Woodlea&rsquo;s vision for an innovative community for like-minded retired, semi-retired and working downsizers within the growing master-planned community is now one step closer following the official settlement of the 7.1-hectare&nbsp;site to Lifestyle Communities.

Touted as a mini-city in the suburbs, Woodlea is a fully integrated master-planned community by Victoria Investments and Properties (VIP) and Mirvac that&nbsp;will be home to an industry-leading downsizer precinct to complement Woodlea&rsquo;s range of residential offerings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28733 project_image_fid=167736]

The site is co-located within the Woodlea Town development and will comprise around 180 units as well as a clubhouse, indoor pool, bowling green and a host of other outdoor entertainment facilities.

Woodlea Project Director Matthew Dean said Lifestyle Communities closes the loop on ensuring every age and demographic is catered for within the community.

&ldquo;There are retirement units within the surrounding area but there is nothing of this size or calibre that integrates different living options within the same precinct, catering to working, semi-retired and retired downsizers.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28733 project_image_fid=167735]

&ldquo;Woodlea is unlike any other master-planned community due to its sheer size and diverse offering and as it continues to flourish and more amenities are delivered, we are continually looking for ways to innovate to ensure it is responding to the needs of its residents and the surrounding communities,&quot; Dean said.&nbsp;

&quot;The Lifestyle Communities site will offer a residential offering to cater to downsizers looking to maintain healthy social connections, while also living in a high quality community. It will also assist members of the community to maintain close living connections with older family members, collectively improving their health and wellbeing.&quot;

Lifestyle Communities was chosen as a project partner due to its outstanding track record, as well as its shared vision of creating high-quality projects that improve the wellbeing of residents, Dean said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28733 project_image_fid=167737]

Lifestyle Communities Co-Founder and Managing Director James Kelly&nbsp;said the team are&nbsp;commitment to creating a community that&rsquo;s both sympathetic to the surrounding environs of Woodlea and fit for purpose for local downsizers.

&quot;We&rsquo;re especially keen to ensure we become part of the fabric of the Woodlea success story, with homes and facilities that complement those already in place.&quot;

Construction is scheduled to commence mid-year with staged completions to occur over the next few years.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=28733]

The site is co-located within the Woodlea Town development and will comprise approximately 180 units as well as a clubhouse, indoor pool, bowling green and a host of other outdoor entertainment facilities.



alisonwarters@gmail.com

Lifestyle Communities to deliver downsizer precinct in Woodlea masterplan

The streamlined Tower One at Queens Place is now completed, marking the steadfast progress of what is set to become the tallest twin tower development&nbsp;in Australia. The $235m project has been designed by both&nbsp;Fender Katsalidis and Cox Architecture, and a competition-winning design scheme for developer 3L Alliance.

Located near the Queen Victoria Market precinct and Flagstaff Garden, Tower One at Queens Place delivers an urban-scale residential building responding to the site&rsquo;s conditions and to a multitude of the residents&rsquo; needs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=197228]

&ldquo;With a rich cultural history right at the foot of the site, the compelling and streamlined design of Queens Place will activate and connect this vibrant new precinct, and complement Melbourne&rsquo;s evolving skyline&rdquo; says Fender Katsalidis director, James Pearce.

&ldquo;The striking towers and podium have the potential to greatly enrich the liveability of Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD by providing residents with a considered masterplan design that places an emphasis on connection to this iconic pocket of the city,&rdquo; he added.

Cox&nbsp;Architecture director Pete Sullivan said that with the understanding that the Queen Victoria Market precinct was set to change, they wanted to generate a design that complements the broader streetscape.

&ldquo;The five-level podium is conceived as a &lsquo;mini-town,&rsquo; with a bustling series of arcades and lanes activated through a mixed-use program,&quot; Sullivan said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=197226]

&quot;The podium&rsquo;s design ascends the streamlined tower form with an unembellished fa&ccedil;ade, shaped and sculpted by contextual drivers within and around the unique site.&rdquo;

Responding to the site&rsquo;s exposure to north-westerly winds, the 80-storey Tower One, with its silver curtain wall glazing, has been rounded to capture and reflect light and views into each residential apartment.

The tower is complete with quality amenities and spaces designed to offer residents the potential to optimise their way of living, working and play. Resident socialisation is promoted through communal amenities such as the pool and spa, games rooms, karaoke suite, cinema, library, poker, and mah-jong room.

Breaking up the progression of dwellings, a high-rise lobby at level 51 offers further amenity, including a swimming pool, karaoke, and dining space. Beyond that are the high-rise apartments occupying level 53 to 68.

Through-site connections and unobstructed solar access under the mixed-use podium provide pedestrians with practical accessibility to the surrounds and encourages circulation through the block.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=197227]

For visitors to the area, the publicly accessible plaza is also emboldened as a space for gathering or as sheltered resting spots.

The multi-level podium enriches the ground plane with new linkages and an enhanced public realm within the Queen Victoria Market precinct.

Intended for a variety of uses, the five-level podium includes retail tenancies, commercial suites, and a childcare centre. The podium and tower form are expressed through contrasting yet complementary materials.

In distinction to the sleek silver tower, the detailed podium is armoured with curvaceous fins and an external terrace interwoven with planters, with the earthy tones and exposed stonework creating&nbsp;a distinctly Melbourne ground-level experience.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=2806]

Located near the Queen Victoria Market precinct and Flagstaff Garden, Tower One at Queens Place delivers a gleaming urban-scale residential building responding authentically to the site’s conditions and to a multitude of the residents’ needs.



Australia's tallest twin towers set to bridge fringes of Melbourne CBD

Local private Sunshine Coast developers have lodged plans for a site on a key corner site located at the gateway entry point to the Maroochydore Priority Development Area (PDA) which is the emerging CBD of Maroochydore, and more widely the Sunshine Coast.

Designed by renowned architects, Cottee Parker, the mix-use development will comprise a mix of 16 three-bedroom and 88 two-bedroom apartments, along with 2,464 sqm of office space, an outdoor dining area and 831 sqm of food and retail space.

The ground floor space of the development will be home to five food and drink outlet tenancies, addressing and activating all road frontages, with a residential lobby off First Ave, and a commercial&nbsp;lobby on the&nbsp;Aerodrome Rd frontage.&nbsp;The ground floor will also contain back of house areas along with 16 car parks, screened and sleeved by tenancies and lobby areas.

<a href="/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore"><img alt="" height="1218" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-11_at_1.30.47_pm.png" width="1822" /></a>

Levels two to four will comprise office space with three levels of car parking and a partial mezzanine parking level accommodating a further 251 car parking spaces, as well as bicycle and motorcycle parking located behind.

Levels five to 12 will home eight levels of residences, with each level comprising 13 units each. A large 658 sqm communal open space pool and pool terrace area will be located on level five, on top of the podium, with additional amenity on the rooftop level, including a gym, a screened plant room and 252 sqm of outdoor terrace space.

Whist recognising the site&rsquo;s city centre location, the development also reflects the beachside character of the local plan area by extensive integration of landscaping and implementing a light coastal colour scheme. A high level of articulation is proposed through steps in building profile, protruding balconies, architectural screening, an articulated and stepped roof line and variation in building materials and finer grain detailing.

Element Design are behind the landscaping, which will feature along all street frontages as well as being integrated within the building&rsquo;s design including on all podium levels, to the edges of the communal open space area and with green walls on the Aerodrome Road frontage.

<a href="/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore"><img alt="" height="1224" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-11_at_1.30.57_pm.png" width="1838" /></a>

Landing on the corner of Aerodrome Road and First Avenue, the site has a high level of access to public transport with existing bus stops along Aerodrome Road located 80-metres to the south-east of the site and 220-metres to the north-west of the site.

Further, the site&rsquo;s location is planned to be serviced by key public transport infrastructure including the Dedicated Public Transport Corridor (CAMCOS), CoastConnect Priority Public Transport and Bicycle Corridor and potential future Sunshine Coast Light Rail Corridor, along with First Avenue indicatively identified as part of the future light rail alignment.

Designed by renowned architects, Cottee Parker, the mix-use development will comprise a mix of 16 three-bedroom and 88 two-bedroom apartments, along with 2,464 sqm of office space, an outdoor dining area and 831 sqm of food and retail space.



New apartments central to proposed Maroochydore mixed-use development

Parramatta is set to see a solid pipeline of new housing following the sign off of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal.

The long-awaited changes to the planning rules for the area will offer&nbsp;the potential to create much needed housing supply and quality jobs for Sydney&rsquo;s second city.

Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest has welcomed the finalisation of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal said the new amendments provide capacity for approximately 11,900 new dwellings in the CBD.

&quot;This decision is welcome as it will provide more opportunities to boost housing supply in this LGA and assist the City of Parramatta to reach its five-year housing target of 23,660 new homes by 2026,&rdquo; Forrest said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164849]

However, the final changes to the Local Environmental Plan contain decisions that&nbsp;reduce the proposed development area and remove critical incentives for development of office space.

Urban Taskforce notes that Parramatta North and the Phillip Street Block have been excluded from the process with decisions postponed due to concerns over their heritage and public amenity values.

During the finalisation of the Planning Proposal, Council excluded sites previously endorsed in the Parramatta CBD Planning Investigation Area, inevitably &lsquo;kicking the can down the road&rsquo; to be progressed at a later stage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164848]

This has happened again in the Parramatta North and Phillip Street Block and is a missed opportunity to utilise the full potential of the CBD area, according to Forrest.

The other last-minute DPE change to the plan includes restrictions to the floor space ratio (FSR) from those originally proposed by Parramatta Council.

&ldquo;Parramatta Council proposed an exemption from any FSR controls for office development (greater than 1,800 sqm) in the Commercial Core and the Mixed Use zone. This was proposed to allow for maximum flexibility and as an incentive to future investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7642 project_image_fid=197136]

&ldquo;The Urban Taskforce has repeatedly called for flexibility in the planning controls which will enable the market to create developments that are best suited to the area and best respond to the demand for office spaces, retail, and homes. Council had proposed precisely this and DPE re-imposed unwelcome controls which will limit commercial development and opportunities for quality new jobs,&rdquo; Forrest said.

&ldquo;Parramatta Council&rsquo;s worthy intention was to enable A-Grade office towers to be built with modern designs. The competitive and creative designs of today&rsquo;s modern office towers ensure great look, functional space and build form which is best suited to the demand of the market today and in the future,&rdquo; he added.

Notwithstanding the reduced size of the development area and the FSR restrictions, the finalisation of the CBD Planning Proposal will finally give some certainty to investors.

The amended Parramatta Local Environmental Plan commences on 14 October 2022 but is expected to guide the economic development of the CBD for the foreseeable future.

&ldquo;It is great to see the NSW Government, led by Planning Minister Roberts, tackling housing supply and this is a positive step,&rdquo; Forrest concluded.

The long-awaited changes to the planning rules for the area will offer the potential to create much needed housing supply and quality jobs for Sydney’s second city



Parramatta could see 12,000 new dwellings as CBD Planning Proposal gets greenlight

Alton Property Group have amalgamated a massive nine lot site in the heart of the exclusive Neutral Bay on Sydney&#39;s Lower North Shore, with plans to create a 40-apartment development.

Designed by A+ Design Group at 4-14 Merlin Street,&nbsp;the proposal involves alterations and additions to an existing nine-storey residential building, demolition of existing dwellings on six lots, and&nbsp;the construction of a four-storey residential flat development with a rooftop communal open space and residential amenities on the ground floor.

&ldquo;The scale of the buildings has been carefully modulated in bulk, height, landscaped area and spatial separation controls to represent an expression of the desired character in the locality,&rdquo; A+ Design Group Architect, Tony Leung, noted in their submission.

<img alt="" height="1098" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-10_at_10.55.02_pm.png" width="2214" /> 
A render of the proposed development at 4-14 Merlin St, Neutral Bay. Image credit&quot; A+ Design Group.&nbsp;

Set to comprise a mix of four one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and 19 three-bedroom apartments, the development aims to keep with the demand in the marketplace, which is predominantly for owner occupiers looking for two and three-bedroom spaces.

The planning and arrangement of the apartments have been designed to maximise solar access, natural ventilation and daylight with a focus on blending the inside to the out.

&ldquo;The proposal contains an appropriate composition of building and landscape elements, textures, materials and colours to reflect the positive elements of the existing neighbourhood,&rdquo; Leung added.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve intended to achieve a clean modern aesthetic through a selected palette of materials, as well as the articulation of the building mass.&rdquo;

<img alt="" height="1016" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-10_at_10.55.12_pm.png" width="2198" /> 
A render of the proposed development at 4-14 Merlin St, Neutral Bay. Image credit&quot; A+ Design Group.&nbsp;

A number of canopy trees will feature around the perimeter of the site, with planting along the street frontages providing privacy and a softening to the built forms, as well as planting along the western boundary creating a buffer from the Warringah Freeway.

&ldquo;The proposed landscape design is an integral part of the overall design intent&rdquo;, said Leung, with over 1,191 sqm of the site dedicated to green and open spaces.

Set to comprise a mix of four one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and 19 three-bedroom apartments, the development aims to keep with the demand in the marketplace, which is predominantly for owner occupiers looking for two and three-bedroom spaces.

First look: Alton Property Group to create Neutral Bay apartment development

The Bradford in Kew presents an opportunity to join the ranks of one of the Melbourne&rsquo;s most exclusive enclaves, with heritage overlays and planning controls limiting obtainability.

Developed by Jafari Property Group with a focus on those looking to downsize without compromising on quality and luxury appointments, The Bradford offers discerning buyers the chance to secure a blue-chip property and enhanced lifestyle, enjoying the area&rsquo;s abundance of amenities and relaxed community atmosphere.

Located in the tightly-held Sackville Ward, The Bradford beats at the heart of Kew&rsquo;s rich history.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112356 project_image_fid=197079]

Surrounded by grand estates and mansions and tree-lined thoroughfares, The Bradford comprises 10 luxury residences curated by the highly-regarded Cera Stribley architecture and interior design studio.

Designed over three levels, the building integrates into the surrounding streetscape, cleverly divided into four smaller entities, each with their own identity to imbue a sense of privacy and individuality according to the developers, connected by a secure lobby.

The generously-proportioned single-level apartments, including two penthouses, range from 95 sqm to 227 sqm, with gardens and outdoor terraces from 13 sqm to 148 sqm adding to the sense of light and space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112356 project_image_fid=197093]

Expansive floorplans encompass two or three-bedrooms and up to three-bathrooms and a powder room. Residences also feature sumptuous living spaces leading to private outdoor living areas, with the basement providing storage and dual private parking, with three spaces allocated for each penthouse.

Cera Stribley&rsquo;s signature brick exterior is a nod to the local heritage and neighbouring period dwellings, acknowledging the surrounding context while reinterpreting the past with a restrained and contemporary architectural vision

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112356 project_image_fid=197084]

The exterior combines brick and timber materials to give the building a striking yet delicate aspect, while the visual bulk has been skilfully softened by the fracturing of the buildings into four entities, each articulated differently in its facade expression, colour and texture, to more closely reflect the established character of the neighbouring houses.

Significant landscaping along the building&rsquo;s two street frontages further softens the fa&ccedil;ade, with the ground-floor apartments all enjoying lush gardens, and the terrace landscaping adding to the restrained silhouette.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112356]

Located in the tightly-held Sackville Ward, The Bradford beats at the heart of Kew’s rich history.



Jafari Property Group launch The Bradford, Kew's latest luxury apartments

The international developer Mulpha, who are developing the $1 billion zero-carbon, masterplanned Norwest Quarter project, have already secured over a third of the sales in the first release.

The recently approved first stage of two apartment buildings, Banksia and Lacebark, will home a total of 196 apartments. The first stage will also include&nbsp;more than 3,000 sqm of specially curated and sustainably led retail and commercial space, including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.

The initial sales have shown a strong interest from&nbsp;a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.

Mulpha has appointed Parkview Construction to build the project, with work expected to commence in June, with a focus on quality control and delivering new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196023]

&ldquo;We are very excited to launch the first apartment buildings in Norwest Quarter which we believe will set a new benchmark in lifestyle design with its focus on community, sustainability and harmony with the natural environment,&rdquo; said Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer.

The 115-apartment Banksia building, designed by leading architects Bates Smart, will offer a choice of one, two and three-bedroom open plan apartments, with views north towards Castle Hill Country Club and southwest over Norwest Lake. Banksia&rsquo;s design prioritises outdoor space and connecting to nature, with each apartment featuring one or more oversized balcony, complimented with lush landscaping.

The 81-apartment Lacebark building, designed by Smart Design Studio, comprises generously sized one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with three-bedroom penthouses, all with curved balconies and angled blades, designed to bring in more sunlight in the winter and protection from the sun in the summer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196019]

Banksia will also be home to a residents-only podium rooftop, which will have a swimming pool, sunlit garden, a lounge, work from home pods, and function room for hire, while Lacebark is set to include a resident&rsquo;s lounge and a comunal garden, complete with a kitchen, sundeck, and barbecues.

&ldquo;The design of both buildings far exceeds standard sustainability regulations with best practice passive design principles and high-performance environmental initiatives throughout,&rdquo; Spencer said.

An open public plaza will link the two buildings together, with a wild botanical garden, as well as an amphitheatre, timber walkways, water and wild play for children, decked areas and seating, with the plaza contributing to the 70 percent of open green space within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196021]

The Norwest Quarter environment has also been designed to minimise the urban heat island effect (UHIE) through substantial re-wilding of the natural landscape, which in turn will promote local flora and fauna.

Initiatives to enhance long term re-wilding include pollination and soil health management, which will all contribute to the creation of a cooler and healthier environment throughout the precinct. Apartments in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical apartment, and one third less water from the grid.

Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the apartments, purchasers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103264 project_image_fid=196003]

&ldquo;I believe people will choose to live here for the opportunity to be part of a community, aiming for a better future, targeting 100 percent renewable energy, reduced waste, and efficient use of resources including water,&rdquo; Spencer added.&nbsp;

Both buildings will also feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. Apartments will benefit from high efficiency lighting and appliances, and are 100 per cent electric with induction cooktops and electric hot water.

Other sustainable community initiatives will include communal electric barbecues, communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes.

Once complete, Norwest Quarter will transform over 3.8-hectares of greenfield land into a vibrant village centre for over 2,000 residents. There will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=103264]

Over a third of the first release residences sold out within the first two weeks, with a strong interest from a mix of owner occupiers, including young families, and local investors.



Mulpha secure quick sales in first stage of Norwest Quarter zero-carbon apartments

Aqualand has just released stage two of its North Sydney development, AURA.&nbsp;

The $1 billion luxury mixed-use residential development sits among an area undergoing a huge revitalisation, with plans already underway to deliver public domain works that complement the suburb&rsquo;s new transport, commercial and cultural infrastructure.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181055]

Aqualand&rsquo;s stage two is a new release of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments range from 55 sqm to 262 sqm, with most featuring north-facing living rooms offering abundant sunlight, west views out to the sunset and district views out to the horizon.

Once known as Australia&rsquo;s largest office precinct outside of a capital city CBD, North Sydney is experiencing a growing demand for larger homes and apartments and is set to transform into a more vibrant and liveable place.

Economist Nerida Conisbee says the transformation will pose an exciting investment opportunity for property investors and owner-occupiers alike as demand for housing in North Sydney explodes over the next five-years.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Given the high level of amenity and proximity to other parts of the city, there is very strong demand for housing in North Sydney, driven by a combination of increasing population growth and the move to apartment living in inner Sydney,&quot; Conisbee says.

&quot;This major transformation will make it an even more attractive, sustainable, and vibrant place for residents, workers and businesses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181050]

&ldquo;Unit price growth over the past 2 years has been unprecedented, doubling over the past decade and increasing by 12% over the past 12 months. As North Sydney transforms, it will attract more than 6,000 new residents over the next 15 years, with nearly 3,600 new dwellings required to accommodate them.

&ldquo;As empty nesters and downsizers are the main growth category, most will need to be suitable for couples without children and singles. Due to land shortages, almost all will need to be medium to high density.&quot;

AURA by Aqualand, featuring architectural design by award-winning firm Woods Bagot and interiors by Richards Stanisich, will offer residents extensive&nbsp;views,&nbsp;leafy surrounds and unmatched urban convenience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181062]

Aqualand&#39;s stage two release features apartments&nbsp;aligned with a modern&nbsp;lifestyle, with residences offering&nbsp;a multi-functional room that can be used to create a second living area, home office or guest room. Select apartments will also enjoy sunlit, glazed studies.

Residents will have a choice between three&nbsp;colour schemes, with Dark, Mid and Light.&nbsp;Spaces are flexible and generous, allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility and&nbsp;the seamless balance between living and working from home. Each AURA residence is unique in planning and proportion, offering different models and solutions to balancing work and home life in the same space. Marble benchtops anchor kitchen spaces that balance form and function, with touches of rich oak and dark bronze adding artistic luxury, while the bathrooms feature marble flooring and bronze powder-coated, framed mirrors.

AURA by Aqualand features a range of community amenities, including an expansive pool and gym, sun deck and community centre, reserved for residents&rsquo; private use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181046]

High-end dining and entertaining is only moments from the apartments, with&nbsp;Aqualand&rsquo;s hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, also curating and managing AURA&rsquo;s multi-level hospitality precinct, which is set to home a providore, bakery, diner, and contemporary Japanese eatery.

Further afield, the new North Sydney metro station is a short stroll from AURA, giving residents convenient access to the rest of Sydney.

Etymon Projects will also deliver&nbsp;24/7 concierge services to AURA residents. Customised to AURA residents&#39; lifestyles, services will include everything you&rsquo;d expect from a luxury concierge, including home management and event planning, welcoming guests, making dining reservations, and planning itineraries.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=30959]

The $1 billion luxury mixed-use residential development sits among an area undergoing a huge revitalisation, with plans already underway to deliver public domain works that complement the suburb’s new transport, commercial and cultural infrastructure. 



Growing demand for larger apartments in North Sydney sees Aqualand launch stage two of AURA

Inspired by the sun-soaked charm of coastal living and fused with timeless elegance, Lagoon provides a collection of residences that mirror Main Beach&rsquo;s landscape and lifestyle.

The Lagoon residences present a range of two and three-bedroom apartments, along with the signature range of sky homes and duel level penthouse suites.&nbsp;

Demand has been unsurprisingly high, with developer Drew Group planning to bring to market the second tower much earlier than planned and build them simultaneously.&nbsp;

We&rsquo;ve taken a closer look at Lagoon Main Beach and what buyers will love about the rare project.

<h2>The Design</h2>

Set in the heart of Main Beach at 11-23 Cronin Avenue, Lagoon comprises two architecturally stunning towers with 248 residences.

<a href="/developers/drew-group" target="_blank">Drew Group</a>&nbsp;appointed Plus Architecture&nbsp;to design the development with sustainability, environmental, infrastructure and urban renewal at the forefront of their brief resulting in a well crafted design that answers the needs of modern apartment living.

Danny Juric, Director at Plus Architecture, had a clear vision&nbsp;for&nbsp;Lagoon&nbsp;and what he wanted to bring to Main Beach, embracing the coastal living with elegantly expressed modern architecture, with a twist of Palm Springs minimalism.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=191661]

With all apartments&nbsp;oriented to maximise the views,&nbsp;Tower 1, named Sunrise, is the larger of the two, rising 31 levels with 143 apartments. Comprising a mix of two-bedroom apartments, which start from 91 sqm of internal space, along with 27 three-bedroom-apartments,&nbsp;which start from 154 sqm of living space, the typical floor-plate is made up of five apartments per floor, up until level 27, where the Signature Collection begins.&nbsp;

The duel-level&nbsp;penthouse suites are located at level 31, with the&nbsp;first&nbsp;floor home to three of the four bedrooms, as well as the kitchen living and dining space. The second-level feature&nbsp;the master suite, along with a media room, and an expansive&nbsp;terrace,&nbsp;spanning&nbsp;over 100 sqm with an outdoor kitchen, dining area, and private plunge pool.

Buyers of the dual-level penthouse suites will have the opportunity to give the home a personal touch with an allocation provided to complete the look with personalised fittings and finishes in consultation with interior designer and architect.

Tower 2, aptly named Sunset, rises 23 levels and has 111 apartments, with a breakdown of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193014]

Both towers have podium level access to all the facilities, including the heated lagoon pool, barbecue and leisure areas, the business hub and the fitness centre.&nbsp;

<h2 data-uw-styling-context="true">The Developer</h2>

Established in 1982, Drew Group is a family-orientated property development and investment company, that operates out of Main Beach, Gold Coast. With over 40 years&rsquo; experience in the development industry, Drew Group started at grass roots in Brisbane across all sectors including commercial, industrial, retail, and residential.&nbsp;

Both personable and community focused, Drew Group&rsquo;s focus on opportunities has been market driven; diversifying their portfolio has provided a wide scope of experience across a range of project types.

Drew Group have evoked their community focus, through their deep passion for delivering practical and stylish developments.

&ldquo;Through a very &ldquo;hands on&rdquo; approach to all aspects of the development process, we manage to successfully obtain optimal outcomes for our buyers and investors,&rdquo; say Drew Group.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193255]

The group are no strangers to Main Beach, having completed a luxury 16-storey development back in 2018, delivering 29 luxury apartments to the area.

With projects extending up the coastline, the group&rsquo;s previous projects have all been sell-outs, giving buyers assurance in the quality and integrity of their work.

<h2>The Location</h2>

It doesn&rsquo;t get much better than waking up to the sounds and smells of the neighbouring ocean. &nbsp;With expansive golden beaches bordered by verdant bushland and green spaces, Main Beach is defined by its landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193016]

Lagoon occupies the largest landholding in Main Beach, the careful amalgamation of seven sites, with the site occupying a length of street stretching almost from street corner to street corner.

Beyond the picturesque setting, Lagoon Main Beach lands on the doorstep to a cosmopolitan lifestyle that rivals the offerings of world-renowned destinations.

Tedder Avenue is just 50-metres from Lagoon, while residents will only have to walk 200-metres to access the beach.

Public transport access is easy with Lagoon sitting just 400-metres from the tram line, while MacIntosh Park and Boat ramp are only 900-metres. &nbsp;

<h2>The Amenity</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Lagoon Main Beach is aptly named after its central leisure facilities, with the lagoon-style pool and the Palm Springs-inspired escape being&nbsp;the focal point to the development.

The recreational podium level, shared between the two buildings, also features a spa,&nbsp;integrated lounges and cabanas, a gym, and barbecue areas, showers, surfboard storage,&nbsp;work from home spaces and a business hub and lounge with a board room.

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We’ve taken a closer look at Lagoon Main Beach and why buyers should have it at the top of their list.



Why buy a Lagoon, Main Beach apartment

Burleigh Heads is one of the most popular&nbsp;suburbs across the whole of the Gold Coast when it comes to multi-res apartment developments.

Given how in demand higher density projects are, it&#39;s rare to see a boutique project in the pipeline.

A recent development application lodged by K2H Developments, in a joint venture with&nbsp;Golconda Property Group, will see just four townhouse-style dwellings created at&nbsp;8 Bullimah Avenue -&nbsp;just one street back from Tallebudgera Creek and just the other side of the Gold Coast Highway from Burleigh Head National Park.

They will be&nbsp;built on the 550 sqm site and will each have three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms across the three levels, as well as a garaging for two cars.

&ldquo;Each dwelling has been carefully designed to make the best use of the site whilst enhancing the visual appreciation of the site,&rdquo; UPS said in their development application documents.

<a href="/buildings/beju-residences-8-bullimah-avenue-burleigh-heads"><img alt="" height="776" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-06_at_12.39.56_pm.png" width="970" /></a> 
A render of the proposed development at 8 Bullimah Avenue, Burleigh Heads. Image sourced.&nbsp;

Designed by Mi Design Studio, the ground floor will include the garage of each unit and a mud room and store area. The rear of each residence will also include the bin store and clothesline and a small landscape strip.

Each dwelling is benefitted by their own separate access with unit one with its own private access from a separate entrance off Bullimah Avenue and unit four accessed from the rear. Each dwelling has access to the floors above by way of stairs and lift.

The first floor will home the three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms, including an ensuite, with the second-floor featuring the living, kitchen and dining areas, following an open-plan layout that flows seamlessly onto the adjoining balcony areas.

The roof terrace will be open in nature, providing a private open space for the occupants of each dwelling, benefiting from views around the site. The space will also include a stairway, lift, powder room and laundry.

Each unit has a north-eastern aspect with units one and four also benefitting from aspects to the east and north-west respectively.

Benefiting from close proximity to a number of public transport, retail, dining, education and entertainment options, the site is within walking distance to the Koala Park neighbourhood centre, just 1.2-kilometres to Stockland shopping centre and 100-metres from a bus stop along the Gold Coast Highway.

Four residences are set to be built across the 550 sqm site, each with three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms, along with a powder room, and a two-car garage over three-storeys.



Townhouse-style dwellings set for Burleigh Heads site

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

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The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

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Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

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“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

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Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

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Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

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Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

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Alison Warters

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