Lifestyle, residential and wellness developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a>, and joint venture development partner lNT.RE (formerly Icon Developments) have announced the popular SOAK Bathhouse brand will anchor the ground floor of their $160m luxury <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/emerald-place-by-lowe-living-200-clarendon-street-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Emerald Place</a> development at 182-200 Clarendon St, South Melbourne, which is set to open in August 2026.&nbsp;

This will be the second Melbourne outpost for the SOAK Bathhouse brand, after its inaugural Victorian location in South Yarra launched in 2025, which has quickly become a staple in Melbourne’s bathing and wellness scene.&nbsp;

SOAK Bathhouse has signed a 10-year partnership to take out the 459sqm prime corner ground-floor tenancy, which will join the other two retail tenancies, high-end commercial space and 38 ultra-luxury residential apartments and penthouses above.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135816 project_image_fid=365847]

SOAK Bathhouse is renowned for its luxurious and socially-focused mineral pools, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, infrared LED therapies, and massage services. Its arrival at Emerald Place, South Melbourne marks a significant milestone for both brands and for South Melbourne.&nbsp;

While the specific inclusions of the venue are still under wraps, SOAK Bathhouse has confirmed the space will be equipped with a signature SOAK Bathhouse mineral pool, cold plunge, saunas and steam room, alongside a lush dedication to verdant greenery and ferns throughout the tranquil bathing spaces.&nbsp;

SOAK Bathhouse will serve both Emerald Place residents and the broader South Melbourne business community, creating a wellness destination that bridges the gap between work and home. For residents, it's a daily ritual on their doorstep. For the surrounding office workers, it's a place to decompress, recharge and transition between professional and personal life.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135816 project_image_fid=365850]

The partnership has underpinned Lowe Living’s commitment to delivering wellness-led amenities that not only embed physical spaces within the projects but integrate established, renowned wellness brands to anchor and operate these spaces.&nbsp;

Through the partnership with SOAK Bathhouse, penthouse buyers will be granted complimentary memberships, while all other residents of the Emerald Place development will benefit from exclusive discounted access. Together, these privileges deliver a compelling lifestyle enhancement and a lasting investment in wellbeing.&nbsp;

Lowe Living has been steadily carving out a niche in the luxury property market as a wellness-led developer, having a partnership with the Sorrento-based Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse to offer a private, residents-only wellness spaces at its upcoming Camberwell and Brighton projects.&nbsp;

These partnerships with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and now SOAK Bathhouse, reinforce a broader shift across Lowe Living’s portfolio towards a meaningful commitment to health-focused amenity and wellness offerings.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135816 project_image_fid=231195]

Since its inaugural offering in Mermaid Beach, which has since expanded nationally across Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne, SOAK Bathhouse has grown into a leading contemporary bathhouse brand, attracting a dedicated following thanks to its unique social-focused approach to bathing.&nbsp;

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said the Lowe Living team "view our partnerships as an extension of our design philosophy."

"We align with brands that genuinely elevate the everyday experience of our residents and deliver tangible value for our purchasers that enrich their lives.&nbsp;SOAK Bathhouse was a natural fit for Lowe Living and specifically Emerald Place. Their approach to contemporary bathing and social wellness strongly aligns with our vision of creating homes that prioritise long-term health, connection and lifestyle.”&nbsp;

Tim Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said securing Melbourne’s second SOAK Bathhouse for Emerald Place is a significant milestone for Lowe Living, INT.RE and South Melbourne.&nbsp;

“This partnership reflects the continued evolution of luxury residential development," Lowe says.

"Today’s buyers are looking beyond finishes and floorplans and investing in holistic living environments, not just inside their apartments but in the communal and wider local amenity offerings, too."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135816]

Joel Robinson

Lowe Living secures SOAK Bathhouse on 10-year lease at Emerald Place, South Melbourne development

While the Gold Coast continues to densify around key transport and lifestyle nodes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a> has retained its village-like charm even as demand intensifies for walkable beachside living. It’s a suburb that holds firm to its community feel, while sitting within one of Australia’s fastest-growing urban corridors.

Developer DANKAV put the neighbourhood and its residents first when drawing up the plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-alfred-residences-mermaid-beach-2375-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Alfred Residences</a>, which will replace the former Mermaid Beach Shopping Village near Nobby Beach. The project marks a rare example of precinct renewal at a truly local scale.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-alfred-residences-mermaid-beach-2375-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Alfred Residences</a>&nbsp;comprises a wide variety of one- and two-bedroom apartments, set above a new ground plane of curated hospitality and boutique retailers, all framed by generous laneways, shaded plazas, and garden paths designed to enhance pedestrian flow and public interaction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149942 project_image_fid=355148]

The site’s configuration reflects both a respect for the area's established rhythm and a recognition of its future trajectory, particularly with the planned Mermaid Beach South light rail station directly across the road.

Residents will find immediate access to both everyday needs and broader connectivity. A Woolworths Metro and local cafés are already operating nearby, while the beach sits just 100 metres from The Alfred’s front door. Pacific Fair, the region’s flagship retail centre, is also close by, with an extensive mix of dining, fashion and entertainment.&nbsp;

For those commuting or exploring beyond Mermaid Beach, the upcoming light rail link promises seamless movement north through Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and into Southport, expanding access without the need for a car.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149942 project_image_fid=355150]

Neighbouring locales such as Miami and Nobby Beach further enrich the lifestyle offering. These established precincts contribute everything from surf clubs and oceanfront parks to laid-back dining venues and independent retailers, all within a short walk or bike ride.&nbsp;

The Alfred effectively places residents within one of the Gold Coast’s most liveable pockets, where the essentials of daily life converge with long-term infrastructure planning and timeless natural appeal.

Predominantly local buyers jumped at the first release at The Alfred Residences, transacting the majority of the release in a matter of weeks. Demolition of the former shopping village is now underway, and Dankav expects completion of the first collection of residences in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149942]

The Alfred Residences brings village-style living to the heart of Mermaid Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a> is better known for bus interchanges and Westfield than for high-end apartment towers. Kabbalah, on Playfield Street, is a deliberate push against that reputation.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/playfield-developments">Playfield Developments</a>, the building holds 64 apartments, all three and four bedrooms, across its 13 storeys. The apartments are generous by any measure: lower-floor three-bedrooms start at 164 sqm, each with a multi-purpose room and private balcony, while the north-facing penthouse stretches to 382 sqm. Every residence comes with two car spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ana-architects">ANA Architects</a>, the Brisbane firm behind the 25-storey Willahra Tower on Queen Street and the 45-storey Mantra on Mary in the CBD, shaped the building around curved forms drawn from the natural landscape. Balcony gardens run throughout, with planter boxes worked into the private outdoor spaces of each apartment, giving residents greenery at the threshold rather than just at the rooftop.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149578 project_image_fid=354319]

That rooftop carries its own weight: a pool, landscaped gardens, and outdoor entertaining areas sit above the city, designed as much for quiet evenings as for hosting. The wellness offering continues at ground level, where a centre with pool, sauna, and communal lounge zones anchors the building's other end. Together they give the building a rhythm, somewhere to arrive at the top and somewhere to retreat to below.

The site itself is part of the pitch. "One of the last available sites to develop in an established precinct," is how Playfield Developments describes the Playfield Street address, and the surrounding context backs that up. Westfield Chermside, the second largest Westfield in Australia, is within a few minutes on foot, along with its dining precinct and cinema complex.&nbsp;

The Chermside bus interchange connects directly to the Brisbane CBD and across the northern suburbs via more than 20 Translink routes, with the CBD roughly 15 minutes away by road. The Prince Charles Hospital, one of Queensland's major teaching hospitals and the state's leading cardiac centre, is roughly a kilometre up the road on Rode Road.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149578 project_image_fid=354321]

Place Projects is handling sales, bringing a track record across some of Queensland's largest residential developments. Early buyer response has centred on the finishes and scale, "buyers consistently comment on the high-quality finishes throughout the apartments," the sales team notes, pointing to craftsmanship and considered design as the recurring draw.&nbsp;

"They're looking for generously sized apartments that offer both space and functionality, combined with a strong lifestyle offering," Place Projects says.

Construction has been awarded to Clearcon, with completion slated for late 2027. Pricing runs from $1.5 million for a lower-floor three-bedroom up to $3.65 million for the penthouse.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149578]

Playfield Developments brings 64 apartments to Chermside with Kabbalah

More than 3,000 dwellings are currently selling or gearing up to launch across Surfers Paradise, the suburb’s most concentrated apartment pipeline in years. At least eight projects are already in market, with more moving through registration and presale, creating a meaningful wave of new supply.

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. Strong interstate migration into Queensland, particularly the Gold Coast, continues to underpin demand, with the local population expected to push past 800,000 in the early 2030s.

We’re also seeing solid early-stage buyer activity. As usual, the earliest phases tend to offer the best mix of pricing and choice, before the more popular layouts get snapped up.

Comparing Surfers Paradise projects? Browse all listings → <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">View all Surfers Paradise apartments</a>

<hr data-end="1189" data-start="1186" />
<h2 data-end="1218" data-section-id="tdhbfr" data-start="1191">How to Read the Pipeline</h2>

Apartment projects in Surfers Paradise are at various stages of their project lifecycle, from pre-launch, selling now, construction commenced, or construction complete.

Where you buy in that cycle matters.

<ul data-end="1674" data-start="1409">
	<li data-end="1542" data-section-id="d5c11p" data-start="1409">Registration and&nbsp;presale: Typically the lowest price points and best choice, but with longer wait times to completion</li>
	<li data-end="1608" data-section-id="plnjqp" data-start="1543">Under construction: Greater certainty, shorter timelines.</li>
	<li data-end="1674" data-section-id="13k7yl8" data-start="1609">Completed: No construction risk, but pricing reflects that.</li>
</ul>

The projects below are grouped by stage to help buyers understand where they sit in the buying window.

<hr data-end="1942" data-start="1939" />
<h2 data-end="1967" data-section-id="zj5dj7" data-start="1944">Projects Now Selling</h2>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a> is the newest apartment development to launch in Surfers Paradise.

Exhale, being developed by SIERA, comprises just 54 apartments, a density not often seen in Surfers. It sits on the corner of Enderley Avenue and Garfield Terrace, just off Northcliffe Beach. SIERA Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson spent over a year trying to secure the rare beachside site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

SIERA engaged BDA Architecture to design the building, with a striking glass curtain wall&nbsp;façade.

Offering two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, Exhale will also offer its residents a two-level wellness podium with a heated magnesium pool, spa, sauna, Nordic&nbsp;cold shower, and biophilic designed landscaped gardens.

There's also a dedicated Pilates and yoga studio, library and reading retreat, cinema lounge, and private dining room with a private bar and wine cellar.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Exhale →</a>

<hr data-end="2500" data-start="2497" />
Paradiso Place is the largest project currently in market in Surfers Paradise. Developer SPG Land recently begun construction on its 845-unit development they are bringing to 103 Ferny Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185858]

At this scale, it’s effectively its own sub-market, offering a wide mix of configurations across multiple price points, from entry-level investor stock through to larger owner-occupier product. Amenities include a pool, gym, and outdoor spaces.

With projects of this size, early buyers typically benefit most from the broader selection before key layouts are taken up.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Paradiso Place →</a>

<hr data-end="2500" data-start="2497" />
Jewel Residences is the only completed development on this list. The three towers, which drastically altered the Surfers Paradise skyline when they were complete in 2020 from their dress circle position&nbsp;at 36 Old Burleigh Road, home 512 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8843 project_image_fid=264503]

With the six-star The Langham within the middle tower, Jewel offers&nbsp;​​​​​​significant hospitality venues including&nbsp;signature restaurants, a bar, cafe, and a resort pool with a swim-up bar

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/jewel-residences-surfers-paradise-36-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Jewel Residences </a>

<hr data-end="2938" data-start="2935" />
Andrews Projects recently commenced construction at South Beach, just shy of 400 apartments at 3006–3016 Surfers Paradise Boulevard. Prices start from $1.08 million for the one-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8887 project_image_fid=358399]

Central to the South Beach offering is a 5,500m sqm wellness and lifestyle precinct designed around the concept of renewal as a daily ritual.

The wellness facilities include sunrise and sunset pools, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, plunge baths, a Hammam, traditional and infrared saunas, red-light therapy and dedicated treatment rooms. A Technogym gym,&nbsp;cinema, co-working lounge and a range of indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining spaces, including BBQ terraces, complete the amenity.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/south-beach-surfers-paradise-3006-3016-surfers-paradise-boulevard-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about South Beach →</a>

<hr data-end="3316" data-start="3313" />
Another new entry to the market is Palmera Residences, developed by Central Equity at 18 Garfield Terrace. That majority of the 347 residences are large three-bedroom apartments, priced from just shy of $3 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361247]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>&nbsp;is being constructed in the prestigious Northcliffe residential neighbourhood on an expansive 3,239 sqm site. It is located at 18 Garfield Terrace near the Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club and the patrolled Northcliffe surf beach, situated between&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a>.

Residents will have private access to extensive, state-of-the-art amenities, featuring two large pools including a generously scaled, family-friendly pool with safe shallow zones, and a 25-metre lap pool facing the western side, ensuring maximum sunlight all day.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-surfers-paradise-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Palmera Residences →</a>

<hr data-end="3711" data-start="3708" />
26 Vista has benefitted from the boom in Surfers Paradise over the last few years. Over 70 per cent of the 280 apartments have sold, with the remaining priced from $1.86 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112730 project_image_fid=365605]

26 Vista, being developed by MRCB, is scheduled to complete in late 2030 and has attracted strong interest from locals and interstate buyers, Matt George, from project marketer Urban Activation, says.

“The diverse mix of buyers we’ve seen investing in this development stands as a testament to the superior product that is being offered. 26 Vista is truly the gold standard for coastal living, with its thoughtfully considered design and its commitment to providing residents with five-star luxury in sub-tropical surrounds.”

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-surfers-paradise-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about 26 Vista →</a>

<hr data-end="3711" data-start="3708" />
Away from the beach and closer to the Budds Beach area of Surfers Paradise is Homecorp's new tower, Florence Residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357950]

The Monte Carlo building has 116 apartments amid a suite of wellness spaces including&nbsp;a private residents’ only wellness club including a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Florence Residences →</a>

<hr data-end="4321" data-start="4318" />
<h2 data-end="4364" data-section-id="1bj0450" data-start="4323">The Broader Pipeline</h2>

There's a lot more to come in Surfers Paradise in the coming years. The most interest is likely the two-tower beachfront project proposed by Winx billionaire John Camilleri. The two towers, which will comprise 275 apartments, are to be connected by a 45-storey skybridge.

On the more boutique end, Cavella, by SEYAH, will have <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-seyah-to-launch-cavella-in-emerging-sunrise-boulevard-surfers-paradise-pocket-following-density-rethink">just 18 residences</a> across a more modestly-sized 12-level building, also nearer the river than the beach.

For a broader view, see our breakdown of the top 10 new apartment projects launching on the Gold Coast in 2026, covering key opportunities suburb by suburb.

<hr data-end="5185" data-start="5182" />
<h2 data-end="5234" data-section-id="1kp72fk" data-start="5187">What Buyers Should Weigh Up Before Enquiring</h2>

Where a project sits in the development cycle matters just as much, if not more than, the price.

An off-the-plan apartment at registration stage may offer the lowest entry point, but it typically comes with a 24–36 month settlement timeline.

Later-stage projects trade some of that upside for greater certainty, so the right choice ultimately depends on your timeframe, risk appetite, and what you’re prioritising: price, selection, or delivery.

The 3,000 apartments to reshape Surfers Paradise skyline

An $8 million penthouse has sold at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> development in Hawthorn, marking one of the highest apartment sales ever recorded in the suburb and across the wider City of Boroondara.&nbsp;

The three-bedroom penthouse, featuring two living areas, a study and expansive outdoor living across two levels, including a rooftop pool, spans 577 sqm, with nearly 300 sqm of internal living space and a further 281 sqm externally.

The penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne-based CEO, who is downsizing from a large family home nearby, and will move into the apartment with his two adult children.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

“Our family is entering a new phase, and apartment living offered an opportunity to embrace a different lifestyle while still having the space we’re used to,” the buyer said.&nbsp;

“Kooyongkoot immediately gave us confidence in the developer. Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches. The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt. My wife and I loved features like the dog wash, oversized storage rooms and private garages because they showed genuine thought for everyday life. It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building.”&nbsp;

Designed by award-winning architecture studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, Kooyongkoot comprises just 18 luxury residences within <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>’s tightly held Scotch Hill precinct.&nbsp;

The development incorporates a curated suite of lifestyle amenities, including a private wellness centre featuring infrared and traditional saunas, massage and therapy rooms, a yoga and pilates studio, a gymnasium and cold therapy shower, alongside a residents’ retreat, a golf simulator and other convenience features.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The buyer said the penthouse’s scale and design were key factors in the decision.&nbsp;

“The layout offers the same core living spaces you would expect in a large family home, which makes multi-generational living comfortable, but without the ongoing maintenance of a freestanding house.

“The wellness facilities and rooftop space were also compelling. They’re rare in a building of this size and add another dimension to the lifestyle the development offers,” he said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355262]

Mark Pomeroy, Director of PDQ, said the purchase reflects a broader shift in Melbourne’s prestige apartment market, where downsizers are increasingly seeking larger residences that allow adult children to remain at home longer while maintaining independence.&nbsp;

“We’re seeing more families choose apartment living without sacrificing space. For many downsizers, the reality is that adult children are staying at home longer, so buyers are looking for large apartments that allow everyone to live comfortably.”&nbsp;

Research conducted by the University of Melbourne in 2024 found that just over half of young men (54%) and 47% of young women aged 18 to 29 years old are still living under the same roof as their parents.&nbsp;

The penthouse sale places the transaction among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in the City of Boroondara, with only a handful of comparable penthouse deals including Victoria Hill in Camberwell (around $15 million) and Rondure House in Kew (around $6.5 million).&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Located on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road in Hawthorn, the development sits within walking distance of parklands, private schools, Auburn Village and Camberwell Junction, and offers direct tram access to Melbourne’s CBD. Kooyongkoot’s main building structure was completed in March 2026, with residents expected to move in from November 2026.&nbsp;

A limited selection of residences remains available, offering penthouse scale living without traditional penthouse pricing. Options range from oversized two-bedroom apartments to corner three-bedroom residences with private three-car garages and generous storage. Pricing starts from $1.9m, rising to the mid-to-high $4 million range. The final penthouse is available for private viewing upon request.&nbsp;

Kooyongkoot is being delivered by PQD (Pomeroy Quattro Developments), a Melbourne-based development partnership focused on creating boutique, design-led residential projects in premium locations across the city.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot records $8m penthouse sale as multi-gen leads the way

Excited buyers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a>'s debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea</a> at Palm Beach, are almost ready to walk through their brand new apartments.

The Mawarra Street project is entering its final construction phase, with interiors now taking shape ahead of completion in the coming months. The 69-residence development, located just 400 metres from the beachfront, introduces a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments to a part of the Gold Coast where demand has steadily shifted toward larger, owner-occupier-focused layouts.

Abadeen, alongside selling agents <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srq-projects">SRQ Projects</a>, has held back a selection of its most premium residences until the final release. The remaining three-bedroom apartments, each spanning more than 150 sqm of combined internal and outdoor space, are positioned toward the upper levels of the low-rise building.

Corner positioning is a defining feature in many of the three-bedroom residences, particularly those with north-east orientation. This brings natural light throughout the day and enables cross-ventilation across the main living spaces. Full-height glazing reinforces the connection between indoors and outdoors, with the living zone and adjoining balcony functioning as a continuous space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336449]

The kitchen is integrated into the central living area, anchored by stone benchtops, European appliances, and bespoke joinery. Engineered oak flooring runs throughout the main living spaces, creating a consistent material palette.

Bedrooms are arranged to separate the primary suite from the secondary rooms. The master typically includes a walk-in robe and ensuite with double vanity, while the additional bedrooms are positioned for privacy from the main living areas. Several layouts also incorporate a dedicated study zone, reflecting the increasing need for flexible work-from-home arrangements.

Outdoor space has been treated as an extension of the apartment rather than an afterthought. Balconies are proportioned to accommodate both dining and seating, allowing for everyday use rather than occasional entertaining. In upper-level residences, these spaces also capture broader coastal views, including sightlines toward Burleigh Headland and Snapper Rocks.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale said the ability for buyers to soon walk through the apartments and experience their scale and aspect firsthand is expected to drive strong final demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336450]

Abadeen’s approach to Villea reflects a deliberate focus on owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers and local buyers seeking larger homes near the beach. Founder Justin Brown said the project aligns with the group’s emphasis on “design-led living, premium quality, and the convenience we are bringing for residents to feel part of a perfect beachside community.”

"It is a particularly special project for us, being our first with spectacular ocean views, just metres from the water and with the addition of ground-floor retail."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106840]

Inside the three-bedroom apartments at Villea Palm Beach

For more than 170 years, the Buckingham Arms Hotel stood as a cornerstone of Gilberton’s social life. First opened in 1849, the hotel quickly became a gathering place for locals, evolving alongside the suburb as Adelaide expanded north of the CBD.

Generations of families passed through its doors, with the Simpson family stewarding the venue for decades before the Matthews family introduced its famous smorgasbord in 1955, an offering that became a local institution.

When the hotel closed in 2022, it marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Gilberton’s history while setting the stage for a new era at the site.

Local builder-developer Citify secured the property and plans to fully restore the hospitality venue, returning it to its former grandeur. The project will also expand the broader precinct, incorporating a new apartment building designed to complement the heritage character of the longstanding pub.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149055 project_image_fid=363676]

Citify Founder and Managing Director Joel Wilkinson says the opportunity to acquire such a unique site was a no-brainer.

“Gilberton is among the top five blue-chip suburbs in Adelaide,” Wilkinson says. “It’s incredibly desirable, and very few opportunities exist to develop in such a small, prestige suburb.”

Only 22 houses in the suburb sold last year, and 2021 Census data shows just over 130 apartments in the area, making it difficult to enter the tightly held property market. “It’s incredibly competitive to get into Gilberton,” Wilkinson adds.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149055 project_image_fid=363677]

The Buckingham will almost double the number of apartments in the suburb. It will comprise 173 new one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, which are already proving popular with a mix of young professionals, local rightsizers, and downsizers. The development will also include 13 expansive two-storey homes with private courtyard gardens.

Future residents at The Buckingham will have private access to a significant amount of amenity, including a swimming pool, accompanied by a full pool deck with day beds and alfresco spaces, as well as a gym and sauna.

Construction has commenced, with completion expected in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149055]

From iconic Pub to landmark precinct: Citify to revive The Buckingham Arms Hotel in Gilberton

As Sydney continues to face strong population growth and constrained housing supply, Abadeen is entering one of the most active delivery phases in the company’s history.

Sydney’s housing undersupply has intensified competition for well-located development sites, particularly across established harbour-side suburbs where planning constraints limit the delivery of new housing.

Across 2025, 2026 and into 2027, the developer is progressing a significant pipeline of premium residential projects across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, while also expanding its future development pipeline through a series of strategic acquisitions. These acquisitions represent a new development pipeline in excess of $1 billion in end value, reinforcing Abadeen’s continued growth across key lifestyle markets.

The company’s approach remains consistent: carefully selected locations, design-led architecture and projects that enhance the surrounding neighbourhood.

Led by Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown, Abadeen continues to strengthen its development capability as it delivers one of the most active project pipelines in the company’s history.

Brown says the coming years will see Abadeen deliver a diverse mix of projects across established urban precincts and emerging residential markets.

“We’ve always focused on creating homes that people genuinely want to live in, not just buildings,” Brown says.

“What we’re seeing across Sydney is a real shift in the buyer profile. More people are choosing to rightsize into well-designed apartments in established neighbourhoods rather than move further away from the communities they already know.”

“That demand is particularly strong in places like the Lower North Shore and Eastern Suburbs, where people value walkable villages, proximity to the harbour and homes that feel more like houses in the way they live.”

Several projects are approaching completion through 2025 and 2026, including a number of boutique residential developments across Sydney’s Lower North Shore and Inner North.

Among them are Park Residences in Cremorne, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a> in Naremburn, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-villas-neutral-bay-7-11-premier-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">The Villas</a> in Neutral Bay, Villea on the Gold Coast, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mosman-residences-22-clifford-street-mosman-nsw-2088">Mosman Residences</a> in Mosman, continuing Abadeen’s long-standing presence and leading position in Sydney’s Lower North Shore residential market, one of the most tightly held lifestyle precincts in the country.

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Alongside these projects, Abadeen continues to expand its long-term pipeline through a series of strategic site acquisitions across Sydney’s most tightly held lifestyle markets.

Recent acquisitions include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/101-115-edgecliff-road-woollahra-nsw-2025">101–115 Edgecliff Road</a> in Woollahra, as well as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19-21-barry-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">19–21 Barry Street</a> in Neutral Bay, both positioned close to key transport connections, village retail and lifestyle amenities, where plans have been lodged for boutique residential developments.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-woollahra-development-wave-continues-as-abadeen-plots-six-storey-apartment-block">First Look: Woollahra development wave continues as Abadeen plots six-storey apartment block</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-abadeen-plots-fourth-neutral-bay-apartment-development">First Look: Abadeen plots fourth Neutral Bay apartment development</a>

<img alt="Barry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bda49bb-c944-4969-a8a9-d6439c12e32c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-26%20at%2010.46.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=jmf8i6.rCuxLQPN8vYdJ1ObbrLm4tqzI" />The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19-21-barry-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">Barry St, Neutral Bay</a> plans. Image supplied

On the Northern Beaches, the company has secured 26 The Strand in Dee Why, a rare beachfront site, along with a substantial 4,178 sqm holding at Pittwater Road and Albert Street in Narrabeen, creating opportunities for future residential development in tightly held coastal locations.

Abadeen has also strengthened its presence in Mosman through the acquisition of the Midas and Honeysuckle nursery sites on Military Road, further expanding the company’s footprint across the Lower North Shore.

In Victoria, Abadeen has also continued to expand its development pipeline, building on the success of Malea in Malvern East and securing additional residential development opportunities across Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs.

Brown says the acquisitions reflect Abadeen’s disciplined long-term investment strategy and its focus on securing well-located sites in established neighbourhoods.

“In established suburbs like Mosman, Woollahra or the Northern Beaches, opportunities to create new housing are incredibly rare. When a site does come up, you have to consider how it will evolve over the long term, not just through a development cycle.”

“Most of the sites we’re acquiring today were never intended to become residential developments. They’re nurseries, older commercial buildings, or underutilised sites that have been part of the neighbourhood for decades.

“The challenge is finding a way to introduce new housing while still respecting the character and scale of the surrounding area.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136776 project_image_fid=272412]

A strong pipeline of apartment developments across Sydney continues to underpin Abadeen’s growth strategy.

Head of Development – NSW Apartments, Michael Clark, oversees the company’s current portfolio and growing apartment pipeline.

Clark says the breadth of projects across the portfolio reflects continued demand for well-designed homes in established lifestyle locations.

“The majority of buyers in these projects aren’t first-home buyers or investors. They’re people moving out of family homes who want a different lifestyle without leaving the neighbourhood they’ve lived in for years.”

“That means the apartments have to work very differently — larger kitchens, more storage, proper laundry rooms, and spaces that feel more like a house than a typical apartment,” Clark says.

“In established areas such as Woollahra, the challenge is always finding the right balance between respecting the existing character of the neighbourhood and delivering new housing that supports Sydney’s long-term growth. Our approach is to work closely with leading architects and heritage specialists to ensure new development responds carefully to its context while still providing much-needed additional housing.

“Ultimately our focus is on delivering projects that contribute positively to the streetscape and the broader neighbourhood while maintaining the level of design quality and long-term value that Abadeen is known for.”

<img alt="Woollahra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5129ae3f-45be-424b-8c22-7e374f58ee0b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-26%20at%2010.42.44%E2%80%AFAM_2.png?VersionId=dfnvzA_r9924HQ5FVRdNsD2j8LsasMWB" />The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/101-115-edgecliff-road-woollahra-nsw-2025">Edgecliff Rd, Woollahra</a> plans. Image supplied

Abadeen is also introducing a new platform focused on larger-scale greenfield residential house and land opportunities as the company continues to expand its national pipeline.

Brown says the new platform will allow the company to pursue additional opportunities while maintaining the same development philosophy that has guided Abadeen’s growth.&nbsp;

“As our pipeline continues to expand, we’re also looking at how we grow the business in a way that stays true to our core principles,” Brown says.

“This new platform will allow us to explore larger-scale opportunities while maintaining the same focus on design quality, liveability and long-term value that defines our projects.”

Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, Abadeen continues to actively assess new opportunities across Sydney and key interstate markets as it builds on the momentum of its expanding development pipeline.

For Brown, the company’s focus remains on quality rather than scale.

“The most valuable projects are the ones that still feel relevant twenty years later.”

“If a building ages well, integrates into its neighbourhood and continues to attract people who want to live there, that’s the real measure of success,” he says.

Justin Brown on Abadeen’s 2026–2027 pipeline: National acquisition drive adds $1 billion to apartment development pipeline

Sydney builder-developer DASCO has steadily built a reputation for delivering design-led residential communities over the last three decades. Over the past three years, however, the company has entered a significant growth phase. It now has around 1,000 apartments in its own development pipeline, while continuing to build projects for other major developers.

Its portfolio spans a diverse range of locations: Epping in Sydney’s north-west, Waterloo on the inner-city fringe, and St Leonards in the booming Lower North Shore market.

A common thread across DASCO’s projects is a strong emphasis on amenity and place-making. The group is carving out a reputation as a developer focused on creating genuine communities, whether through curated retail and hospitality offerings or extensive private resident facilities.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> made a decisive statement in 2023 when it acquired a prime 1.7-hectare Waterloo site from Melbourne-based Dahua Group. The new precinct, Danks St District, is being delivered in a similar vein to TOGA’s Surry Hills Village, conceived as a destination for both residents and the broader community. The vision is to inject new energy into Waterloo, a suburb that has historically lacked diverse food and beverage offerings. DASCO believes its carefully integrated hospitality spaces will further revitalise the area and strengthen its identity as a lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344703]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/danks-st-district-waterloo-903-921-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">Danks St District</a> will comprise six new residential buildings delivering 347 apartments. As part of the project, DASCO will also restore two heritage-listed structures: the 1922 Pumping Station and the 1935 Valve House, preserving a tangible link to the suburb’s industrial past.

The new buildings, designed by Bates Smart, MHNDU, Fieldwork and Turner Studio, will vary in scale and density, from a 21 storeys tower with terraces adjoining a new park, to a boutique seven-storey plaza building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344705]

The first release, Bourke Street Residences, will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, designed by MHNDU in collaboration with Melbourne-based landscape architect Fieldwork. The sculpted building draws inspiration from the site’s natural qualities and heritage elements, blending old and new in a refined contemporary expression. Residents will have access to private amenities including a rooftop garden with city views, a sheltered barbecue area, an outdoor gym and a soundproofed music room.&nbsp;

A laneway-style dining precinct, Bourke Street Eatery, will offer a vibrant mix of cafes, wine bars, and eateries, mirroring the area's contemporary food scene. Running alongside it, Washer’s Lane will introduce an eclectic mix of boutiques and artisanal vendors, providing a platform for local creatives and entrepreneurs to showcase their work in a modern, walkable setting. At the centre of the 1.7-hectare masterplan is Danks Street Square, a public plaza framed by contemporary architecture and lush landscaping. The space is designed to host regular events, weekend markets, and community gatherings, creating a strong sense of connection among residents and visitors alike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344587]

In north west Sydney, DASCO recently launched its Epping development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/senso-epping-242-244-beecroft-road-epping-nsw-2121">Senso</a>, a 479-apartment project spread across five buildings on a more than 10,000 sqm Beecroft Road site, adjacent to the new Epping Town Centre and just a five-minute walk from Epping Metro Station.

The architectural brief to Turner Studio was to create a community where residents are immersed in a “paradise for the senses”. The result is a landscape-led, amenity-rich precinct unlike anything previously delivered in Epping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4397]

Apartments have been tailored to the owner-occupier market, featuring generous floorplans, premium materials and optional upgrades such as integrated refrigeration, bespoke joinery and motorised blinds.

Senso will include resort-style communal amenities, including two rooftop pools, an outdoor cinema, wellness club, sensory walk and observation deck, along with multiple barbecue and outdoor entertaining areas across several levels. More than 800 sqm of ground-floor retail is planned, likely to be activated by hospitality operators.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

DASCO will bring its latest major project to market later this year. In late 2025, the company acquired a prime St Leonards site opposite Newlands Park, where it is planning across three buildings.

DASCO’s placemaking prowess on show as Waterloo and Epping precincts come to life

Longstanding builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> has delivered numerous suburb-shaping precincts over the decades, so many that a clear naming convention has emerged across its projects.

“Central” has become the defining adjective in its masterplanned communities. Through Rhodes Central and Arncliffe Central, the group has added thousands of apartments to Sydney’s chronically undersupplied housing market. Its next “Central” masterplan further cements Billbergia’s position as one of the city’s most prolific developers.

The latest project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/concord-central-1-king-street-concord-west-nsw-2137">Concord Central</a>, will be among its largest to date, with 1,336 homes planned for a 3.14-hectare site. With an end value exceeding $2.2 billion, it is set to become one of the company’s most valuable communities since founder John Kinsella established the business in the late 1980s.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143679 project_image_fid=362841]

The vision is to create a connected urban village that integrates housing, retail, public space and transport within a single, coordinated masterplan.

Billbergia Development Director Saul Moran said Concord Central is an exciting opportunity to define forward-thinking liveability in Sydney’s Inner West.

"Designed in collaboration with five leading architecture studios, the project will deliver a contemporary urban village that integrates retail, dining, and essential services. Concord Central will create an elevated inner-city lifestyle while unlocking benefits for the surrounding community."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143679 project_image_fid=362842]

At its core, Concord Central is organised into three distinct neighbourhoods, each designed by a different architectural team under the coordination of GroupGSA as executive architect.

The Station Precinct forms the northern gateway to the site. Designed by GroupGSA in collaboration with Lachlan Seegers Architect, the first three buildings will incorporate 276, 258 and 167 apartments. These towers rise above a podium incorporating cafes, restaurants, and a childcare centre, reinforcing the project’s focus on daily amenity at ground level.&nbsp;

South of the Station Precinct is the Park Neighbourhood, a further three towers designed by Fitzpatrick + Partners with 414 apartments. These buildings are arranged around landscaped courtyards and the vast 4,130 sqm central park, and incorporate shared resident facilities including a library room, spa retreat and pool. The intention is to cluster communal wellness and leisure spaces within easy reach of a large public green spine, reinforcing the park as both a visual and social anchor.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143679 project_image_fid=362852]

To the western boundary, The Urban Edge precinct by Carter Williamson introduces terrace-style apartments across two buildings. Street-facing front doors and retained mature trees along George Street are designed to strengthen the interface with the surrounding suburb. Base-level terrace homes will offer a different type of dwelling, ideally suited to multi-generational families or downsizers.

The proposal includes more than 5,000 sqm of public spaces, with pedestrian through-site links designed to improve connectivity between Concord West Station and the surrounding streets. Landscape architecture by McGregor Coxall introduces green corridors, play areas and tree-lined pedestrian streets intended to stitch the site back into the wider community.

Retail and commercial uses are deliberately scaled to serve day-to-day needs rather than function as a regional destination. The latest scheme includes around 5,100 sqm of retail space, with an emphasis on local activation, alongside childcare and community facilities. The project also includes significant infrastructure upgrades valued at over $100 million, reflecting the scale of intervention required to support the incoming population.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143679 project_image_fid=362853]

Proximity to heavy rail and future metro connections underpins the project’s transit-oriented logic. The site's location, immediately adjacent to Concord West Station, puts residents on the T9 rail line which takes around 20 minutes direct to Central Station. The North Strathfield Metro station, due for completion in 2032, will be just one stop from Concord West. The Metro will take just 13 minutes to the new Hunter St, Sydney CBD metro stop. Future residents will also be less than two kilometres walk from Sydney Olympic Park, home to the country’s biggest sporting events and concerts, as well as the Concord Hospital which is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in Australia.

For families, Concord Central sits in a highly sought-after catchment for some of the area’s best schools. Both Concord High School, a top five non-selective high school in mathematics where 78 per cent of students achieved the top three achievement bands, and Strathfield Girls High School, ranked among the top 20 comprehensive schools in NSW based on average HSC subject scores, are within a 10-minute drive of the project. Several well-regarded private schools are also located within a five-kilometre radius, further strengthening the appeal of Concord Central for families seeking access to quality education.

Billbergia is starting to take expressions of interest for the first stage of apartments at Concord Central. The veteran developer, which has delivered thousands of apartments across Sydney in the last four decades, has a history of creating similar precincts of this scale. Their $3 billion Rhodes Central masterplan is approaching completion, with their final tower of five also soon to launch. They are also heading towards completion of their 806-home, five-tower masterplan Arncliffe Central.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143679]

Billbergia approaches launch of game-changing $2.2 billion Concord Central

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Joel Robinson

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