New green spaces and design-led homes redefining Melbourne’s waterfront

Until recently, waterside living close to the Melbourne CBD was defined more by convenience than lifestyle. That’s changing fast.

A new wave of parkland, family-friendly amenities and design-led homes is transforming the Docklands into a place where people want to live — not just stay close to work.

At the heart of this evolution is NewQuay, a growing community that pairs waterfront serenity with city energy right on its doorstep.

“NewQuay has a relaxing feeling to it,” says Jessica Campbell, director of projects, Victoria, YPM Avanti.

“You’re right on the edge of everything in Melbourne, looking out to the water, but it’s that little bit quieter than CBD living.

“It’s got a really strong family feel.”

A new era for Docklands living

In recent years, NewQuay has been redefined by its parks, dining, and culture — reshaping the Docklands into a lifestyle destination.

Residents enjoy expansive green spaces including Ron Barassi Snr Park, NewQuay Central Park and the future Quay Park, which will deliver more than 3000sqm of new parkland connecting NewQuay Central Park to Moonee Ponds Creek via Ron Barassi Snr Park.

“Quay Park will front directly onto Circa, with ground-floor townhouses opening onto the boulevard landscaping,” Ms Campbell says.

“Podium apartments and townhouses on the second, third and fourth levels will overlook tree canopies and a leafy streetscape. It will be gorgeous.”

With the waterfront promenade, District Docklands shopping centre, and Melbourne CBD all moments away, the precinct now blends nature, culture and convenience.

Entertainment options are just as strong, from ArtVo and Imaginator to breweries, restaurants and an emerging ice hockey community.

Connectivity remains a key advantage, with bike paths, the free City Circle tram and Southern Cross Station also close by — plus easy access to major freeways and Melbourne Airport for those commuting west.

Circa NewQuay: timeless design meets waterfront living

Anchoring NewQuay’s next chapter is Circa — the first new release within the final waterfront parcel.

The project unites MAB’s 30-year development legacy with award-winning architects Freadman White, resulting in a distinctive design that celebrates both longevity and liveability.

“It’s lovely to see something architecturally really beautiful and quite different, with the arches and landscaping,” Ms Campbell says.

Circa’s five-storey podium features a colonnaded façade, creating a human-scale streetscape. Above it rises an 18-storey tower housing a carefully curated mix of homes — fewer in number but higher in character.

“It’s quite exclusive compared to some of the bigger towers nearby. It’s not at all stock standard – there’s a unique mix of homes,” Ms Campbell adds.

Natural stone, concrete and glass bring tactility and warmth throughout, while buyers can choose from four interior palettes, from classic to contemporary.

From SOHOs to terrace homes: Options for every lifestyle

Circa offers homes for every life stage — from one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to larger terrace residences, two-level townhouses and SOHOs (small office home offices).

“The SOHOs are perfect for combining work and living,” Ms Campbell explains. “If you’re a chiropractor or run a creative agency, you can set up downstairs and live above.”

Prices range from $595,000 for apartments to around $2.6 million for upper-end residences, offering multiple entry points for different buyers.

Wellness and community at its heart

Community and wellbeing are central to Circa’s vision.

The Residents’s Club includes an exclusive landscaped garden retreat with barbecues and intimate dining pods, a private pool and gym, a recital room, and bookable spaces for events and meetings.

Ms Campbell says the development is already attracting a diverse mix of buyers:

“We’ve had enquiries from families, professionals, downsizers and first-home buyers — especially those drawn to Docklands Primary School being right there.”

Circa NewQuay is scheduled for completion in 2028, marking the next evolution of Melbourne’s waterfront living.

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