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<div>Hosting the Olympics has become highly competitive sport among economic development officers, providing a unique and valuable opportunity to showcase the host city on a global platform, with free advertising venues.  But are the benefits of hosting an Olympic event fact or fiction?</div>
In the case of Atlanta’s 1996 Summer Olympics, pundits had estimated a $5.1 billion short-term positive impact on the economy in addition to the creation of 84,000 jobs in conjunction with the event.  The Summer Olympics was also expected to bring tremendous longer-term economic benefits to the state of Georgia:
<ol>
<li>Creation of world-class athletic, infrastructure and housing facilities</li>
<li>National and global recognition of city and state through extensive media coverage of the Games</li>
<li>Community benefits including local volunteerism, job creation, funding for community economic development projects and cultural programs, to name a few.</li>
</ol>
We have now had 16 years to assess the impact of the Olympics on Atlanta, and most of the evidence fails to support the initial hype.  The benefits were much less than the impact studies had estimated.  The Olympic investments have not had as large a short-term or long-term impact on Atlanta nor the state of Georgia as was initially advertised. The $5.1 billion revenue impact was never verified and is still being disputed.  The job creation numbers were far below initial estimates as well.
The Olympics were definitely a defining moment for Atlanta, but not the cure-all for all of the city’s economic development challenges.
The Summer Games, however, were a catalyst to move many already planned projects forward in the long run and the city has benefitted from these.  The sport stadiums have been less important than the ancillary Olympic-related investments in infrastructure, housing, and street improvements that were completed.  Expansions at Hartsfield International Airport (HIA) and the introduction of additional HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes, which were already in the plans, were fast-tracked because of the Olympic Games.
Many argue that the elevation of Atlanta’s profile globally was more to do with such improvements to HIA and the road infrastructure rather than the Olympics in isolation.
There were some positive benefits to the Atlanta’s city centre as well.  The installation of the fibre lines attracted an influx of data centres to the CBD. Additionally, the regional universities, Georgia Tech and Georgia State, benefited from the athletic housing that was built and subsequently converted to student housing.  These facilities were turned over to the universities after the Olympics.
It has been difficult to gauge the actual legacy of Atlanta’s Olympics, but it appears to be a little bit of fact mixed with some fiction.
Asieh Mansour is head of Americas research <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbre.com/EN/Pages/Home.aspx">CBRE</a>. This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://olympicsrecord.blogspot.co.uk/">https://olympicsrecord.blogspot.co.uk/</a>
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The facts and fiction of the impact of the Olympic Games on Atlanta's property market

Burgeoning developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a> is continuing to expand its presence in South Melbourne.

Recently launching to market Park Modern, 246 apartments near the Shrine of Remeberance on Dorcas Street, Time &amp; Place has sought to add a further 300 apartments just two streets away.

The new Park Street building will have 22 storeys above an activated ground-plane with over 100 sqm of retail space and 100 sqm of co-working space.

<img alt="First Look: Time &amp; Place unveils plans for 22-storey mixed-use tower on transforming Park Street, South Melbourne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="333f6f9b-61cf-4426-8ea7-3dd7d8881848" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Park%20Melbourne%201.png?VersionId=UV77lIAG9.pGMhWZqJr2av9pKiYwR7Ku" />

The built form adopts a podium-and-tower typology in response to Design and Development Overlay Schedule 26, which guides development across the precinct. A discretionary podium height of 18 metres transitions to a slender tower form, consistent with the area’s shift toward higher-density outcomes. According to the Urban Context Report prepared by Urbis, the site "represents a substantial opportunity to deliver housing in an highly accessible strategic location that is intended for renewal, as sought by policy.”

Design considerations have focused on minimising bulk while maintaining amenity outcomes, including tower setbacks to support daylight access, cross ventilation, and views. The proposal also responds to overshadowing controls, which seek to protect sunlight access to Park Street during key daytime hours. The surrounding precinct is already seeing a transition from low-rise buildings to taller podium-and-tower developments, with newer projects reaching the 60-metre preferred height limit.

<img alt="First Look: Time &amp; Place unveils plans for 22-storey mixed-use tower on transforming Park Street, South Melbourne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edb6f098-33ee-49c1-a5f0-80eb62946e8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Park%20Melbourne%20podium.png?VersionId=CPwbzPoxFy9DQ1xoQMAV50rHFKQaJ0d0" />

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Planning policy identifies the St Kilda Road neighbourhood as a preferred location for high-density residential and mixed-use development, with the specific sub-precinct encouraging increased scale to support a more dynamic, connected urban environment.

The 2,050 sqm site, amalgamated as 60–74 Park Street, sits 70 metres from the Kings Way intersection and has over 40 metres of frontage to Park Street and 51 metres to Little Bank Street. According to the submission, the site is currently “underutilised”, comprising three one- to three-storey office buildings.

Having recently completed The Queensbridge in Southbank, with only a handful of the 353 apartments remaining, Time &amp; Place is now focusing on its future pipeline, both in Melbourne and across Australia.

The developer has approval for The Burke, a mixed-use project in Glen Iris being delivered in partnership with Woolworths. The 60 apartments, positioned above a new Woolworths supermarket, are expected to launch in the coming months. Time &amp; Place is also progressing plans for the redevelopment of Northcote Plaza; however, a sales campaign is not anticipated in the near term.

In Sydney, the developer has two projects in Manly: Two Tides, which is currently under construction, and an ultra high-end building on North Steyne, fronting the beach. It is also continuing to work through the redevelopment of The Chimes building on Macleay Street in Potts Point, as well as Marlborough House, the redevelopment of the original David Jones warehouse building in Surry Hills.

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Joel Robinson

Time & Place unveils plans 22-storey South Melbourne tower

After years of uncertainty, false starts and stalled momentum, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-sydney-park-205-225-euston-road-alexandria-nsw-2015">One Sydney Park</a>, one of the more unique developments in Sydney overlooking Sydney Park at the junction of Alexandria, St Peters and Newtown, is set to be revived.

The long-dormant Alexandria site, a two-hectare parcel on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-sydney-park-205-225-euston-road-alexandria-nsw-2015">Euston Road</a>, is being brought back to life by Besgate, the private developer founded and led by Justin Gao.

Besgate is seeking to significantly increase the project’s scale, with its recent State Significant Development Application (SSDA) proposing a doubling in density. Previously earmarked for around 350 apartments, the revised plans outline approximately 700 residences above ground-floor retail, including 40 designated affordable housing units.

While details on apartment configurations have not yet been released, the submission indicates the development could accommodate around 1,400 residents once complete.

Further details are expected to emerge as the project progresses through the SSDA process and moves to public exhibition. The development is estimated to cost around $500 million to deliver.

One Sydney Park was originally earmarked for the prominent warehouse site by Chinese developer HPG Australia. The project was taken to market in 2018; however, a combination of economic uncertainty in China at the time, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, meant construction never commenced. HPG had reportedly sold around 50 of the first 100 apartments released.

Initial plans proposed eight low-rise buildings comprising a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, alongside penthouses and terrace-style homes. Many of those residences were designed to capture park views and include private courtyards.

Besgate to revive One Sydney Park apartments after eight-year delay

&nbsp;Joint venture developer partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> and Legacy Property have unveiled plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/88-waterloo-88-waterloo-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">88 Waterloo</a>, a $1 billion-plus mixed-use development in Sydney’s North West.

Sales will kick off in a few months for the two towers, which will rise 60 and 52 levels from 88 Waterloo Road. There will be 858 apartments, 60 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing.

Beneath the towers, designed by AJC Architects, will be a four-level podium with shared dining, work-from-home and games rooms, with communal open space on the podium rooftop.

The podium rooftop has been conceived as an ‘urban backyard’, with a range of sought-after resident facilities. These include lawns and landscaped gardens with edible native species, a lap pool and children’s splash area, BBQ area, outdoor work-from-home spaces, yoga and wellness areas, a sauna and a cold plunge pool.

<img alt="88 Waterloo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47685d06-3c32-4e1c-9ba6-eb3f66ebeeb2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-19%20at%208.56.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o29IFNbNVDZgcaYJgjXLOtmVgfPOy64H" />

Positioned in an amenity-rich location at 88 Waterloo Road, the project is opposite Macquarie University Metro Station, adjacent to the Macquarie Park shopping centre and also fronts Elouera Reserve. 88 Waterloo will see the outdated walk-up apartment buildings on the site transformed into a thriving mixed-use residential community, supported by stand-out residential amenity and open space.

88 Waterloo will also deliver a critical boost of new homes for over 2,000 people, directly contributing to NSW’s National Housing Accord targets.

Macquarie Park is one of eight Accelerated Precincts identified under the State’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) planning reforms. According to Billbergia, the plan for 88 Waterloo is consistent with TOD planning principles to increase density next to rail stations.

“We’re excited to see 88 Waterloo progress through the Housing Delivery Authority planning pathway," Billbergia Development Director Saul Moran said.

"It’s a great example of site optimisation and future-focused liveability, delivering new homes beside major transport, shopping, and parklands in the heart of a well-connected community."

Subject to approvals, construction is expected to commence by 2027, with completion expected in 2030.

<img alt="88 Waterloo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d99f2d5-f66f-4332-8a80-27e95e88ac8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-19%20at%208.57.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=oCfAeZrgCxWOXwJlVe_AQvPr8C.5zJEu" />

Matthew Hyder, CEO of Legacy Property, said the joint venture partnership has overcome hurdles currently facing developers.

“Our journey to amalgamate over 60 individual apartments across four buildings over the past eight years is a prime example of the challenges faced within the development industry but with the strategic partnership formed with Billbergia, we look forward to delivering on the desperate need for housing in locations where transport, jobs, education and essential services&nbsp;already exist.”

The 88 Waterloo proposal was declared by the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) in August 2025 for state assessment. It is now set to go on public exhibition.&nbsp;

Billbergia & Legacy unveil $1 billion vision to transform Macquarie Park

Prolific developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured an $11.6 million sale in its recently launched Lower North Shore apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a>.

A family from the Upper North Shore, with three children studying at university, amalgamated two residences to create a 333 sqm spread on the 21st level of the Crows Nest building that is currently under construction.

The apartment will now have four bedrooms, two living areas, and a dedicated study, delivering the scale and functionality typically associated with a freestanding family home.

The apartment will have a&nbsp;50-metre frontage, offering uninterrupted, never-to-be-built-out views stretching across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour and through to the Heads.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135323 project_image_fid=351935]

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the amalgamated residence shows a clear shift in buyer preferences, particularly among downsizers and family owner-occupiers.

“We’re seeing strong demand from buyers who still want space, separation and flexibility, but without the maintenance and travel time that comes with a large suburban home," Deiri said.

"This residence shows how apartment living can genuinely replace a house when it’s designed with scale, outlook and liveability in mind."

Designed for entertaining and everyday family living, the residence will feature a statement kitchen with a butler’s pantry, expansive living and dining zones, and an outdoor barbecue and entertaining setting, all framed by panoramic harbour views.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135323 project_image_fid=351939]

Positioned just a five-minute walk from the new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> Metro station, Falcon &amp; Alexander is conceived as a vertical village, with residences arranged around a central atrium and shared gardens, alongside premium resident amenities and boutique retail and dining at ground level. The project will also include a boutique 100-room hotel.

Designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">TURNER</a>, the project will deliver 188 apartments. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are available, starting from $1.3 million.

Construction is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135323]

Deicorp secures $11.6 million sale at Falcon & Alexander, Crows Nest

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> recently welcomed residents into Uno and Duo, marking the completion of the penultimate stage of its $1.2 billion West Village precinct in Brisbane's West End.

There are only two opportunities remaining in the two-tower stage known as The Allere Collection. Duo is fully sold out, but two penthouses have just been released in the sister tower Uno.

The sprawling penthouses, measuring upward of nearly 350 sqm, have been designed by renowned architecture firm Rothelowman to focus on multi-generational living. One penthouse has four bedrooms, the other five, as well as several living areas. A second entry to the apartments make them ideal for those with several generations living under one roof, allowing for greater independence and flexibility within the same home, an increasingly sought-after feature among extended families looking to remain connected without compromising privacy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=5703]

Built by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, one of the best in the construction game, Duo forms part of a connected, pet-friendly vertical community that brings together two architecturally aligned towers with shared rooftop amenity.

Rothelowman Principal Jeff Brown previously described the design philosophy as centred on connection.

“When thinking of ways to nourish a soul one needs connection to self, to nature and to community,” Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

That ethos is expressed through Duo’s rooftop offering, which includes a pool and heated spa framed by mature planting, a private dining room and residents’ lounge, and BBQ facilities. On the lower levels, residents have access to&nbsp;work-from-home spaces, a workshop, and a pet parlour.

The rooftop captures views across the Brisbane River and back toward the city skyline, positioning it as both a retreat and a social anchor for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=364091]

Owners in Duo also have access to Uno’s rooftop amenities, effectively doubling the shared facilities within the community. At Uno, residents can use a second rooftop pool, additional private dining and entertaining areas, a teppanyaki grill, and the Paw Pavilion, an off-leash space designed for residents’ dogs. The reciprocal access reinforces the project’s “vertical neighbourhood” model, where common areas are intended to extend the footprint of each apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=5710]

The Allere Collection sits within West Village, a 2.6-hectare mixed-use precinct just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD. Delivered progressively since 2016 on the former Peters Ice Cream factory site, the masterplan now integrates heritage buildings, retail and dining, health and wellness providers, and open green space into an established inner-west address.

Sekisui has released the final stage of the development, Callista on Park, set to be completed in Q2 next year. With the first release now 95 per cent sold out, limited large-scale three- and four-bedroom residences remain, priced from $2.6 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114215]

Asieh Mansour

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