Coles Signs On for Balwyn Shoptop Apartment Scheme

Coles supermarkets will anchor two significant mixed-use residential developments in Melbourne and Sydney as developers look to capitalise on the supermarket giant’s drawing power.

The developments are collectively valued at more than $133 million.

In Melbourne’s prestigious inner east, Coles has partnered with Dimas Property Group to launch White & Weston, a 45-apartment development at 259-281 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn.

The three-level boutique project is opposite Balwyn Park, about 10km east of Melbourne’s CBD.

The development would replace an existing commercial site with a full-line Coles supermarket at ground level, topped by luxury apartments designed by architecture firm Cera Stribley.

Cera Stribley interior design director Jessica Coulter said the project’s interior design focused on functionality across different buyer segments.

The apartments are aimed to achieve a minimum 7-star energy rating and the basement parking is equipped with number plate recognition technology.

The project would also include a 655sq m private garden designed by Jack Merlo, who said that site had a Walk Score of 90, meaning “you don’t have to stroll too far to pick up your daily groceries, grab a coffee with a friend, or take the kids to the park across the road”, he said

Meanwhile, in Sydney’s southern suburbs, a Coles-anchored development has secured State Significant Development approval.

The $88.6-million Caringbah Pavilion project, developed by NSW Housing Corporation, which is directed by Conquest chief executive Michael Akkawi, will deliver 188 apartments above a Coles supermarket and specialty retail podium at 178-186 Willarong Road and 41-51 President Avenue, Caringbah.

The development is an evolution of the project at the site Conquest acquired from Coles Group in March of 2023 for $44 million.

The site spans 6452sq m in Caringbah’s E2 Commercial Centre zone, 27km south of Sydney’s CBD.

▲ An artist’s impression of the Caringbah Pavilion project.

The existing 2020 approval for the retail podium included a 4073sq m Coles, Liquorland, and specialty shops.

Initially planned as an 11-storey, 130-apartment development valued at $80 million, the project has now expanded.

Approved on April 23, the development comprises two residential towers above an existing retail podium.

Building A is to rise 10 storeys containing 116 apartments, while Building B will be of six storeys and 72 apartments, all designated as affordable housing and to be managed by Hume Community Housing for at least 15 years.

The basement will provide 167 resident parking spaces and 255 shopper spaces.

The development has navigated multiple approval stages, including amendments and Land and Environment Court proceedings.

Community concerns about building height, overshadowing, and traffic were addressed through design revisions improving solar access and building separation.

Construction on the Caringbah development is expected to complete in early 2026. Work on the podium began about 13 months ago.