty Tower and "winning awards" for it, too! The Empress has no clothes on!!!

I bit harsh there Blabby.
Watergate looks sensational, equal to any of the Yarra's Edge towers!
I think Lozza and I need to pay you a visit. He-he.
You still get my vote........................just. :)

Somebody better pull the rug from under the feet of that lady who's designing crap like Watergate and Liberty Tower and "winning awards" for it, too! The Empress has no clothes on!!!
I agree BBthat Liberty is one of the worst new towers in Melbourne it looks like she got the idea from Stalinst Russia.
Watergate is at least an improvement.

Yeah , i agree that Liberty is boring too ! At least the shape of Watergate is interesting ! :rock:

In actual fact , u couldn't really compare Watergate to Liberty Tower !

I know i am biased , but theres' No comparison between the 2 to be honest ! :banana2:

Cheers :jippo:

Lozza :lock: :horse:

http://img64.exs.cx/img64/6422/WatergateVicPoint.jpg

http://img64.exs.cx/img64/3603/Watergate1.jpg

I have to admit, the balconies look much worse up close. From far, they look OK. But they RUIN an otherwise OK building IMHO. OK, so I'm harsh, but I forgot that Lozza had an apartment there! oops! hehehe :D

Q: what's that big concrete wall at the base of Watergate in the above pic?

That concrete wall is part of Watergate.

Tell me about it. When I frist saw it I was in shock too!

Don't worry, cos there are plans to build a low rise SOHO development in front of it. Let's hope its sooner rather then later, cos its a very ugly wall!

Yeah , Aussie Steve is correct in saying that there will be a Development that will cover up the concrete wall.

Look up : www.siteone.com.au ( i hope thats the website )

And it is a SOHO development ( Small Office / Home Office ) - which are pretty famous in New York

Cheers

Lozza :lock:

these two would be completed now? externally anyway

Gday Cul ,

Site One hasn't started yet. It is being marketed at the moment , and its prooving to be popular with the investors apparently . It shares the same block of land with Watergate .

Wategate is almost finished now. Its topped out and it will be fully complete by November i reckon . my apartment is setteling in late October

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

point it out...




http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic180.jpg

these two would be completed now? externally anyway

From this angle at least it looked pretty finished this morning:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/ooompaloompa123/Melbourne/Docklands/waterg_0522.jpg

yardmaster that photo rocks!

Watergate is sensational. Dissapointed when first annouced (height wise) but they look stunning.

Frames the skyline from the harbour very well.

I too think Watergate is sensational. Up close it looks spectacular. Very well designed, very well built and very well placed. Its a great filler!

Hey Guys ,

I just found out that the Watergate Place Display Suite at Docklands is open every Saturday between 12 .30 pm and 2.30 pm. They have an apartment on display on level 4. It is actually located in the Watergate Complex itself.

U should check it out if you have an opportunity. i heard the finish of the interior is really plush !

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

completed thread?
turned out well lozza!

Yeah CUL, my apartment on level 9 settles in 3 weeks time

already got a tenant too !

cheers

Lozza :rock:

Yeh, its completed, and its an excellent design, excellent buidling and excellent location. Congrats Lozza.

Thanks Aussie Steve,

I have actually had a look at my apartment in the flesh and the interiors are really plush ! Its got marble benchtops , & Smeg stainless steel Eurpoean appliances too . Its got heaps of windows and lots of natural light. Its a really open floor plan which i like as there is no wasted space !

The best part is the view though !! I am on level 9 and have views of the whole Melbourne CBD from Telstra dome on the left , to the Rialto , and all the way to the Yarra River and Crown Casino on the right etc

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

If you go back, take a camera, we want shots from level 9!

Lozza, definately want some shots from there if possible, sounds like a winner!

stu

Gday Guys ,

Yeah , when the property manager and I go in next month , , i will get heaps of shots on the digital camera.

The view is stunning , believe me ! From my actual apartment, I will be able to see Rialto , bourke place , melbourne central , crown casino , and of course Eureka and FWP ! :rock:

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

Gday Guys ,

Yeah , when the property manager and I go in next month , , i will get heaps of shots on the digital camera.

The view is stunning , believe me ! From my actual apartment, I will be able to see Rialto , bourke place , melbourne central , crown casino , and of course Eureka and FWP ! :rock:

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:
next ozscrapers meet...lozza's! :D

http://img90.exs.cx/img90/7131/P9302372.jpg

oops, how about some anti-aliasing , my eyes hurt

:) Check out todays capital gain section !The Age ,sorry im' at work so can't scan etc

oops, how about some anti-aliasing , ny eyes hurst

Lol. Whos the bigger nerd, you for saying it or me for understanding it...

stu

these are completed yes?

Hey guys, I'm posting this up on behalf of Lozza, these are some awesome pics he has taken. This are from his apartment in the Watergate South Tower , Level 9.

Inside:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2175.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2173.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2172.jpg

And the beautiful views:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2171.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2170.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2169.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2167.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/Lozz/2100_2166.jpg

Thanks Loz, I hope they got through the shrikage process OK :)

Stu

Well Done ! Looks Bloody Awesome !!!!!

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

No probs ;).

Stu

now theres a perpective of sxs not many of us have seen.
thankyou for the pics.
nice "human scale" height and as for Telstra Dome...need I say more?

shame about Medibank in the way but that is only an opinion. I really think it's dull...sorry
Great Pad.

Nice pics (and toilet, LOL) lozza! It is a great place to see the progress being made at Southbank and Docklands for many years to come!

If you don't mind me asking, how much did your new pad set you back? Just curious, that's all. ;)

Yeah , Medibank is the only down side, but , shit, i cant complain ! i have views from telstra , right across the cbd and down to yarras edge 1 and port melbourne ! The good thing about it is the floor to ceiling windows, which lets heaps of light in ! :rock: :banana2:

But i love how rialto peeks its head above medibank , kind of reminding us how massive it is , even though nedibank is way up close and rialto is in the distance !

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

Awesome, I would go as far to say that he Medibank building is the worst office building built in Melbourne in the past 20 years, it's a shocker.

was thinking the same thing about rialto myself.
I'm sure that "in person" the medibank building is not too intusive. there is so much else to look at.
good luck with your investment.

If this angle is to be the "new face" of Melb' buildings like the Medibank building have no right to be there. What were they thinking?...not a lot apparently.
I hope It will diminish in it's blunt impact when the area is developed more.

Medibank is a (very) poor mans version of 101C. Heh.

Congrats, looks wonderful, with awesome views of Big E, SouthernCS, Telstra Dome etc. etc. we'll be waiting for night shots when you occupy.

Congrats also to Lozza. Excellent views, even allowing for Medibank. Views of Bourke Place, the top of Rialto, and the big E :righton:

lozza you got a floor plan??? how many sq metres??? u measured it????

phoar

Yeah , the apartment is 66 square metres in total, including the balcony. In other words, its 7 squares ( 10 m x 10 m ) :banana2: :banana: :rock: :horse:

Its open plan , so theres not any wasted wall space. Most 1 bedders in the complex are only 55 square metres, but becuase mine is a corner apartment , its got better views and its more spacious !

cheers :rant: :bash:

Lozza :bowtie:

cool pic lozza. you must be happy with views and location! are you renting it out?

i love the triangular floor plan. my new house is like that. triangles everywhere!
cheers

Gday Cul,

Yeah , i'm renting it out. And i am very happy with the views ! Any view of the Big "E" is awesome !

Guys , If you want to check out my floor plan, go to www.watergate.com.au

Once you go to the Building Design Section, click on floorplans , and my floorplan is the very top one.

cheers

Lozza :lock: :dj:

More on behalf of Lozza.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/Stucey/WTG/GOL2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/Stucey/WTG/GOL1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/Stucey/WTG/WG7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/Stucey/WTG/WG6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/Stucey/WTG/WG5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/Stucey/WTG/WG4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/Stucey/WTG/WG3.jpg



Not sure if they all belong in here, but ah well.

Docklands nightmare becomes reality
Investors at Melbourne Docklands have hit the panic button with more and more properties, some not even settled, are being rushed onto the stressed apartment market prior to Christmas.

Apartments from New Quay, Village Docklands, Mirvac Docklands are now competing for buyers with the recently completed Pan Urban project Watergate.

This week, on realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au, more than 130 unlet properties remain on Melbourne Docklands developers and agents rent rolls whilst in excess of 170 have been thrown back onto the marketplace.

Many of the new rentals and resales are at Watergate.

Agents reveal many more Docklands apartments remain ‘on-the-books’ awaiting tenants or buyers, but are yet to be advertised.

“Demand is lagging way behind supply,” one rental manager with a major agent revealed.

Financial planners are now running for cover as mums and dads investors begin asking questions as to why their properties remain unlet and their properties have to be sold at substantial discounts.

One financial planner who spoke to propertyreview.com.au believes many small investors will lose life savings at the Docklands

Stories of investors, who bought more than one apartment at Docklands and then selling for losses totaling several hundred thousand dollars are becoming commonplace.

“It’s a train wreck,” the St Kilda Road based financial planner said this week. “It is not a market for the faint hearted. Most of our investors at Docklands are okay because they have bought for the medium to long term, but there are some smaller investors who are really going to get hurt down there.”

However, Australia’s most outspoken real estate authority and best selling author Neil Jenman questioned the ethics of the financial planners.

"For years, many financial planners have been critical of property rogues. But it seems, for many financial planners, the criticism was based on jealousy at the huge commissions in property,” Jenman said.

“Obviously, instead of criticising property rogues, some financial planners thought it was better to emulate them. Hence the emerging catastrophe.

"Financial planners? You have to ask the question: For whom are they planning?" Jenman concluded.

Lawyer Tim O’Dwyer says investors who find off-the-plan apartments can't be easily rented, or will be worth less on settlement, have two choices: settle or don't settle.

“Some may not be able to settle if finance is no longer available. Those who won't or can't settle will often ask lawyers to look for loopholes, escape clauses or scape-goats,” O’Dwyer said.

O’Dwyer believes that in some cases there may be an esoteric contractual or even statutory way out.

“If you're prepared to fight the developer in court on such a point or to argue misrepresentation from early in the piece,” he said.

“Whether a down-the-drain investor loses a court case, a deposit or worse and has to buy a Docklands Dud, the other obvious question to lawyers will be: can I sue someone else for my losses? Like my solicitor, my bank, my financial advisor or some valuer for negligence?

“There are recent Queensland precedents for lawyers and the like to be held liable in these sorts of sorry situations. But wise litigation and conveyancing lawyers alike always remind their clients: courts are good places to stay out of...especially if you're up against a corporation with deep pockets or a tight-fisted insurer for your defendant,” O’Dwyer concluded.
http://www.propertyreview.com.au/archives/2004/03102004/headline/03102004002.html

look over there, the sky is falling! -------------------->

Good to see some in depth statistical analysis of the Docklands apartment market :-) The building has only been completed for about a month, do people expect a large apartment development to be fully occupied within one month?

According the the REIV vacancy rates of new inner-city apartments (CBD, Docklands, St Kilda Rd and Southbank) have fallen from 8.7% in June 2003 to 6.5% in September 2004.