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The country’s largest private construction company has been charged over the collapse of a brick wall that killed three people last year.
WorkSafe has filed five criminal charges against the company following a lengthy investigation into the events that lead to the death of researcher Dr Marie-Faith Fiawoo, 33 and siblings Bridget Jones, 18 and Alexander Jones, 19.
Charge sheets filed in the Victorian Magistrates Court and allege that the companies failed to protect the lives of those who died in the collapse, according to The Herald Sun. The publication reports that the charge details allege that it was “reasonably practicable for Grocon Pty Limited to have eliminated or reduced the risk to the health and safety of persons in the vicinity of the wall and hoarding.”
In a statement released late yesterday, Grocon Executive Chairman Daniel Grollo stated: “We acknowledge the action taken by WorkSafe given the tragic consequences of last year’s wall collapse and the broad obligations that apply under the Victorian Occupational Health &amp; Safety Act.
“We don’t yet know the specific detail of what is being alleged against Grocon or the Melbourne signage company responsible for erecting the advertising sign on the wall so we need to await further information from WorkSafe before we can properly respond.”
Grollo said that assisting the investigation remained the company’s priority to ensure that the events are not repeated.
Fiawoo and the Jones siblings were killed when a structurally unsound brick wall collapsed in 100km/h winds. A wooden advertising board dynabolted to the façade is thought to have contributed to the collapse of the wall.
Aussie Signs, who installed the hoarding, has also been charged.
According to The Herald Sun, the documents filed by WorkSafe inspector Brendan Johnson allege eight key failings by Grocon companies:
<ol>
<li>Prior to installation of the hoarding, producing a detailed design which included how it was to be attached to the wall and how the wall and hoarding would be braced </li>
<li>Prior to installation of the hoarding getting a risk assessment about wind loading of the wall with the hoarding attached </li>
<li>Prior to installation of the hoarding getting an assessment by a structural engineer of the wall’s capacity to safely bear the hoarding </li>
<li>Obtaining a building permit for the hoarding </li>
<li>Require that the hoarding must not increase any lateral wind loading on the wall because it extends above or beyond the wall </li>
<li>Require that any increase in the later wind loading on the wall be counteracted by engineer approved bracing </li>
<li>Require a reduction in the wall so that a more robust signage/wall with engineer approved bracing could be constructed </li>
<li>
After installation of the hoarding get an assessment of the wall’s capacity to safely bear the hoarding and making any modifications deemed necessary 
</li>
</ol>
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Criminal charges laid against Grocon for fatal wall collapse

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In the last 20 years, technology has been a major driver of change in Australia’s real estate industry. But will Google Glass really make a difference to the way we see property?
With Google Glass still months away from an Australian launch, the property industry is already busy predicting how the wearable computer technology will affect the sale and purchase of real estate.
One Biggins &amp; Scott agent in Ballarat who managed to get a hold of the product thanks to an old US postal address told Real Estate Business that he’s used Google Glass to host a virtual tour of a property that was streamed to potential buyers in real time.
Other agents overseas have already begun to market homes using the technology.
{qtube vid:=wHQDcZclcgs}
This recorded tour shows the agent taking a shaky walk through a house. <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertyvideo/10608043/Google-Glass-will-revolutionise-how-we-buy-houses" target="_blank">Another records agents viewing a property</a> and discussing nearby amenities.
But none of those agents do much more with Google Glass than what is already possible with your standard camera phone. 
Australian real estate agents have been unusually slow to take up video marketing for properties, despite the ease of dissemination on the internet. But according recent sales data from Century 21 Australia, properties the agency promoted with video content sold an average of 27% faster than standard listings.
Century 21 Australia chairman and owner Charles Tarbey said that video listings offer a new method of engagement that was previously only accessible for high end listings.
“Previously, video listings were only a viable marketing option for large, luxury homes but this technology makes video listings accessible for every vendor – whether they are selling or renting a multi-million dollar penthouse, or lifestyle property,” said Tarbey.
“Consumers interact with video listings in a completely different manner to traditional pictorial listings, as they can often be more engaging and are able to be easily shared via social media.”
Century 21 offers video content with a slideshow of listing photos, a voiceover and Century 21 branding, with the listings generally hosted on YouTube, ensuring they are easily shared.
The videos offered by Melbourne real estate agency Marshall White go a step further, featuring filmed video content, as opposed to static images.
Marshall White also offers drone imagery, a new technology allowing buyers to view properties from perspectives that would previously have been inaccessible. Rising drones can capture properties from overhead, while homes that sit on a beach can now be viewed from over the water.
{qtube vid:=CmLisGpZngE}
The premium video offering above is a far cry from the wobbly, relatively low quality footage offered by Google Glass.
Google Glass’s inability to beautify homes means that it’s unlikely to become the primary marketing tool for real estate agents. Filmed footage has been so rarely implemented in Australian real estate for the same reason. For most agents, still photography is still more attractive than the video footage available for the same price.
While some suggest that the Google Glass could be used by agents to quickly look up information to deliver to clients on the spot, this capability already exists on smart phones.
Real estate agents are sales people, who rely on personality and social interaction with the buyer to sell properties. It’s possible that we will one day become acclimated to interacting in-person with Google Glass wearers who shoot off questions to a faraway server while we wait. 
But for many agents, the distraction and the possibility of leaving their buyer cold won’t be worth the trouble. And the “I’ll get back to you” strategy is still a tried and true method to stay in contact with potential buyers.
So while much has been made of Google Glass’s potential as a selling tool, it’s much more likely that the device will come into its own for buyers.
Google Glass will allow offshore or long distance buyers to have a better idea of their potential property than the standard marketing materials or video phone footage. Those engaging a relative or buyer’s agent to inspect properties can ask questions or request a second look at certain features in real time, thanks to Google Hangouts.
The savvy buyers that can attend properties personally will do so. Here, Google Glass will again come in handy. A buyer or buyer’s agent can record their tour of the property and make note of any details to research later – or look them up on the spot. 
A tour of the neighbourhood wearing Google Glass could offer information on local schools, crime demographics, retailers and other properties for the sale in the area, thanks to geo-tagging.
Contracted inspectors could also begin offering Google Glass recorded footage in addition to their written reports for potential buyers. The more comprehensive offering could show the extent of damage for buyers who find it difficult to navigate written reports. 
The benefits of Google Glass will be to buyers, not agents. With rumours that the Google Glass will cost roughly $1,500 in Australia, it’s unlikely that real estate agents will jump on board until prices calm down and the case for Google Glass as an advertising tool strengthens.
But for buyers who have the change to spare, Google Glass could become another valuable way to assess their potential new home.
Photo courtesy of Google.
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Will Google Glass change the face of real estate in Australia?

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With the host of The Block, Scott Cam, taking out the Golden Logie, the award night showed just how much Australia loves its reno shows.
The builder, presenter and author, who first appeared on Channel 9’s Backyard Blitz in 2000, seems to have popped up on just about every renovation program in the past 15 years. Cam has popped up on Renovation Rescue, Domestic Blitz and his own shortlived show, Our Place. 
But earlier this week he sealed his place (or fate) in Australian television history, taking out the Gold Logie for Most Popular Television Personality for his role as the host of Channel 9’s The Block. He also received the award for Most Popular Presenter.
Better Homes and Gardens was the other big property project winner, taking home the Logie for Most Popular Lifestyle Program. It was one of four home renovation themed shows nominated for the award, with Embarrassing Bodies Down Under playing odd-one-out in the category.
Despite the killer ratings run that The Block enjoyed this year, it didn’t manage to take out the award for Most Popular Reality Program, which went to Channel 7’s My Kitchen Rules. The Block franchise is currently churning out twice-yearly seasons, earning nominations for The Block: Fans v Faves and The Block: Sky High.
Property Observer's highlights from this season of The Block:
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">Substance over style as Chantelle and Steve win The Block 2014 Fans V Faves</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/kyal-demmrich-on-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-the-block">Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">The Block on show at this weekend's open for inspection </a>
Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to the public this weekend
<a href="/news/raw-timber-and-red-brick-industrial-design-on-the-block">Raw timber and red brick: Industrial design on The Block</a>
<a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">Art styles for apartment décor: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/creating-the-perfect-new-york-style-loft-lessons-from-the-block">Creating the perfect New York style loft: Lessons from The Block</a>
 
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons.
 
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Property the real winner at the 2014 Logies

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Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s median house price now sits at $475,000, according to the latest quarterly data from RP Data-Rismark.
Houses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast were up 10.6% from the March quarter of last year. RP Data’s results still put Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s quarterly median house price behind those recorded in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin.
Property Observer takes a look at last quarter’s sales to see just what you can get for Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s median house price.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-runcorn-116188719" target="_blank">26 Premworth Place, Runcorn</a>
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/runcorn.jpg" width="460" height="345">
This three bedroom brick house in <a href="/news">Brisbane’s south</a> sold for $463,000 in March. The twenty year old home sits on a 465 square metre block, with buses and local schools within walking distance.
<ul>
<li>Price: $463,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Three</li>
<li>Drive to CBD (Brisbane): 17 minutes</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-burleigh+heads-116146079" target="_blank">6 Arbury Hill Close, Burleigh Heads</a>
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/image10.jpg" width="460" height="345">
Set on a 715 square metre block, this four bedroom home in <a href="/news">Burleigh Heads</a> was secured for $465,000 last month. The house includes built in robes in all rooms, two bathrooms and open plan living, kitchen and dining areas. The vendors purchased the Gold Coast house for $285,000 in 2002.
<ul>
<li>Price: $465,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Drive to CBD (Gold Coast): 18 minutes</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+lakes-115624731" target="_blank">2 Kultarr Street, North Lakes</a>
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/north%20lakes.jpg" width="460" height="345">
Situated in the outer-northern Brisbane suburb of North Lakes, this four bedroom, two bathroom house changed hands for $472,000. The home has ducted air conditioning throughout and an open plan living and dining area. The 563 square meter plot backs onto a nature reserve.
<ul>
<li>Price: $472,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Drive to CBD (Brisbane): 38 minutes</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-chermside+west-116119807" target="_blank">15 Ben Street, Chermside West</a>
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/chermside.jpg" width="460" height="345">
This four bedroom home sold in March for $450,000. The property is located in <a href="/news">Chermside West</a>, just over 10 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD. Set on 696 square metres, this home was purchased by the vendors for $197,000 in 2002.
<ul>
<li>Price: $450,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Four</li>
<li>Drive to CBD (Brisbane): 18 minutes</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-runaway+bay-115611487" target="_blank">28 Clam Street, Runaway Bay</a>
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/main%206.jpg" width="460" height="345">
Vendors picked up $482,000 for the sale of this home in Gold Coast’s <a href="/news">Runaway Bay</a>. It has three bedrooms, a newly renovated bathroom and polished floorboards throughout. The property also includes a well-sized backyard and pool.
<ul>
<li>Price: $482,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: three</li>
<li>Drive to CBD (Gold Coast): 19 minutes</li>
</ul>
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What can you get for Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s median house price?

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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has cancelled the Australian financial services licence of Banksia Mortgage Limited.
Banksia Mortgage is the mortgage provision arm of Victoria’s Banksia Financial Group, a non-bank lender which <a href="/news/victorian-non-bank-lender-banksia-securities-collapses">collapsed in 2012</a>.
The Supreme Court of Victoria made orders authorising Banksia Mortgages to wind up the Banksia Mortgage Fund in August last year. The portfolio of funds was sold in December 2013, with $85 million distributed to 1,200 investors.
Banksia Mortgages applied to ASIC to cancel its financial services licence earlier this month to cut costs and allow the transferal of money to another Banksia subsidiary, Banksia Securities limited.
According to ASIC, most Banksia Mortgage Fund investors have received 100% of their money plus interest, with about 108 still to be paid the entirety of their money. Banksia Securities Limited investors have so far received 80 cents to the dollar from receiver McGrathNicol.
The Banksia Financial Group’s $650 million collapse has affected thousands of investors, mostly in regional Victoria. Prior to its collapse, its equities to loan ratio stood at 3.6%, meaning that the lender held $3.60 for every $100 of loans. 
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ASIC cancels AFS licence for mortgage arm of Banksia Financial Group

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Next month will see the release of seventy new apartments in the Crimson Hill master planned community development, located 15 kilometres from the Sydney CBD in Lindfield.
The Canopy Release, launching 17 May, will offer one, two and three bedroom apartments in the development’s Dunstan Grove precinct.
So named for its canopy views over the Lane Cove National Park, prices of apartments in the Canopy release will start from $575,000.
The <a href="https://www.crimsonhill.com.au/" target="_blank">Dunstan Grove precinct of Crimson Hill</a>, to be sold over a number of stages, will comprise a total of 14 one bedroom apartments, 50 two bedroom apartments, and 65 three bedroom apartments. The Defence Housing Australia developed residences are being marketed towards owner occupiers, with no obligation for owners to lease the properties back to Defence Force members.
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/DHA_CH_DG_Interior_Living2_Small.jpg" alt="">
Each precinct in the development is named after a war hero, with Dunstan Grove taking its name from Victoria Cross recipient William Dunstan, who fought in World War I.
Surrounded by Lane Cove National Park on Sydney’s North Shore, Crimson Hill will comprise 345 residences upon completion, with a mix of apartments, terraces and free standing homes available.
The 700 expected residents will have access to a large community centre and a FIFA two-star accredited synthetic soccer field, both operated by the Ku-ring-gai council. The new Charles Bean Sportsfield was developed by DHA with the Ku-Ring-Gai council and the Northern Suburbs Football Association and opened in December last year. According to DHA managing director Peter Howman, the precinct’s existing fields presented an opportunity to enhance facilities for the community.
“The fields have long been a well-patronised part of this area. We’re excited that as part of the new development, we’ve been able to improve something that has such a clear community benefit,” he said.
Duncan Tweed, chief executive of the Northern Suburbs Football Association said that the field’s synthetic pitch allows play to continue despite wet weather.
“We’ve been waiting for a field like this for a long time. It is fantastic – the best surface we have in our association,” he said.
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Sydney’s Crimson Hill development to launch Canopy Release next month

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The median national house price was up 2% for the March quarter and 11.3% over the year, with Melbourne and Sydney remaining the clear market leaders for price growth according to the latest House Price report from Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Price growth rates slowed across all capital cities for the March quarter, with no growth in Perth’s median house price and APM recording falling prices in Hobart, Darwin and Canberra.
The biggest quarterly increase in median price was seen in Sydney, up 3.1% to a median house price of $669,845 for March. However, these results were markedly softer than those recorded in the previous quarter. Median house price recorded in the city for the December quarter was at 5.1%.
APM senior economist Andrew Wilson commented that Sydney’s median house price showed its lowest rate of quarterly growth since March 2013.
“The Sydney house price boom has faded fast as all capital city housing markets recorded waning house price growth over the March quarter,” noted Wilson, who cited affordability barriers in the city’s market resulting from underperforming local economies.
“Other capital city markets have recorded, at best, modest growth which clearly reflects the disparity of the multi-speed recovery profile of the current growth cycle.”
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-punchbowl-115014075" target="_blank">three bedroom Punchbowl home</a> pictured below sold for $690,000 last month. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/23/main%205.jpg" width="460" height="345">
The second biggest jump recorded by APM was in Melbourne, where the median price for March was $540,747, up 2.8% for the quarter.
APM’s results for the quarter are more conservative than those posted by RP Data, which recorded a 4.8% median house price increase over the March quarter for Sydney and a 5.8% increase in Melbourne.
Data from APM shows that Sydney’s house market has seen a 16.9% year on year increase in median price, while Melbourne’s median house price is up 11.7% from March 2013.
The greatest drop in median house prices was seen in Canberra, where median house price was recorded at $566,863, down 2.6% for the quarter. Canberra was also the only capital city market that saw a year on year decline, with the median house price falling 1.6% from March last year.
This <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-mckellar-116248543" target="_blank">three bedroom house</a> on 776 square metres of land in Canberra’s Belconen district sold for $565,000 in March. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/23/image9.jpg" width="460" height="345">
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Melbourne price growth the second strongest capital city, with softening Sydney prices: APM

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Property owners have been warned to avoid contracting a father and son who have been carrying out building work despite having never held a license.
Zhi Yong (Michael) Zhang and his son Jason Zhang have been using the name B &amp; G Materials Supply Pty Ltd, which has attracted 21 complaints to NSW Fair Trading since February 2011.
Although the men and B&amp; G Materials Supply Pty Ltd have been slapped with more than $7,300 in fines from Fair Trading and have faced prosecution action resulting in $12,195 in fines and costs, they continue to operate illegally in the Sydney metro area.
Advertising in Chinese newspapers, the two men have been known to take excessive deposits and accept payment despite providing unsatisfactory or incomplete work and failing to supply the agreed goods and services.
Of the father and son team, NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said, “Michael and Jason Zhang show no regard for the consumers they target or the laws that govern the residential building industry.”
Fair Trading is concerned that the men will continue to target the Australian Chinese community. The body advocates only dealing with licensed tradespeople.
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NSW Fair Trading warning consumers against unlicensed builders

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Property owners with green thumbs will be out in full force over the Anzac Day break. With a long weekend up your sleeve, here are 10 tips to beautify your garden and add value to your property.
<ol>
<li>
Get weeding The least glamorous part of gardening is also the first task you need to tackle this weekend. Prise the plants from the paving and cull the clover before you get to the fun parts. Weed seeds often inhabit the ground beneath existing plants, so you’ll have to regularly dig out weed sprouts in addition to applying weed killer for a fair few months. If you are tempted to let things get a bit wild, make sure you tend to the weeds before they go to seed. 
</li>
<li>
Purge the pests Slaters, snails, bugs and birds will all take a bite out of your garden if you give them a chance. If you have fruit plants which you’re planning to harvest, try throwing some nylon netting over to keep birds away. You can take the netting off once harvest season is over to let the birds get at any spoiled or unused fruit, and they’ll also take care of lots of the bugs that plague your crop. Good planning can also keep the nasties away, with some plants deterring insects. If you’re going to try to kill some bugs, try to use natural pesticides where possible. 
</li>
<li>
Super soil Now’s the time to get the fundamentals right. This weekend, you can set up a worm farm to aerate your soil. A starter kit will set you back about $50. You can also start a compost heap that will fertilise your soil in the months to come. Commitment is the key to good compost. Make sure you have a designated scrap bucket to contribute to the heap every day, and turn your compost regularly. 
</li>
<li>
Feed and fertilise Most plants enjoy a good feed, but with seasonal demands, timing is everything. Research what your plants need coming into winter. Azaleas and Camellias will benefit from a small dose of watered in cow manure, but other plants will need less food before the cold season. 
</li>
<li>
Prune those plants Now’s the time to lop off any rosehips and dead flowers. Trim back spent flower heads, and remove any branches that are clearly dead to the world. In between plants, rinse of your secateurs to prevent spreading any disease. 
</li>
<li>
Go shopping Had big plans for al fresco dining that never quite materialised? Now’s the time to pick up some garden furniture, with demand (and prices) dipping after the summer rush. Before you head out, make sure you measure the available space and have a clear idea of what you want and can afford. 
</li>
<li>
Plan and plant Here’s the fun part: planting. If you’re set on laying down some new plants this autumn, make sure they’ll survive the winter. What’s best will depend on your climate, so take the time to check out one of the many autumn planting guides online. For much of the country, beetroots, silverbeet and lettuce will all do well if you’re after an edible garden. 
</li>
<li>
Be water wise Australian buyers are increasingly becoming aware of <a href="/expert-insights/building/buyers-want-water-wise-gardens-for-hot-and-dry-summers">the need to conserve water</a>.  Now is the perfect time to buy and install a rainwater tank if your property has the room. With the winter rains on their way, a rainwater tank installed now will collect plenty of water for the dry summer months. 
</li>
<li>
Sweep Once you’ve done all the fun stuff, it’s time to clean up. Clear the garden paths, the footpath in front of your house and the driveway. You’ll be surprised what a quick tidy up can do for your home. Now that autumn leaves are starting to fall, a quick regular sweep once a week will save you a lot of time further down the track. 
</li>
<li>
Fix up that fence Side fence sagging? Perhaps that picket fence that looked so friendly when you first moved in is starting to rot. Replace and repair any rotted or broken sections of your front fence, and collaborate with your neighbours to fix the boundary that’s been falling down for the past ten months. While you’re at it, oiling the squeaky gate will only take 30 seconds.
</li>
</ol>
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10 tips to beautify your garden this weekend

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Permanent height restrictions have been introduced for buildings in areas to the west and southwest of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
After introducing interim and discretionary controls for the area, the Victorian government has now permanently installed mandatory planning controls for the South Melbourne precinct.
Maximum heights for buildings will depend on their location, but will reportedly range from six to about 17 storeys, according to the Herald Sun.
The new restrictions introduced by Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy were developed in consultation with the Shrine Trustees and the cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip and Stonnington.
 “The Shrine of Remembrance is an incredibly important memorial to the servicemen and women who gave their lives for all of us, and is a special place for all Australians, young and old,” said Guy.
“The Shrine itself has a special location in Melbourne and it is vital to preserve the spectacular and uninterrupted views you get as you look up from Swanston Street or walk through the forecourt.”
One of Guy’s first acts in his role as Planning Minister was an intervention blocking the development of a proposed 88 metre tower on Albert Road.
“These new controls recognise and respect the significance of one of Australia’s most recognisable and lost loved structures and will protect its integrity from the possible impact of external development,” said Guy.
“By mandating limits on the height and location of nearby buildings, we are ensuring that the view and backdrop of the Shrine is preserved forever.”
Shrine Trustees chief executive Denis Baguley has welcomed the new restrictions, announced in time for Anzac Day.
“These new controls recognise and respect the significance of one of Australia’s most recognisable and most loved structures, and will protect its integrity from the possible impact of external development.”
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons.
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The Shrine of Remembrance to be permanently protected under new planning controls

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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Jessie Richardson

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