From a forgotten city buried beneath Melbourne, to Gumbuya World growing as the nation’s biggest theme park — Victoria’s development sector has had some truly unimaginable twists this year.

There were even project perks for Bec Judd, horse racing fans and a brand new price record for Melbourne’s apartment market in a tower that is years from completion.

But one of the year’s most unexpected developments could have big ramifications for the state’s homebuyers in 2023 and beyond.

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BEC JUDD STYLING APARTMENTS

Bec Judd with Lowe Living owners and directors Tim and Emma Lowe.

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Football’s best known WAG has tackled her share of projects over the years, from fashion line Jaggad to TV appearances and sharing home renovations on social media.

This year Rebecca Judd, wife to former Carlton great Chris Judd, added a gig as the interior designer for two Melbourne apartment projects to her list.

Being developed by Lowe Living, the projects include the final homes at luxury Brighton project Sera, and an upcoming Hampton development titled Ocean Street.

But getting the style queen’s insights at home won’t come cheap, with apartments receiving her special touch starting from $1.29m.

Lowe Living have previously been the source of other unexpected developments including a Black Rock apartment building with a design inspired by the wreck of the HMVS Cerberus.

THE ‘RESIDENTIAL GRAND STAND’

An artist’s impression of how the project will look once completed.

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The redevelopment of Melbourne’s iconic Moonee Valley Park got a notable bonus in October when developer Hamton Property Group revealed plans for $5m penthouses with a view straight down the home stretch of the racecourse.

Part of a wider $2bn revamp for the 40ha precinct, the 205-apartment Trackside House complex will also feature a horizon-edge pool 11 storeys up where punters can pick a filly while cooling off at the end of a busy day at the races.

Hamton are working on the project alongside super group Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, with Hamton boss Paul Hameister describing the Rothelowman-designed building as a “residential grand stand”.

The rooftop will look across the track, and towards Melbourne’s CBD.

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Even more surprising, it was the second racetrack fronting apartment build to hit the market in 2022.

The Pace Development Group began offering homes looking down the final length at Flemington Racecourse in a horseshoe shaped building dubbed The Darley which counted champion jockey Damien Oliver among its ambassadors.

FRANKSTON’S SECOND LUXE TOWER

The Harbour development proposed for 446-450 Nepean Highway, Frankston, could be the suburb’s second ritzy address where apartments command multimillion-dollar sums.

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When developer Urban DC announced plans to build Horizon, a luxury apartment complex in Frankston, they weren’t surprised others thought offering $3m homes alongside wine rooms and massage facilities it was a bold move.

They also weren’t surprised when it was a success. Which is why they put in a planning application for a second luxury tower in the suburb earlier this year.

The 13-storey Harbour building is intended to have 107 apartments with access to a wellness centre, a boardroom, a rooftop residents space that includes a 25m pool, a spa, sauna and yoga space, not to mention impressive views to the beach and Kananook Creek.

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Trackside House ‘residential grand stand’ offering luxe homes and stunning racecourse views