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The Gowings and State Theatre Buildings restoration and hotel conversion has received an award for best Urban Renewal from The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).
As part of the UDIA NSW Austral Bricks Awards for Excellence, the project was deemed by judges as an “outstanding example of the adaptive reuse and conservation of two underutilised State heritage-listed buildings.”
<img alt="gowings-aug-7-one" height="194" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/gowings-aug-7-one.jpg">
It was noted that despite encountering a range of construction difficulties to complete the intended 196 room hotel, restaurant and day spa, Woodhead Architects managed to overcome the obstacles and keep the operating theatre functional throughout the $55 million redevelopment.
The Gowings building, once regarded as one of the most prominent and famous stores in Sydney, eventually closed and  was purchased in 2006 for $68 million by the neighbouring, Amalgamated Holdings Limited, who have owned the art deco style State Theatre since it was built in 1929.  
The judges further added that the renewal of the iconic buildings ensured their ongoing survival and provided luxury tourist accommodation to the market and enhance the character of the CBD.

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Gowings and State Theatre restoration wins UDIA best Urban Renewal award

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) has awarded the 22B Norwest Project in Norwest Business Park, Sydney the award for best retail and commercial development.  
Designed by the Sydney-based Taylor Construction Group, <a href="https://www.taylorconstruction.com.au/project-detail.php?project_id=71" target="_blank">the seven-storey, mixed use complex</a> features a cafe, three level car park and nearly 11,000 square metres of office space, specialty showrooms and serviced apartments over seven levels run by Medina Apartment Hotels.
To create cost savings on the project, initiatives were introduced which including pre-finished, load bearing partition walls to the apartments which saved on both structure and finishes.
The judges commented that developing a ‘high value but underutilised site’ affected by the GFC, borrowing constraints and a slow market required ‘guts and determination’ and ultimately helped establish 22B Norwest as a leading example of high quality-mixed use developments.

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Sydney's 22B Norwest project picks up ADIA award for best retail and commercial development

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Brookfield Place in Perth has been named development of the year as part of the Urban Taskforce Australia's Development Excellence Awards.

The building (pictured below) currently occupied by BHP Billiton and developed by Brookfield, was noted for reinvigorating surrounding spaces and its sustainability rating.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/brookfield_aug_30_one.jpg" width="470" height="268" alt="brookfield_aug_30_one">

“It is an elegant addition to Perth’s skyline. It has restored heritage buildings at street level and created a series of bustling urban spaces. It innovates in providing flexible working spaces for high quality tenants. It achieves a 5 star Green Star rating and has 86,000 square metres fully let making the project a commercial success,” said NSW government architect and jury chair, Peter Poulet. 
The Eclipse Tower in Parramatta by Leighton Properties with Grosvenor Australia received the commercial development award.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/parramatta-aug-30-two.jpg" width="470" height="578" alt="parramatta-aug-30-two">

“Eclipse is a demonstration of the importance of delivering jobs to Western Sydney and to Parramatta,” commented Poulet.

“Leighton [Properties] has developed a top quality 19 level office building that came through the Global Financial Crisis with full financing and has now been sold at a Parramatta record value to Retail Employees Superannuation Trust. The commitment of the developer to driving design quality as well as commercial outcomes for a commercial office building has added great confidence to Parramatta as a location for more buildings like this.”

The residential development award went to 74 level residential tower, Soleil (pictured below), in Brisbane’s city centre developed by Meriton. 
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/brisbane_aug_30_one.jpg" width="470" height="317" alt="brisbane_aug_30_one"> 
“Soleil demonstrates that very tall residential towers can be well designed and be commercially successful,” said Poulet.
The innovative development award was given to apartment building Forte, at Melbourne’s Victoria Harbour developed by international property and infrastructure group, Lend Lease.
Deemed as the world’s tallest timber apartment building at 10 storey’s, Forte (pictured below) uses Cross Laminted Timber construction and is considered to be the world leader in this application.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/victoria_harbour_aug_30_onw.jpg" width="384" height="384" alt="victoria_harbour_aug_30_onw" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
“The use of timber has excellent sustainability qualities and reduced construction time considerably as the laminated timber panels are made in a factory and assembled on site. To manage commercial risk sales only occurred when the building was completed and it is now fully occupied,” adds Poulet.

Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson said this year’s Development Excellence Awards demonstrated that the development industry is being effective in lifting Australia’s prosperity.
“Developers are part of the service industry providing products that communities need at prices they can afford,” Johnson said.

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Perth's Brookfield Place named Urban Taskforce development of the year

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Melbourne’s first inner-city residential development situated within resident only parklands is now underway with Malaysian-based developer SP Setia partnering with Fender Katsalidis Architects and prominent Australian garden designer, Paul Bangay.

Located on 557 St Kilda Road next to Wesley College, the project known as Parque is a 9,000 square metre site with a planned 332 apartments and 6,000 square metres of private parklands with exclusive access to residents.

Inspired by its Victorian-era setting, Bangay blended the contemporary design of the building with the heritage-protected park’s existing 19th Century features, incorporating the 150-year old elm trees and hedges into the development.
“Parque’s entire building has been designed to take advantage of the site’s outlook and proximity to the garden,” said SP Setia Melbourne CEO Choong Kai Wai. “We wanted to provide residents with a beautiful home amongst nature.”

The building will not be short on luxuries, with level eight providing a 25-metre infinity pool and private outdoor lounge to residents and level 11 featuring an outdoor BBQ area, massage room and onyx relaxation room.

At ground level the foyer will provide 24 hour concierge services as well as a personal laundry service and picnic baskets for use in the park.

The project is being marketed by Andrew Leoncelli from CBRE
Parque will have various open plan apartments available for purchase with a one bedroom apartment ranging from 45 square metres to  58 square metres available for $410,313 and a one bedroom apartments with study from 55 square metres to 65 square metres starting at $530,000.

Two bedroom apartments from 66 square metres to 80 square metres starts at $669,222, and three bedroom apartments from 108 square metres to 134 square metres starts at $1.3 million.
<img height="127" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/yieldsbanner.jpg" alt="yieldsbanner">
The 205 square metre penthouse can be purchased for $3.1 million.

The display suite will be open late August.
Construction is expected to commence in mid 2014 and is due for completion in mid-2016.
<img height="57" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" alt="trophyhomesstrapone">
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Fender Katsalidis-designed St Kilda Road trophy apartments to offer residents Paul Bangay-designed private park

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Sydney-based Architectural firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer has been awarded the Romaldo Giugola Award for Public Architecture for its work on the Village Centre - National Arboretum.
The venue hosted the 2013 ACT Architecture Awards, which were held on Saturday night.


"Through the application of distinctive materials and a curvilinear form that displays subtle empathy with surrounding landforms, the architects have ensured that the National Arboretum will become one of Canberra’s most notable iconic buildings," the jury said.

The firm, which formed in 1987, has an extensive portfolio that includes a RAIA award winning library for the Royal Blind Society.
There have also been state and national RAIA award winning projects incouding the Hyde Park Barracks, the Hastings Cultural Centre at Port Macquarie and the redevelopment of The Newtown Silos.
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Tonkin Zulaikha Greer wins public architecture award for its National Arboretum

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Architectural firm Fender Katsalidis, responsible for designing Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, has been awarded the Canberra Medallion, the territory’s highest honour at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2013 ACT Architecture Awards.


The firm's project at 2 and 4 National Circuit Precinct (pictured below) was also recognised with the Sir John Overall Award for Urban Design.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june24fender]}
‘A clear and sensitive introduction of new commercial architecture into the heritage-listed former patents office and a brown field site that creates a comfortable and inviting space consistent with the aim of increasing urban density around the parliamentary triangle,’ the jury said of the project.

Established in 1996, Fender Katsalidis' portfolio also boasts the Melbourne based projects Ian Potter Museum of Art, the Argus Centre, the Republic Tower as well as an upcoming skyscraper for 2015 slated to be the southern hemisphere’s tallest six-star/apartment building.

Previous awards won by the firm include the 2007 RAIA Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture and the AIA Award for Commercial Architecture in 2008.
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Fender Katsalidis claims top gong at Australian Institute of Architects 2013 ACT Architecture Awards

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Harness racing legend Brian Hancock has retired from the racing industry and subsequently put his Calderwood property, Teeny Lodge on the market for the first time in 40 years. 

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-calderwood-113961907" target="_blank">The 22-hectare property</a> where Hancock made his name as a champion driver and trainer, sits at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in the Illawarra region of NSW with close proximity to the Southern Highlands vineyards and scenic South Coast beaches. 

Named after Hancock’s first champion pacer, Teeny Rena, the former dairy farm which has since chronicled a record-breaking five Inter Dominion wins can now be further developed pending council approval, due to its status as General Rural. 

Included on the property are three homes, the first is owner-occupied with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and garage for two cars.

The other dwellings include a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with garage rented for $450 per week while a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house is rented for $250 per week.

Teeny Lodge also comes equipped with 34 stables, 8 walk in-walk out boxes, blacksmith shop, office, hay and truck shed, stockyards, brood mare servicing barn, nine paddocks and a 700m training track.

Onsite water facilities are available with four water tanks retaining a capacity of 378,000 litres along with a permanent creek and large dam.

Andrew Hedley of Bevans Wollongong is running the expressions of interest marketing campaign.
<img height="57" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" alt="trophyhomesstrapone">
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Harness racing legend Brian Hancock's Teeny Lodge listed

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Architect Andrew Verri of Jigsaw Housing has won the ACT Emerging Architect Prize at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2013 ACT Architecture Awards.
The awards were held on Saturday night at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
<img alt="verrijune24one" src="/images/stories/2013/06/verrijune24one.jpg" width="370" height="553">
"Andrew’s commitment to smaller, smarter, sustainable homes is providing significant leadership within the architectural profession and the residential construction industry more broadly," the jury said.

Verri has been an active member of the Australian Institute of Architects for over 10 years, serving on its sustainability and practice committees.
Jigsaw Housing was established three years ago and also won the Clean Green Category and Business of the Year in the Canberra Business Point Awards last year.
His company also won the award for Environmental Innovation at the 2012 Sustainable Cities Awards and was voted in the Top 50 Your Future Home Sustainable Building Leaders 2012 by the general public.
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Jigsaw Housing's Andrew Verri wins emerging architect prize at 2013 ACT Architecture Awards

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Paul Berkemeier has become the 74th national president of  The Australian Institute of Architects.
Berkemeier was awarded Master in Architecture from Harvard in 1983. He is known for working with fellow architect Ken Maher in the redesign of Sydney's Luna Park in the early 1990s and also his design of the of Australian Shearers Hall of Fame at Hay.
He has extensive experience in large scale urban design and planning and public buildings working with the Commonwealth Government.
He was an associate director of Denton Corker Marshall before establishing his own practice, Paul Berkemeier Architects Pty Ltd in 1988.
His professional achievements include winning the unimplemented international design competition for the Barangaroo development in collaboration with Thalis and Jane Irwin Landscape.
His recent works have included the Maitland regional art gallery in partnership with Barry McGregor &amp; Associates for Maitland City Council.
He holds a position teaching students in the faculty of aArchitecture at University of Sydney.
"I consider it a great privilege and honour to be entrusted with this role and I look forward to working with fellow members and Institute staff to gain the recognition that the value of design warrants,’ he said.

Berkemeier succeeds Melbourne-based architect,<a href="/news"> Shelley Penn</a>.

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Paul Berkemeier - designer of Australian Shearers Hall of Fame - appointed Australian Institute of Architects 74th president

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The drummer for indie punk band The Meanies, Mark Hobbs, has decided to make a sea change to Williamstown.
He and wife Bridget Monro-Hobbs have put their four year old Yarraville home on the market.  
Marty Rankin of Village Real Estate expects the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Yarraville/?adid=2010477933">Brooks Place</a> home, which was renovated by Hobbs four years ago, to fetch $870,000 plus.  
Strikingly designed by Santo Architects, the 264-square-metre European style property features three bedrooms and two bathrooms.  
The land was bought in 2005 for $200,000.
The house is still under builders warranty and has a certified five-star energy rating.
The auction is scheduled for June 15.
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Meanies drummer Mark Hobbs lists Yarraville home

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Glenn Dwyer

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