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Situated within Sydney’s fast-changing mid-town precinct, the 32 York Street office building has been listed by pub king Christopher Cheung with $20 million plus hopes.
The  CBD property has been marketed with the potential for redevelopment, with several different scenarios already contemplated, including hotel and residential schemes.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/32york.jpg" width="470">
It's been listed by Benjamin Azar from Savills Australia, whose marketing material stresses the precinct now includes premium brands Louis Vuitton, Apple and Burberry along with Telstra, CBA, IAG and Macquarie Bank.
The building is adjacent to Sydney’s most iconic and well-known commercial office and retail strips, just south of King Street. The precinct is under major transformation following the Sydney City Council’s proposed development of George Street, situated behind York Street.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/32york2.jpg">
It is understood Cheung is selling the property to focus on his pubs portfolio.


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The 32 York Street building is on a block of 628 square metres.
The lower and upper ground floors comprise retail space with an area of 763 square metres.
The nine upper levels, which are for office accommodation, have an area of 4,111 square metres, bringing in total a 4,874 square metres of lettable area.
The total gross income for the property sits at $1.47 million, with $920,675 coming from office rental, with another $476,961 coming from retail rental.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/32york3.jpg" width="470">
Currently it has an occupancy rate of 76%. Its estimated fully leased net passing income is given as $1.35 million.
The building was constructed in 1964 with part refurbished in 1986 and more in 1995.
Cheung is the owner of Cheung Properties and made <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/a-new-king-joins-sydneys-pub-royalty--this-time-in-the-cross-20101117-17xpx" target="_blank">headlines in November 2010</a> when he purchased the landmark hotel The Bourbon in Kings Cross.
He also owns the Coogee Bay Hotel and in 2009 confirmed plans to transform it into a $150 million retail and entertainment hub.
The last reports regarding the redevelopment of <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/as-you-were-on-part-3a-development-proposals-20110512-1ektf" target="_blank">Coogee Bay was in May 2011</a>, when the $150 redevelopment plans before the NSW Labor government's planning department was sent back to the local council.
There has been no update since.
Expression of interest of 32 York Street closes October 18.
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Pub king Christopher Cheung lists York Street, Sydney CBD, office building with $20 million-plus hopes

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Four Queensland investors have used their self-managed super funds to buy the Springfield Marketplace Shopping Centre for $1,475,000 at a very healthy yield of 9.8%.
The sale of the 627-square-metre retail centre on a 3,235-square-metre site near Ipswich was negotiated by Knight Frank’s Andrew Burke, who says investors are keen to use their self-managed super funds to purchase such investments.
The property had previously been under offer at $1.65 million, according to a <a href="https://commercialrealestate.com.au/Property/2009810475/For-Sale/QLD/SPRINGFIELD/Retail" target="_blank">listing on commercialrealestate.com.au.</a>
Burke says that interest was “above average” because it is “hard to find something in that price range with a yield of that kind”.
“We believe the price range appealed to many self-managed super funds; disclosing the asking price allowed potential investors to instantly know if it was within their price range,” says Burke.
"Unlike some other property classes all buyers can relate to small-scale retail centres;  and finally, there was not actually a huge amount of income-generating assets on the market” he adds.
Located on 30 Commercial Drive, Springfield, the centre is 24 kilometres south-west of the Brisbane CBD.
The complex includes outlets such as Eagle Boys Pizza, Springfield Garden Restaurant, Nina’s bakery, CEBU Asian Supermarket and Salt n’ Battered.
The vendor was Itche Fa Investments.
Two weeks ago, Property Observer reported on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/suburban-shopping-centre-sales-top-%241-billion-for-year-cbre/2011091451549" target="_blank">market analysis from CBRE</a> revealing that sales of neighbourhood and sub-regional shopping centres had topped $1 billion in the past year.
A total of 38 centres have been traded this year, 37% more than in 2010, with the market sector benefitting from customers moving more towards food and service retailing.
According to Colliers, prime yields in sub-regional and neighbourhood shopping centres start from around 7% and rise up to as 10% in the secondary market.
Colliers head of national research Nerida Conisbee suggest investors consider regional shopping centres under $5 million as well as suburban strata offices.
Major property groups, including Lend Lease and Colonial First State have already started advertising investment funds specifically targeted at sub-regional and neighbourhood shopping centres.
Urbis National director of valuation Matt Cleary says, “Pricing has got back to much more in line with historical trends”. 
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Investor syndicate snaps up Queensland retail centre on near 10% yield

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The Melbourne suburb of Meadow Heights is the worst-performing suburb in the Victorian housing market over the past year, according to the latest Residex market index.
The suburb, which is 18 kilometres north of Melbourne CBD, suffered a drop of 9.7% in median house prices over the 12-month period, with the median house value now at $441,000.
In August 2011, the suburb had small gains of 0.77%, before losing 10.47% in the past year. Sales rose 3.47% in the past 12 months, with only 1,550 properties being sold.
In regards to rent, the median price rose 1.47% to a $345, equating to a median of 4.1%.
It was the hardest hit in the metropolitan suburbs, with <a href="/news">Essendon </a>hit second hardest, with house prices falling 8.44%. In <a href="/news">Brunswick </a>the median house price fell 7.69%, in <a href="/news">Fitzroy </a>it fell 5.67% and in <a href="/news">Doncaster </a>the median house price fell 5.96%.
<a href="/news">Meadow Heights</a>, which was previously known as Broadmeadows North, underwent a property boom in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Demand for new houses rose, forcing potential buyers into the outer-suburban area.
There is one shopping centre in the suburb, the Centro Meadow Heights, which has a SUPA IGA supermarket and over 25 retail outlets.
The suburb has numerous parks, the largest being the Broadmeadow Valley Park, which is filled with soccer fields and playgrounds. The Shankland Wetlands, which is home to a variety of native birds, is also in the area.
According to realestate.com.au, a very meagre 14 properties are for sale, with only 10 properties available for rent.
This <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-meadow+heights-107166090.pdf?1923cc5d6f3e4c6ae4ef78ec004dab80">three-bedroom house</a> (pictured below), within walking distance to the shopping centre, was recently sold for $305,000 by Jason Real Estate Glenroy.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/rosedale1.jpg">
Something a little closer to the median house value, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-meadow+heights-105826325.pdf?ab39445eec613da45104b31ed1d7b537" target="_blank">this four-bedroom house</a> (pictured below) was sold for $403,000 by YPA estate agents, with the opportunity to purchase extra land from the council to modify the barbecue area.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/dunkeld.jpg">
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Meadow Heights worst-performing Melbourne suburb in past year: Residex

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The popular tourism town of Bendigo, known for its rich gold mining history, has been the top-performing Victorian housing market over the past year, according to the latest Residex regional market index.
House values in the central northern town are up by 4.25% for the year ending August 2012, bettering the previous 12-month increase of 2.85%.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Bendigo</a> is $264,000.
Residex reports there was a 9.49% jump in sales activity, with 2,941 properties sold during 12-month period.
The average house rent price in Bendigo was up by 1.8% for the year, to $280, equating to a median yield of around 5.5%.
Bendigo outperformed other strong regional towns, including Shepparton (3.18% increase in house values), Mildura (up 2.92%) and Wodonga (up 2.93%).
Those regional towns were the only positive localites, with towns going back in value including Ballarat (-1.97%), Geelong and surrounding area (-3.8%), Castlemaine (-2.6%) and with Mornington and surrounding area at -4.06%.




Bendigo is situated approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and is the fourth most populous city in Victoria, with an estimated urban population of 90,000.
According to the ANZ, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/bendigo-strongest-victorian-regional-housing-market-far-outperforming-shepparton-anz/2012070955483">Bendigo has outperformed</a> other regional and metropolitan cities in Victoria, including La Trobe Valley, Warrnambool and even Melbourne in terms of capital growth.
As of the year ending March 2012, Bendigo had a capital growth of 7%, compared with 5% in the La Trobe Valley and 4% in Warrnambool. Melbourne's capital growth fell 6%.
According to realestateview.com there are 171 properties for sale and 94 properties for rent in Bendigo. 

Recent property sales in Bendigo include <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Bendigo/?adid=2008302654" target="_blank">this three-bedroom modern home</a> (pictured below) through the Select Property Group for $295,000. Located in the heart of Bendigo, it offers magnificent views of the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/vine.jpg" width="470">
A little higher than the median price, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Bendigo/?adid=2007508586" target="_blank">this recently restored four-bedroom house</a> (pictured below) sold $367,500 through Kangaroo Flat Realty. Formerly a church (since 1891) it is approximately 325 square metres and has been revived for modern living and was sold in January this year.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mackenziest.jpg" width="470">
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Bendigo best-performing Victorian housing market in past year: Residex

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The Mirvac Group has sold 50% of its stake in the Old Treasury Building, Perth to K-REIT Asia for $165 million.
It's a new A-grade commercial tower project on the site of Perth’s Old Treasury.
The deal will have to wait for approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board.
It has a construction completion date set for 2015.
The building will have 30,800 square-metre space with 98% pre-committed by a 25-year lease to the WA state government.
K-REIT will fund 50% of the development costs, at an effective rate of 7%.
Mirvac’s Bevan Towning said he was delighted with his company’s second co-investment with the Singapore-listed group.
“This transaction is Mirvac’s second co-investment with K-REIT, following the sale of a 50 per cent interest in our latest premium grade Sydney office tower, 8 Chifley Square, and we are delighted to work with K-REIT to deliver one of Perth’s flagship projects.”
Mirvac Constructions, a subsidiary of the Mirvac Group, will deliver the building under a fixed-price design. It is anticipated that on completion, Mirvac Asset Management will be appointed as property manager by the co-owners.
The property is targeting a five-star <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gbca.org.au/green-star/">green star</a> rating by the Green Building Council of Australia and is designed to achieve a 4.5-star <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbd.gov.au/NABERSRatings.aspx">NABERS Energy Rating</a>.
Last November Property Observer reported the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/perth-s-old-treasury-to-become-aman-resort/2011110752242">Old Treasury buildings </a> were being refurbished into an ultra-exclusive Aman Resort, while a 35-level office tower was being developed at the centre of the site, which is part of the St George’s Terrace Cathedral Heritage Precinct.
 
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Mirvac sells 50% of the Old Treasury Building, Perth project to K-REIT Asia

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The popular Horizons Resort on Lake Jindabyne, NSW, has been listed for sale.
Ian Dore of Resort Brokers Australia has been appointed to sell the four-star tourist accommodation resort, which is priced at $2,995,000.
The large resort has 120 self-contained residential apartments, three separate conference rooms catering up to 250 people, as well as a tented function room. 
The holiday destination also includes a restaurant, bistro and bar, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool, gym, tennis court and undercover parking for visitors and employees. 
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/horizons.jpg">
The first stage of the resort was built in 1995 and the final stage completed in 2000. The resort was owner-operated by the original developer. In 2002, management and leasing agreements were sold to an independent operator until 2011, when a protracted court case gave 100% control back to the original owner, who has since put the commercial property up for sale. 
The greatest demand for the resort is during the winter ski season, from June to September, with an occupancy rate of 90%.
It is also a destination during the summer period for weddings, conferences and events. It has an annual occupancy rate of 47%.
The 120 apartments include studios, deluxe studios and two-storey split apartments for the executive studios.
The price for one night for a studio apartment during the winter season is $250, with a deluxe studio at $300 and the executive studio valued at $450. 
During the summer season, excluding the holiday period of Christmas and New Year's, the cost for one night in a studio is $125, a deluxe studio for $150 and an executive studio for $275.
The 12 staff members are currently employed for the full year, with numerous casuals working during the winter ski season.
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Horizons Resort at Lake Jindabyne, NSW, listed for $2,995,000

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Complete with its sloping walls, balconies and staircases, the famous Ettamogah Pub at Table Top has been listed for liquidation sale about a year after its closure.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/09/ettamogah1.jpg">
The iconic original pub has been listed through Angus Macleod of Ray White Rural Wagga in conjunction with Ray White Hotels, acting under instructions from Andrew Bowcher, the official liquidator at RSM Bird Cameron.
It's been listed, along with the Ettamogah concept licence, after entertainment industry entrepreneur Leigh O'Brien, its owner, encountered financial difficulties.
It was reported in 2011 that O'Brien <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/ettamogah-publican-pursued-for-9-million-20110528-1f9rh">owed creditors about $9 million</a>.
The pub dates back to 1987 when built by Albury businessman Lindsay Cooper, based around the famous cartoons published by Ken Maynard.
The cartoons were published in the now defunct Australian Post magazine.
Maynard, who passed away in 1998, created the comic strip featuring the Ettamogah Pub and a motley bunch of characters, including koalas, kangaroos, kids and Struth, the boots-wearing cockatoo.
The original pub in Table Top was a faithful re-creation of the distinctive lopsided architecture and has since become an iconic tourist attraction. 
It is 15 kilometres out of Albury.
The timber watering hole, a replica of Ken Maynard's long-running Ettamogah Mob cartoon in the Australasian Post magazine, is set on 10 hectares.
The complex attracted about 1 million people a year at its peak when owned by a De Bortoli Wines subsidiary.
Another Ettamogah Pub was opened in 1989 in Queensland and then a further two pubs constructed, most recently in 2003, in Rouse Hill, Sydney and in 2001 in the town of Cunderdin, Western Australia, 156 kilometres east of Perth.
In 1992, both the original pub in Table Top and the one on the Sunshine Coast were put up for sale, with the buyer acquiring worldwide trademark and licence rights to the Ettamogah Pub “intellectual property”. It was bought in 1994 by current owner Leigh O'Brien.
Offers close on October 26.
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Ettamogah Pub at Table Top, Albury, in liquidation sale

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The historic Lewis Anchorage site, located on Mangrove Street, Taren’s Point, in Sydney’s South, has been listed for sale with $6 million expectations.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/lew.jpg">
The property is situated in the southern shores of Botany Bay in close proximity to the entrance of the Georges River.
The property, which is currently occupied by boat repair and maintenance businesses, has a land area of 8,704 square metres and a <a href="https://dictionary.nwc.gov.au/water_dictionary/item.cfm?id=707&amp;xref=1" target="_blank">water lease</a> of 6,025 square metres. The sale is being conducted through Brett Cooper of Cooper Wilson, who says comparable opportunities have been few.
The site has been in the current owner’s family since 1935 commencing with a long commercial association with Botany Bay oyster farming from the early 1900s. In 1956 the Lewis family successfully dredged providing better access to Botany Bay for many vessels.
 In 1978, following the demise of the Georges River oyster industry, Lewis Anchorage shifted focus from oyster farming to the marine business. With over two acres of land, large compounds were initially sectioned off to store small boats and trailers. A boat launching ramp was constructed so that it could launch three boats at the one time.
 To provide maintenance and repairs to boats, the construction of the 70-tonne capacity <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_lift" target="_blank">ship-lift</a> was completed in 1986, to lift boats out of the water. Since then, the site has lifted and housed huge cruisers both private and commercial for maintenance. Both Riviera and Maritimo vessels are sent to the site for packing prior to being exported. The marine repair facility has catered for many essential service vessels and a wide variety of private crafts, including Water Police, Coast Guard, Sydney Port Pilots, the Navy and the Army.
Current outgoing rates that are associated with the anchorage include Council rates ($13,348.80 plus GST per annum), water rates ($684.28 plus GST per annum) and a land tax of $35,897.30 plus GST per annum.
The property is situated in the southern shores of Botany Bay and is in close proximity to the entrance of the Georges River. <a target="_blank" href="/news">Taren Point</a> is only six kilometres to Cronulla and 25 kilometres to the Sydney CBD.
Expressions of interest in the property close on October 11 unless sold prior.
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Historic Lewis Anchorage site fishing for $6 million new owner

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Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo has confirmed plans to open its first Australian store. Currently there are 903 Uniqlo outlets worldwide.
The company, best known for its multi-coloured micro-fibre wools and cottons clothing, will establish a Melbourne office in December.
Uniqlo spokesperson Aldo Liguori says the company's first store will open in 2013-2014.
“We expect to open one store in Australia during the fiscal year 2013," he says.
"We believe there is strong potential for the Uniqlo brand among consumers in Australia.”
Uniqlo is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Pty Ltd, a global fashion operation.
The company was founded in 1984 in Japan, where it is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Over the years, Uniqlo has moved into the fast fashion market.
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Japanese fast fashion powerhouse Uniqlo begins plans for Australian opening

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The uncertain Payless Shoes future – following last Friday's voluntary administration – will likely impact on landlords, with Centro and Westfield the hardest hit.
Westfield is the landlord of 30 outlets of the discount shoes company. The plurality of these, 13 stores, are in NSW.
There are another six outlets each in Victorian and Queensland Westfields, along with two each in the ACT and Western Australia and one in South Australia, as currently listed on the Payless Shoes website.
Centro Centres has 14 NSW Payless Shoes stores, followed by 10 in Victoria, six in Queensland, three in Western Australia and one each in South Australia and Tasmania.
NSW was the dominant location of all the 234 stores with 105 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/payless-trodden-into-voluntary-administration-by-poor-consumer-confidence/2012092456761">Payless Shoes outlets.</a>
Second was Queensland with 54 stores; Victoria third with 44, followed by 15 in Western Australia, seven in Tasmania, five in South Australia and only four in the ACT.
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Retail landlords Westfield and Centro hit hardest by Payless administration

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> has opened sales for the final building in Macquarie Rise, its latest mixed-use development in Macquarie Park.

Since launching its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/macquarie-rise-122-herring-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Rise</a> in late 2023, TOGA has secured over 125 sales in the Herring Road development, to a range of purchasers, from first home buyers to investors and downsizers. Around 65 per cent of purchasers have been owner-occupiers.

TOGA has now launched a new release of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the final building, Saunders Rise. Many of the apartments feature multi-purpose rooms and offer views of the surrounding greenery. Also part of the release is a series of&nbsp;sub penthouses housed on the upper floors.

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“We’re delighted with the ongoing strong interest in our Macquarie Rise development, which is testament to the need for premium housing in this much-loved Sydney suburb,"&nbsp;Allan Vidor AM, Managing Director at TOGA, said.

"We’re proud to be able to offer buyers a unique product that includes luxury amenities, spacious living areas and flexible layouts, designed to suit all kinds of buyers, from young professionals to families and investors.

“We have long been advocates of Macquarie Park, and once Macquarie Rise is complete, TOGA will have built 1,000 apartments in the area, delivering much needed homes within a thriving precinct. It’s great to see the area become renowned for high-quality apartments, proximity to amenities and green spaces."

TOGA, one of Australia’s few Gold Star iCIRT rated developers, is also handling construction of Macquarie Rise. They are on track to complete the building in 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=310789]

Macquarie Rise boasts a prime location, placing residents within immediate reach of Macquarie Centre, Macquarie University, and the newly completed Macquarie University Metro, connecting to the Sydney CBD is just over 20 minutes.

&nbsp;

Macquarie Rise residents also have access to Club Rise, an exclusive, residents only lounge designed by luxury hotel designers Stack Studio, offering an abundance of work and break-out areas, a Pilates studio, a gym, and a karaoke room. As well as these premium amenities Macquarie Rise will also feature an impressive podium top 20m lap pool.

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“Offering luxury, spacious apartments in a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood, it’s no surprise that Macquarie Rise remains popular with a range of buyers," said TOGA's General Manager of Sales, Anthony Falas.&nbsp;

"With interest rates tracking downwards, we expect the final apartments to continue to receive high levels of interest.”

Located at 122 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, the development will be delivered in partnership with Baptist Union NSW and Morling College with a value of over $400 million.

&nbsp;

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Joel Robinson

TOGA launches final stage apartments in Macquarie Rise

Southern Cross Station anchors the western end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s CBD, connecting metropolitan and regional rail with tram and bus interchanges in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.&nbsp;

Just metres away, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>&nbsp;will place residents in the heart of the city, with immediate access to Spencer Street trams, a growing mix of retail, hospitality and cultural venues, and a neighbourhood evolving into a lively residential precinct.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the 68-storey project integrates a sculptural glass tower with the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley Building on a 2,765 sqm site.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the development replaces a previously approved scheme for 813 apartments with a refined offering of just over 600 larger-format residences, responding to a growing owner-occupier demand for spacious city living.

The location sits within a dynamic pocket undergoing significant transformation. Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are less than 10 minutes away on foot, offering both sports and leisure attractions.&nbsp;

Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and the State Library are all within walking distance, while Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park, provides a green escape just to the north.

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Proximity to some of the city’s largest employers and education hubs, including the courts precinct, legal chambers, RMIT, and major hospitals, makes 640 Bourke Street an appealing residential address for professionals, families and students alike.

Education opportunities span all levels. Nearby, Haileybury City Campus offers private schooling just a short walk from 640 Bourke Street. Just beyond the CBD fringe, Carlton Gardens Primary School, one of Melbourne’s oldest state primary schools, and Docklands Primary School provide convenient government schooling options.

Higher education is equally accessible. RMIT University’s city campus spans multiple buildings just a few blocks away, while the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is easily reached via tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets.

Victoria University’s City Queen campus, focused on law and business, is also close by, positioning 640 Bourke Street within walking distance of three of Melbourne’s major tertiary institutions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335414]

The neighbourhood’s retail tapestry continues to evolve into something distinctly local and walkable. Just steps away, Woolworths Metro on Bourke Street ensures that everyday essentials are easily within reach.&nbsp;

For larger shopping trips, Spencer Outlet Centre on Spencer Street and QV Melbourne on the opposite side of the CBD broaden the offering with supermarkets, fashion, dining and specialty stores.

The lane-to-lane vibe unfolds beautifully in nearby arcades and alleys. Hardware Lane, with its European-style red-brick paving and alfresco dining, pulses with jazzy evenings and casual lunches.

A few minutes north, Howey Place and Centre Place offer leafy, boutique-lined lanes where hidden cafés and niche retailers congregate under historic glass-covered cloisters.

Completing this tapestry is the newly opened Mecca “beauty playground” on Bourke Street. Spanning 4,000 sqm over three levels, the flagship blends immersive retail within an art-deco heritage setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335415]

This finely grained network of shops, eateries, arcades and service outlets defines the everyday lifestyle at 640 Bourke Street - further enriched by over 3,000 sqm of resident amenity including a Turkish-inspired pool, gym, co-working rooms and private cinemas.&nbsp;

Now selling from $640,000 to $3.95 million, with off-the-plan stamp duty concessions available until October 2026. Prospective buyers can visit the on site display gallery which has&nbsp;fully built one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

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640 Bourke Street: A heritage address at the heart of Melbourne

Lower North Shore development specialists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has topped out its new local apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a>.&nbsp;

Located in the tightly held suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a>, Northcote Collective is a collection of just 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by award-winning architects Rothelowman.&nbsp;

The building is just a five to 10 minute walk from the heart of Crows Nest and the new&nbsp;St Leonards and Crows Nest Metro stations. Abadeen has also brought doorstep convenience, with a ground-floor retail offering on Northcote Street.

Northcote Collective is being delivered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a> — an iCIRT-rated construction company well regarded in the new development industry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272840]

“This is an important and exciting moment for Northcote Collective, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners, consultants, and future residents,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.&nbsp;

“From the outset, our vision was to create something truly special for Naremburn — homes that respect the character of the neighbourhood while elevating the standard of Lower North Shore living. With connectivity to transport, retail on the doorstep and a true village lifestyle, this milestone also comes at a perfect time when buyer confidence is returning to the market. I am incredibly proud of our team and of Decode for their dedication in helping us bring this vision to life.”

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The development is two-tiered, with two rooftops for residents. The taller building has an impressive rooftop pool, a rare inclusion in the new Sydney apartment market. The level, with panoramic views, also includes an entertaining terrace with barbecue facilities.

Local downsizers and young professionals are showing the strongest interest in the development, with recent improvements in the property market — supported by three rate cuts in 2025 — boosting borrowing power and buyer confidence.

Auction activity across Sydney surged by almost 30 per cent in recent weeks, with clearance rates above 70 per cent — signalling a renewed wave of buyer demand.

Northcote Collective will welcome buyers in 2026.

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Abadeen tops out Northcote Collective in Naremburn

Sunshine Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devcon-property-group">Devcon Property Group</a> has acquired one of Maroochydore’s most prominent development sites for $12 million unlocking the potentialfor a mixed-use project in the Cotton Tree precinct.

&nbsp;

The 4,178 sqm site at 41–43 Aerodrome Road—well known locally as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants—was sold via an off-market expressions of interest campaign by Colliers agents Nick Dowling and Baydn Dodds. More than 70 targeted buyer groups were approached, resulting in multiple competitive offers for the property.

Devcon Property Group Managing Director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move in line with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality projects in prime coastal locations.&nbsp;

“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside &nbsp;communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” Kain said.

“Its location, ocean view potential, and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an &nbsp;outstanding development prospect. Our plans are to refurbish the existing building and then review &nbsp;development options for the remainder of the site.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Aerodrome Rd site overlooking Beach (Large)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dc4ed-68c1-4bec-a4fc-283063dcde1e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerodrome%20Rd%20site%20overlooking%20Beach%20%28Large%29.jpg?VersionId=b0WxJWevmLoAfCP4YvGImZpR3rSCJJ9L" />

Colliers Special Projects Manager Baydn Dodds said the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s development site market, particularly for projects capable of achieving water views. &nbsp;

“Sites of this scale, in walkable beachside locations with ocean views, are tightly held and continue to attract significant interest from both local and national developers,” Baydn Dodds said. &nbsp;

“Holding a prominent position as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants and more recently occupied by Rashays, the prime site is located just 150 metres from Maroochydore Beach.&nbsp;

“With stunning ocean view potential, located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known iconic &nbsp;beachside communities, within steps of shops, cafes and the beach it is no surprise that there was strong interest in the site. The transaction highlights the ongoing depth of demand for well-located &nbsp;mixed-use sites across the Sunshine Coast.”&nbsp;

Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said the transaction reinforced the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s status as one of Australia’s most active development markets.&nbsp;

“The combination of strong population growth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment is &nbsp;driving demand for quality development opportunities,” Nick Dowling said. &nbsp;

“The Sunshine Coast is one of only three markets nationally to record an increase in crane numbers, &nbsp;reflecting the strength of the region’s construction pipeline.&nbsp;

“Opportunities like this are rare and continue to generate strong buyer interest in the region.”&nbsp;

The Sunshine Coast development market is booming, with several high-profile developers like Cube Developments, Gardner Vaughan Group, and RCQ, planning developments in the region.

Devcon buys Sunshine Coast’s former Sizzler site for new apartment development

Sydney House, the residential redevelopment of the landmark City Tattersall building on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD, will officially launch to the market this month.

The $800 million development, a joint venture between&nbsp;Singapore-listed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/first-sponsor">First Sponsor</a>&nbsp;and leading Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a>, will see a glass tower with 241 apartments and a 135-room hotel built above the restored heritage-listed podium.

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The apartments will offer&nbsp;rare northeast-facing views across the sparkling Sydney Harbour and Hyde Park, all positioned above a luxury hotel with exclusive access to premium amenities and five-star lifestyle services.

Internationally acclaimed architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN Architecture</a>&nbsp;handled the design for the residential component and the interiors for the hotel, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>&nbsp;focused on the heritage podium.

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First Sponsor’s CEO, Neo Teck Pheng, together with ICD Property’s CEO, Matthew Khoo commented that the joint venture team was ecstatic to bring this extraordinary project to market as the first opportunity for those looking to secure their ultimate CBD luxury residence elevated by premium hotel amenities, including select premium services designed for effortless living.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sydney-house-194-204-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney House</a> will offer a sophisticated expression of modern CBD living, capturing panoramic vistas to Sydney’s most beloved icons, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as Hyde Park out to the North and South Heads,” Khoo said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Mr Neo expressed that the reinterpretation of the heritage podium levels will feature an elegant heritage bar and restaurant, along with luxurious hotel and function facilities, enhancing the experience for residents. The historical features will be reborn, ensuring that these grand, opulent spaces will once again be enjoyed, appreciated and celebrated by residents, Sydneysiders as well as interstate and international visitors alike.

Managing sales for the project, SRM Residential Partner Tim Rees said that the team has received an overwhelming response to date, largely from local downsizers and upgraders looking for the ultimate lifestyle purchase.&nbsp;

“Once completed in late 2027, Sydney House will be Sydney CBD’s newest icon blending modern architecture with historic grandeur located in one of the most prestigious enclaves of the CBD,” Rees said.&nbsp;

“Pitt Street is arguably the most significant street in all of Sydney. Just a stone’s throw from Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park and Darling Harbour, Sydney House offers seamless connection with the CBD and beyond. Pitt Street Mall is literally across the road and there is an abundance of dining and cultural venues in close proximity. The outlook from Sydney House will be breathtaking with views of Hyde Park and Sydney’s famous iconic landmarks on offer.

“Following the trend of other global cities such as New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, luxury inner city apartment living with access to premium hotel amenities is the new ‘trophy home’ for wealthy downsizers or empty-nesters who aren’t looking to slow down, as they want to live in the heart of the action.”

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The project boasts a prime CBD location surrounded by the city’s most premium shopping centres including David Jones and Westfield Pitt Street as well as some of Sydney's best restaurants, bars,&nbsp;pubs, theatres, museums, art galleries, and parks.

Residents will be able to access the newly opened Sydney Metro Gadigal Station, located within a block from Sydney House. This station provides connectivity to Martin Place (one min), Barangaroo (three mins) and North Sydney (11 mins) as well as Chatswood and Macquarie University through to Castle Hill and Norwest. With services every four minutes during peak times, the Sydney Metro provides the ultimate convenience with 21 stations from Tallawong to Sydenham.

One of Sydney’s leading residential construction companies, particularly in premium off the plan luxury residences, Richard Crookes Constructions, will complete the project in late 2027.&nbsp;

Price guides at Sydney House include one-bedroom apartments from $1.5 million, two-bedroom apartments from $2.3 million and three-bedroom apartments from $5 million.

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Set to bring next level luxury to Sydney CBD’s prestige property market

Andrew Bishara

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