The ever-busy Broadbeach has seen another development application lodged for a residential tower, the third in a week following two by Morris Property Group.

Platinum Investments Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based developer, had Design Vibe draw up the plans for a 40-level tower&nbsp;2797 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of First Avenue.

It sits on a 1,201 sqm block that was secured earlier this year for $4.3 million.

The tower will&nbsp;home 113 apartments, with a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, in addition to one five-bedroom penthouse.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="908" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-10_at_9.36.29_am.png" width="1672" /></a>

A communal open space will be located within level four and the adjoining mezzanine, along with a small food and drink outlet situated on the ground floor.

The level four space is set to include a pool and pool deck, lounges, gym, yoga lawn, and dining facilities, all set amongst lush, green landscaping. The mezzanine level of level four will also be home to a sky lounge, with dining and transitional spaces.

Extensive open space areas are located to the south of the site, including Platell Park and the Cascade Gardens, offering a riverside park with picnic and play areas. Additionally, Broadbeach Park also known as Nikiforides Family Park, and the Broadbeach Bowls Club are to the south of the site, along with sitting&nbsp;within walking distance to the Florida Gardens light rail station.&nbsp;

Taking on a tall and slender form, the distinctive architectural character is embellished further through the landscape design, both at ground level and structured through the podium levels.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="870" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-10_at_9.36.17_am.png" width="1500" /></a>

Crowning the tower will be the five-bedroom penthouse, which is set to be laid out across three-levels. The ground floor of the space follows an open-plan layout, spanning half a floor. That will open to&nbsp;a&nbsp;balcony which will feature a plunge pool, gazebo, and dining facilities.

Also on this level is a guest bedroom with an ensuite, study, and media room, as well as the main living, kitchen and dining space.

<a href="/new-apartments/2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="920" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-10_at_9.36.43_am.png" width="1600" /></a>

The third level of the penthouse is home to the master bedroom, which encompasses the entire level. A generous balcony wraps around the floor, accompanying a massive ensuite and walk-in-robe space.

Level two of the penthouse will consist of three-bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and walk-in-robe. An east-facing balcony is&nbsp;accessed from the rumpus space&nbsp;which separates the bedrooms.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=113098]

The tower will home 113 apartments, with a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, in addition to one five-bedroom penthouse

Joel Robinson

First look: Broadbeach planning surge continues as 40-level apartment tower proposed

Kirra Beach has firmly put itself among the likes of Noosa and Byron Bay as an iconic destination on Australia's east coast, with the trio celebrated for their rare north-facing beaches and clear turquoise waters.

Albeit adored by locals for a number of years before the recent wave of interest, Kirra has quickly become the most sought-after locale on the southern Gold Coast, with a vibrant village atmosphere, plethora of cafes, restaurants, and world-renowned surf breaks.&nbsp;

There's seldom an opportunity to capture the lifestyle on a permanent basis, though prominent Gold Coast developer, Marquee Development Partners, are offering the chance to buy on&nbsp;one of the last beachfront sites.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112210 project_image_fid=198839]

The project, named Monterey, offers a collection of north-facing, ultra-wide three, four and five-bedroom residences and&nbsp;penthouses with panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean from Snapper Rocks to the Surfers Paradise skyline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After several record sellouts along the coast, this will be Marquee Development Partners' 10th and most prestigious project to date.

Marquee Sales Manager Azura Griffen said that with an exceptional, ultra-wide, north-facing beachfront site within one of the Gold Coast's most coveted locations, they knew they had to partner with the right architect to deliver on our vision of true authentic coastal luxury.

"After an extensive review process, we partnered with the award-winning Ellivo – an innovative architecture firm renowned for their iconic designs,"&nbsp;Griffen said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112210 project_image_fid=198836]

Designed exclusively for owner occupiers, there will be just 35 residences across 14 levels of smooth, fluid design inspired by the stunning natural landscapes surrounding."

With only three residences per floor, all have been designed to overlook the beach &amp; provide stunning vantage points from multiple rooms.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ellivo Architects Director Mason Cowle said they knew the project was a rare opportunity to create something truly iconic.

"With such an extensive north-facing beach frontage and&nbsp;panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean &amp; entire Gold Coast coastline - there is no comparison," Cowle said.

"The result is an incredible design without compromise."

On the Gold Coast beachfront, you either enjoy views out over the Pacific Ocean to Snapper Rocks or back along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise. Due to Monterey's unique positioning on a north-facing bend of the coastline, residents will be some of the rare few to enjoy both.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="400" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monterey_panning_gif_0.gif" width="600" />

"With the largest expanse of beach frontage on the southern Gold Coast, each residence benefits from a north-facing position &amp; has been designed to capture the breathtaking panoramas, whether you're in your kitchen, living space, or master bedroom,"&nbsp;Griffen added.

"To ensure we did this project justice, we've used premium finishes throughout, including Tongue N Groove flooring, premium Miele appliances, 50mm stone benchtops and&nbsp;so much more."

As with every Marquee community, residents will have exclusive access to&nbsp;a curated selection of resort-style amenity, with Monterey taking inspiration from Mykonos &amp; the Greek Islands - utilizing natural stone &amp; archways as a key highlight.

The ground floor of Monterey will feature a heated swimming pool oasis accompanied by poolside cabanas, an outdoor spa, and a European-style sauna. But, of course, they've also planned for the avid surfer and beach go-er, with an outdoor beach shower and surfboard wash station available.

On the second level, residents will enjoy a state-of-the-art gym overlooking the ocean, a yoga lawn, and a resident's bar with a billiards lounge.

Marquee has catered for the busy business owner or executive with a private full office suite – complete with the latest in AV technology, printing station, and more.&nbsp;

Monterey is Marquee's 10th development on the Gold Coast in the last four years and second in Kirra.&nbsp;

Their most recent sellout was around the corner at SOL Kirra Beach. That followed sellouts at Palm Beach Residences and Northshore, both at Palm Beach, and Cannes Waterfront, One Cannes, and Shoreline, all located between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112210]

With spacious and ultra-wide residences set on one of the last remaining beachfront sites in the highly sought-after Kirra pocket on the southern Gold Coast, Monterey Kirra Beach offers a rare opportunity that may never be repeated.


Marquee launch Monterey, one of Kirra's last beachfront addresses

The longstanding development and construction company, Morris Property Group, continues to add to their development pipeline, lodging two applications for residential projects in the in demand Broadbeach.

Veteran developer Barry Morris says the Gold Coast has seen several DA’s lodged in the past six to 12&nbsp;months, especially in Broadbeach.

"Buyers love Broadbeach because it, offers beachside living with metropolitan amenities, which is what the market is after," Morris says.

One of the newly lodged projects, at 22 Chelsea Avenue, is just a few doors down from their newly complete and sold out Opus project.

That will target the owner-occupier, with just 18 three-bedroom apartments across the 20-level tower.

The second level will home the recreation and will feature a barbecue&nbsp;area with outdoor dining, gym and pool. The space will provide an outlook towards Broadbeach Park and maximise northern sunlight.

The Queensland-based architecture firm&nbsp;Burling Brown designed 22 Chelsea Avenue, noting in their design statement that the small tower footprint and orientation of the building&nbsp;will result in a slender tower profile as viewed from the north, where the building will be most visually prominent.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="2160" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mpg02_render_4_a.jpg" width="3840" />

"The design incorporates strong and distinct angular edges that articulate the form," the statement noted.&nbsp;

"The use of a light and dark colour scheme and the inclusion of vertical elements up the western elevation produce a high quality and contemporary design."

Burling Brown also designed the other tower at&nbsp;2739 Gold Coast Highway, cleverly designed to have all 48 apartments face north. There will just be two-bedroom apartments in the building, three per floor.

The design of the building illustrates a contemporary look utilising a natural material palette to help complement the area and Broadbeach streetscape.

MPG now have&nbsp;four Broadbeach projects in the pipeline and one in Burleigh Heads. They're also set to be&nbsp;launching Essentia in Surfers Paradise in the coming weeks, which offers one and two-bedroom stock.

"This will be a great opportunity for us to receive some market data and get ourselves back in the selling game, preparing us for the many upcoming project launches," Morris added.

MPG currently has two residential projects under construction Sandbar Burleigh Heads which has limited stock remaining, as well&nbsp;as a new commercial building Mermaid Plaza, in Mermaid Beach.

Veteran developer Barry Morris says the Gold Coast has seen several DA’s lodged in the past six to 12 months, especially in Broadbeach

First look: Morris Property Group file plans for two more Broadbeach towers

The Brisbane-based Cielo Group is continuing to pad out its Bilinga footprint on the southern end of the Gold Coast.

Cielo&nbsp;Group,&nbsp;led by Justin O'Donnell and Azemm Dannaoui, recently launched Bloom, a collection of nine whole floor apartments on Golden Four Drive.

Now they've lodged plans for a similarly boutique project at 90-92 Pacific Parade, just 400 metres up the road. This one however is on the prized beachside.&nbsp;

They've again had Z Architects, their go-to architecture firm in now both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, draw up the plans for the latest project, which will see 19 apartments created across a nine-level building.

There will be just three apartments per floor for for the first three levels, before the tower becomes two half-floor apartments, spanning between&nbsp;180 sqm internal to 248 sqm.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1008" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-07_at_12.12.11_pm.png" width="1828" />

The eighth level will home a full floor penthouse, with a huge 487 sqm of living space with three bedrooms, three living areas, and a multipurpose area.

The roof will be communal, and will feature a gym, dining room, pool, and pool terrace.

The town planning documents noted&nbsp;that the rooftop adopts a high-quality architectural style, with significant articulation, building recesses, modulation, as well as the use of variation of materials and finishes to present as development with high aesthetic value

"The area is characterised by a range of older buildings amongst new mid-rise developments with an emerging built form character of increased intensity within the streetscape," the report noted.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1042" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-07_at_12.12.22_pm.png" width="1856" />

"The area has established street trees and mature Norfolk Pine trees that define the distinct coastal character and assist to balance the built form, provide landscape buffers and pedestrian friendly streets."

Two original houses currently sit on the 1,012 sqm site. They will be demolished to make way for the project.

Just behind the site at 89-91 Golden Four Drive, Sydney-based developer Farshad Amirbeaggi is seeking to create the highest density project in the area. He recently submitted plans for a nine-level, 81-apartment building on 2,024 sqm.

There's 71 two-bed apartments proposed and 10 three-bedroom units, as well as 103 parking spaces and 46 bicycle spaces.

<a href="/news/qld/is-bilinga-the-next-gold-coast-apartment-hotspot">Read more:&nbsp;Is Bilinga the next Gold Coast apartment hotspot?</a>

There will be just three apartments per floor for for the first three levels, before the tower becomes two half-floor apartments, spanning between 180 sqm internal to 248 sqm

Cielo Group to produce more luxury at Bilinga

The luxury home builder and now residential apartment developer, Graya, has been given the green light to push on with its second high-end residential project in Brisbane&#39;s inner-ring.

They&#39;ll soon be launching Canvas, a collection of just 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments in the sought-after riverfront suburb of Bulimba.

Speaking recently to Urban, Rob Gray, who with brother Andrew founded Graya in 2013, said they were attracted to the&nbsp;Love Street site given its proximity to the Oxford Street lifestyle precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112020 project_image_fid=198790]

Gray said the three-level zoning allowed them to create something&nbsp;more affordable than what they usually create in the trophy home space.

&quot;We saw value in being able to bring something to what is one of Brisbane&#39;s top suburbs without pricing out the majority of the market as we do in the single home space,&quot; Gray said.

&quot;Most GRAYA supporters now have a change to own one for themselves.&quot;

Canvas will home a rooftop amenity level with the standout feature the infinity pool and spa. The rooftop offers&nbsp;views back to the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112020 project_image_fid=198792]

Graya has a long-line of prestige home builds to their name, setting a number of street and suburb records in the last few years.

But the move to multi-res was on the cards from day one.

&quot;We always wanted to go into multi-res, it was just a case of timing,&quot; Gray said. The team have been building around 12 luxury houses a year in some of Brisbane&#39;s best suburbs.

Their first multi-res project, Maison in New Farm, was just five luxury full-floor apartments that all sold off th​e plan with an average price of $3.2 million, with sales ranging between $2.8 million and $4.3 million.

Gray says&nbsp;buyers at Canvas should have confidence in the resale value of the Graya product.&nbsp;A Maison apartment that sold off th​e plan for $2.9 million in 2020 resold earlier this year for $5 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112020 project_image_fid=198793]

Gray&nbsp;adds that, in the current uncertain times regarding&nbsp;the problematic construction industry, those developers who also build their project, are ultimately going to deliver.

&quot;There will be a real shortage of supply in the coming years, with developers who also build not facing the same types of challenges of those having to hire an external company to construct the project,&quot; Gray suggested.

&quot;There&#39;s also the fact that as a developer and builder, it&#39;s our job to think about every facet of the development. Sometimes when the developer isn&#39;t the builder, details can be missed.&quot;

They had bureau^proberts design&nbsp;Canvas, with the&nbsp;brief to create Graya homes in the sky and&nbsp;create the best unit block in the suburb..

&quot;Bureau^proberts stood out for us having nailed the luxury owner-occupier stock,&quot; Gray said, adding that their last 10 designs, which included Glasshouse, Thornton Residences, Cala Dei and Natura, have been very successful.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112020 project_image_fid=198804]

Graya&#39;s longstanding reputation has seen them field a number of enquiries from either past clients, or friends of past clients, who know the Graya brand and have seen first hand what they&#39;ve produced over the years.

The name Canvas derives from the art world.

&quot;We try to make every project like a work of art,&quot; Gray said, adding that the facade of Canvas was so unique, and some of the intricate details they have brought into the rest of the building, that the&nbsp;word Canvas was an apt name for the project.

Motiv&#39;s Carly Cottam will be handling the sales of Canvas, with launch expected in late June.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112020]

Speaking recently to Urban, Rob Gray, who with brother Andrew founded Graya in 2013, said they were attracted to the Love Street site given its proximity to the Oxford Street lifestyle precinct

Exclusive: GRAYA get green light for Canvas, luxury Bulimba apartments

The Brisbane-based property developer, Habitat Development Group, are continuing to bulk up their pipeline in Maroochydore, the central hub of the Sunshine Coast.

Fresh off the launch of their latest project, The Corso, Habitat has filed a development application for the 201-apartment The Millwell, in the heart of Maroochydore next to the Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre.

There will be two, three and four-bedroom apartments across two eight-level towers, each with ground floor retail or commercial spaces.

Habitat Development Group Managing Director Cleighton Clark said the proposed $161m development would include significant resident amenity such as a resort pool and resident&rsquo;s terrace including BBQ areas, lush landscaping and resident&rsquo;s dining rooms.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore"><img alt="" height="1192" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-06_at_4.17.54_pm.png" width="2150" /></a>

&ldquo;Following on from the sell-out success of our Market Lane Residences&nbsp;development and the recent launch of The Corso Collection in the Maroochydore CBD, we are excited to have the opportunity to be adding another iconic project to the Maroochydore skyline,&quot; Clark said.

&ldquo;We think it&rsquo;s a terrific location. It&rsquo;s nestled directly adjacent to the Sunshine Plaza, with 200m frontage to Cornmeal Creek and walking distance to the rapidly expanding Maroochydore CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore"><img alt="" height="1176" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-06_at_4.17.15_pm.png" width="2142" /></a>

Habitat have had their go-to architecture firm, K Architecture, draw up the plans.

Clark said both sides of the building will have great aspects north and south.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been building on the Sunshine Coast for the past 17 years and have witnessed property in the region go from strength to strength, particularly the last two years,&quot; Clark added.

&quot;Rental vacancy rates are at a historical low and consistently below those of other regional and metropolitan areas in South East Queensland. Our sales rates continue to be very healthy and The Millwell provides us another opportunity to meet the demands of the growing region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore"><img alt="" height="1210" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-06_at_4.17.30_pm.png" width="1844" /></a>

&ldquo;We currently have a number of projects finishing construction in the Maroochydore CBD and in Sippy Downs, with more commencing later this year. These projects have all proven to be hugely appealing to both owner occupiers and investors alike and we are expecting the current high levels of market interest to follow through to The Millwell.&rdquo;.

Clark said he looked forward to being able to continue supporting local industry.

&ldquo;With so many unfortunate headlines in the media lately, we look forward to being able to support in excess of 400 workers on site during the construction phase. We enjoy long standing relationships with many local trades and&nbsp;suppliers and we look forward to continuing these relationships as well as creating new employment opportunities with this project.&quot;

Habitat is also waiting for approval on its St Claire, a 200-apartment project&nbsp;in Birtinya.

The Millwell Project Overview

<ul>
	<li>Location:
	<ul>
		<li>2 Millwell Road East, Maroochydore</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Height
	<ul>
		<li>8 stories</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Value of Project
	<ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
		<li>$161m&nbsp;</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>201 units across two towers, comprising:
	<ul>
		<li>125 x 2 bed units</li>
		<li>40 x 3 bed units</li>
		<li>37 x 4 bed units</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Project Amenities
	<ul>
		<li>Onsite manager&rsquo;s office</li>
		<li>Resort pool &amp; lounging areas</li>
		<li>Podium level terrace including BBQ &amp; recreation areas</li>
		<li>Resident&rsquo;s private dining room</li>
		<li>361 sqm of ground floor commercial/retail space</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>View Corridors
	<ul>
		<li>360 degree views taking in the Maroochy River and Mount Coolum to the North, the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland to the West, Mount Buderim and Point Cartwright to the South as well as Maroochydore Beach and Cotton Trees to the East. Many South facing units will also have aspects over Cornmeal Creek.&nbsp;</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

There will be two, three and four-bedroom apartments across two eight-level towers, each with ground floor retail or commercial spaces

First look: Habitat Development Group set for The Millwell, Maroochydore apartments

Tugun, the small enclave in the southern Gold Coast just north of Bilinga, is set to welcome an impressive collection of beach villas.

Chapter Two Group and Kingbella, who have most recently worked together on a similar project, Callista in Palm Beach, are behind The Eden Collection, just five home-sized luxury villas directly adjacent to Kropp Park nature reserve.

There will be three and four-bedroom configurations on offer, with each villa featuring a number of living zones across their three levels.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109904 project_image_fid=197975]

Chapter Two Director Jon Quayle says The Eden Collection is quintessentially Tugun.

&ldquo;Tugun is one of only a few suburbs on the Gold Coast that still retains its coastal charm of yesteryear&rdquo;, Quayle said.

&quot;Low-rise modern-day beach houses, fronting on to a nature reserve, and only 250 metres in each direction to Cornerstone Stores, Tugun Market Co, and of course the famous sands of Tugun beach&rdquo;.

Kingbella Director, Laura Percey, says Eden&rsquo;s design was inspired by the earthy palette of its surroundings, from sand to stone to sunlight glistening on the water.

&ldquo;Each villa features polished concrete floors, premium timber joinery, exquisite stone benchtops, multiple living areas to unwind, bespoke tapware and high-end Miele appliances that boast both function and&nbsp;form,&rdquo; Percey said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109904 project_image_fid=197971]

C2 Architecture and Louise Walsh interiors, who were the team behind Callista Palm Beach, are behind The Eden Collection design.

CBRE Residential Projects Senior Director, Nicholas Clydsdale, said that demand for luxury townhouses was only going to increase on the Gold Coast in the coming years, particularly in blue- chip suburbs such as Tugun.

&ldquo;It is extremely rare for a new development to occur in this tightly held beachside enclave, yet the buyer demand is continuing to increase on the back of burgeoning population growth&rdquo;,&nbsp;Clydsdale said.

&ldquo;New development sites in quality locations are more and more difficult to come by. The tranquil location of Eden, fronting north over a stunning natural reserve is a dream location for a southern Gold Coast buyer. Add to that its strolling distance to Currumbin and Tugun shops and beaches only adds to its allure and rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109904 project_image_fid=197969]

Clydsdale says there&nbsp;have been several recent sales in Tugun and Currumbin surrounding The Eden Collection in the $4 million&nbsp;plus range which has reset pricing for the area.

&quot;We are seeing more and more owners looking to enter the Tugun market who want high-quality, low maintenance living, without having to compromise on space or privacy. The Eden Collection caters for this large portion of buyers who are looking to secure their own piece of Tugun for generations to come.&rdquo;

Pricing for The Eden Collection starts from $2,299,000.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=109904]

There will be three and four-bedroom configurations on offer, with each villa featuring a number of living zones across their three levels

The Eden Collection villas launch in hot Tugun market

Development around Castle Hill&#39;s Showground Precinct is continuing to gather steam.

The latest plans are from the Sydney developer Landmark Group, who are plotting a $28 million, 100-apartment project across&nbsp;16-18&nbsp;Partridge Avenue and 21-23 Middleton Avenue, Castle Hill.

The apartments will be&nbsp;spread across two seven-level buildings designed by DKO. Half have been reserved for affordable housing.

The U-shaped building form will address&nbsp;both adjacent streets and embraces a northern oriented central communal open space, the planning documents note. It has been designed as an integrated and cohesive built form outcome.

&quot;The proposed distribution of built form and massing of the buildings across the site is the result of a considered analysis of the context of the site and the desire to deliver a positive urban design outcome that is consistent with the desired future character for the site and the Showground Station precinct generally,&quot; the submission by Sutherland &amp; Associates Planning noted.

<a href="/new-apartments/16-partridge-avenue-castle-hill"><img alt="" height="278" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-26_at_9.12.11_am.png" width="527" /></a> 
The view from Partridge Avenue. Image credit: DKO

&quot;The proposal is a high quality transit orientated development that will provide housing choice, and importantly affordable housing, in a location that enjoys exceptional access to the forthcoming Showground Train Station and employment opportunities within the Showground Precinct and wider Sydney area.&quot;

The Showground Station Priority Precinct was announced by the NSW Government in 2014 to maximise the use of the Sydney Metro Northwest which is being delivered as part of the North West Growth Area.

The Showground Station Precinct was rezoned in December 2017 and is forecast to deliver approximately 9,000 new homes and 2,300 jobs over the next 20 years, transforming the area around Showground Station into a vibrant local centre and contributing to Castle Hill as a strategic centre.

Castle Island, by KWG Property, is one of the most recent projects to launch in the Showground Precinct.

The $300 million project&nbsp;comprises 295 apartments spread across seven buildings near the new Showgrounds town centre. Inspired by nature, Castle Island is the work of local architectural firm, Giles Tribe, and two international architects, Hong Kong&rsquo;s ARVA Architects and DLN Architects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191246]

CBD Core has also <a href="/news/nsw/cbd-core-bulk-up-2022-castle-hill-apartment-pipeline-with-latest-plans">recently filed for 67 apartments in the precinct.&nbsp;</a>

The low-rise towers, dubbed Ashford and Partridge&nbsp;for their locations&nbsp;fronting&nbsp;Ashford Avenue and Partridge Avenue, will rise six levels and will be home a mix of&nbsp;two studio apartments, 11 one-bedroom apartments, 39 two-bedders, 15 three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="" height="377" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cbd_core_1.jpeg" width="580" /> 
A render of the new plans by CBD Core

CBD Core saw success with their Oriel project in the area, and are soon to launch Astrid, a block of 94 apartments just behind Oriel.

Astrid will feature&nbsp;extensive work from home facilities, with a conscious effort to create both indoor and outdoor communal spaces, outside of the apartments so those working from home have the option to still be away from where they reside. Residents will also have access to the a gym, swimming pool, and a rooftop with barbecues and seating spaces.

A local developer is also <a href="/news/nsw/castle-hill-set-for-94-million-apartment-development-in-the-showground-station-precinct">seeking to create 255 apartments across five buildings</a> at&nbsp;7-23 Cadman Crescent and 18-24 Hughes Avenue,&nbsp;centred around a courtyard with extensive landscaping, greenery, and a natural pool with waterfall.

<img alt="" height="373" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_hill_mhndu_4.jpeg" width="662" /> 
The architecturally-designed building on Cadman Crescent. Image credit: MHNDU

MHNDU associate Amanda Stollery took the lead of the design of the Cadman Crescent project,&nbsp;noting in the design verification statement that the&nbsp;proposal seeks to provide a seamlessly integrated residential community facilitating population growth in areas of transition.

&quot;Situated in a revitalising precinct, this proposal seeks to provide a seamlessly integrated residential community facilitating population growth in areas of transition and high density,&quot; the statement read.

The apartments will be spread across two seven-level buildings designed by DKO. Half have been reserved for affordable housing

Castle Hill Showground Precinct development continues with new Landmark apartment plans

Glasshouse by Spyre Group is set to become a landmark for years to come on the Burleigh Heads dress circle, Goodwin Terrace,&nbsp;which is already lined with some of the Gold Coast&#39;s most architecturally impressive apartment developments.

Glasshouse already homes one of the most expensive apartments in Queensland, a two-level penthouse which was recently snapped up by an interstate purchaser for a record $20 million.

Spyre Group, who have created a number of striking projects up and down South East Queensland from Brisbane to Coolangatta, knew the importance of the securing the right architect for the rare site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=188871]

They gave the renowned architecture firm bureau^proberts a simple but powerful brief, &quot;create the impossible.&quot;

Bureau^proberts Project Design Leader Dan Liddy says Glasshouse&#39; brings something stridently new to Burleigh Heads.

&quot;From the outset Spyre were clear in their pursuit for an unrepeatable outcome, expressively crafted and uniquely Burleigh. As such, we knew we needed to challenge the conventions of boutique design,&quot; Liddy says.

Liddy says the prospect of creating something like Glasshouse excited the team when they saw the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=188873]

&quot;This exceptional site gave us astonishing design possibilities,&quot; Liddy suggested.

&quot;For a team of creative thinkers, the extraordinary stretch of beachfront - backdropped by one of Australia&rsquo;s most identifiable headlands, offered abundant design opportunities.

&quot;We knew we wanted to capture and amplify the natural qualities of this extraordinary place and ayer those with a work of architecture that was as distinctive and as rare as the site itself.

&quot;Through a deep understanding of the qualities of this site, the architecture creates an expression that honours a coastal landscape and reinforces a strong sense of belonging to its place,&quot; Liddy says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=189482]

&quot;Glasshouse enables residents to experience the landscape with minimal visual disruption and maximum atmospheric impact while creating a work of enduring architectural value.

There are just three apartments in the boutique development. Only two remain, given the recent penthouse sale. They will each span a whole floor, one offering 300 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space and another over 400 sqm.

Each apartment has been designed to orientate the living spaces to the north, capturing the never-to-be-built-out views across the ocean. The entertaining starts from the kitchen, where there&#39;s the most impressive island bench, crafted out of natural materials.

Liddy says Glasshouse does not just offer&nbsp;luxury apartments, they are hyper-luxury residences.

&quot;There&rsquo;s nothing &lsquo;routine&rsquo; about these spaces. For residents, it&rsquo;s a sanctuary that amplifies the divine qualities of the location&mdash;drawing inside the sound of waves, salt-laden breezes and tempered, sub-tropical sunlight.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=189487]

&quot;Uniquely - the spatial experience reveals as a trilogy of realms which move from open toward the beachfront, invited at the centre of the plan and private where retreat spaces nestle into the foothills of Burleigh Heads.

&quot;As the sequence of rooms move further from the shoreline, the interior transitions from dissolved and open, to spaces gradually becoming more sheltered and introverted. The defining experience of hyper-luxury plays out in moments of ambiguity &ndash; between inside and outside, garden and sculpture and the grounded and immersive experiences of rooms and spaces.

Liddy says the&nbsp;architecture embodies the qualities of the Burleigh Headland, its natural, permanent forms, revealed in the solid and planted elements of the fa&ccedil;ade, balconies, and rooftop.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=104773]

Spyre, who have created a number of striking projects up and down South East Queensland from Brisbane to Coolangatta, knew the importance of the securing the right architect for the rare site

How bureau^proberts designed Spyre Group's Glasshouse at Burleigh Heads

Experienced Queensland developer Paul Spina has led a consortium to lodge a development application for Elevaire Palm Beach.

Elevaire, which is expected to be launched within the next few months, will see 41 apartments created on the prime&nbsp;1,237 sqm site at 1409-1411 Gold Coast Highway - between 23rd Avenue and 25th Avenue -&nbsp;just 50 metres from renowned surf breaks, and 500 metres from the vibrant Palm Beach CBD.

The code-assessable development has been lodged&nbsp;in response to the surging demand for premium residential apartments along the Gold Coast’s southern beaches, as vacancy rates reach a record-low and market fundamentals remain strong.

Designed by leading architects Cottee Parker, the development comprises 41 residences across eight levels, including a mix of one, two&nbsp;and three-bedroom residences, some with additional home office spaces and all with secure parking, including optional electric vehicle charging stations.

All 41 of the apartments will feature premium finishes, full-length windows, and spacious living areas, designed for indoor-outdoor living.

Residences will have access to an innovative wellness-centred recreational area on the ground floor, which will feature hot and cold pools, a steam room and day beds to complement the natural recreational opportunities of the nearby beachside to help residents relax and unwind.

<a href="/new-apartments/elevaire-palm-beach-1409-1411-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">To track the project through to sales, be the first to enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/elevaire-palm-beach-1409-1411-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1050" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-25_at_12.19.38_pm.png" width="1636" /></a>

Other facilities will include a private dining room and boardroom to enhance the ability to work and entertain from home.

CBRE Senior Director of Residential Projects Nicholas Clydsdale, who is marketing the new project, said the current available residences in Palm Beach weren’t meeting the huge demand from people wanting to live in the beachside suburb because they were only accessible to a small percentage of the population.

“This development enjoys a location that is quintessential north Palm Beach that meets demand for high-quality apartments with modern amenity,” Clydsdale said.

“It has been designed to appeal to the local owner-occupier market with a diversity of residences including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all within a boutique beachside building.”

Clydsdale said Palm Beach continued to mature as a suburb, attracting a variety of new innovative businesses, popular food outlets and infrastructure upgrades.

<a href="/new-apartments/elevaire-palm-beach-1409-1411-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">To track the project through to sales, be the first to enquire here.</a>

“Palm Beach is home to some of the best restaurants and cafés the Gold Coast has to offer, all of which are within walking distance of the site,” he said.

“This tower will have everything a buyer could want or need within easy reach, including convenient access to the M1 Motorway and Gold Coast Airport, which is just 15 minutes away.

“In addition, stage 4 of the light rail network is in the pipeline for Palm Beach, which will offer residents supreme convenience and connectivity.”

The project will be launched in July, subject to DA approval being obtained.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112941]

All 41 of the apartments will feature premium finishes, full-length windows, and spacious living areas, designed for indoor-outdoor living

New Palm Beach apartment project Elevaire Palm Beach set for July launch

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

Joel Robinson

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