The first residents have started moving into Mirvac&rsquo;s racecourse-fronting Tulloch House development in Brisbane, with settlements underway on the sold-out $77 million building.

All 83 apartments in the eight-level Tulloch House, the second stage of the publicly-listed property group&rsquo;s Ascot Green masterplanned community alongside Eagle Farm Racecourse, were snapped up in July, well ahead of the building&rsquo;s completion, for between $450,000 to more than $2 million.

Mirvac is working to bring the next stage &ndash; Charlton House &ndash; to the market as soon as possible to meet the exceptional demand for apartments in the community and Brisbane, with registrations of interest already being taken and preview appointments anticipated to commence early next year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27704 project_image_fid=71319]

The&nbsp;subtropical-inspired apartment block will rise 14 levels with 111 apartments and a rooftop with panoramic city and track views. That will also feature a private dining room and lounge areas.

It will home the community&#39;s first four-bedroom apartments, as well as four integrated terraces with direct access to green open space fronting the racecourse.

The ground level will feature a gym and resort-style pool overlooking the racecourse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27704 project_image_fid=71321]

The luxury Ascot Green community is the first in Australia to be developed on a racecourse and is part of Brisbane Racing Club&rsquo;s $1.2 billion masterplan redevelopment of Eagle Farm to transform the precinct into a vibrant place to live, work and enjoy.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show Queensland recorded a net gain of 7,000 people from internal migration in the March 2021 quarter, with 3,300 people moving to Greater Brisbane. The figures showed 115,000 people also immigrated to Australia to the year ending March 2021.

Mirvac is working to bring the next stage – Charlton House – to the market as soon as possible to meet the exceptional demand for apartments

Joel Robinson

Off the plan buyers move in to Mirvac's Tulloch House at Ascot Green masterplan

2021 will go down as the biggest sales year the Gold Coast has seen for new apartments since the property consultancy Urbis began monitoring the sector.

The number of apartment sales for the September quarter surged to 690, bringing the total of new apartments sold on the Gold Coast in the first nine months of this year to 1,882.

This figure has already eclipsed the previous full-year record of 1,556 sales in 2016.

There&#39;s expected to be further figures which show the 2,000 mark was broken over the full calendar year, which has eyes looking toward 2022, and what&#39;s in store for the Gold Coast apartment market.

There&#39;s been a late push in to Christmas, later than any other year in living memory, to launch projects in to 2022.The Gold Coast is set to see a huge wave in early 2022 of some of the biggest apartment developments the suburb has ever seen.

We&#39;ve had a look at some of the developments to watch out for.

<h2>La Pelago, Surfers Paradise</h2>

Developer: GurnerTM 
Address: 108 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The most anticipated development&nbsp;is no doubt the first foray in to the Gold Coast area by the Melbourne-based developer, GurnerTM.

Led by&nbsp;Tim Gurner, GurnerTM are set to launch La Pelago, the $1.25 billion, four-tower development which will bring over 1000 apartments to the Surfers Paradise dress circle Ferny Ave.

<img alt="" height="697" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_main_1.jpg" width="1200" />

<a href="/new-apartments/aquia-la-pelago-108-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise">To be the first to know when La Pelago hits sale, enquire here.</a>

La Pelago, likely named after the small commune in Italy,&nbsp;centralises on a private island theme, where&nbsp;each building is surrounded by over 9,000 sqm of amenity, lush tropical landscaping by SWA and pool-side water retreats, creating four private islands.

Tim&nbsp;Gurner&nbsp;says&nbsp;La Pelago will be a new world experience for a beachside precinct that will be unlike anything ever attempted in Australia before, with an international hotel name that will be a new entrant to the Australian market.

<h2>Paradiso Place, Surfers Paradise</h2>

Developer: SPG Land and Gordon Corp 
Address: 103 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Just up the street and set to go head to head with Gurner is Paradiso Place, another mega-development site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185855]

Recently launched, Paradiso Place will see&nbsp;792 apartments constructed, with a $4 million sales gallery to boot. At 750 sqm, that alone is the largest display suite-style marketing touch point in the southern hemisphere.

The apartments, across three towers, will be part of an ever wider precinct, which will include almost 150,000 sqm of retail, amenities, and residential living.

SPG Land chairman David Wang says Paradiso Place will create a long-awaited destination precinct to fill the gaping void in the Surfers Paradise cityscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185852]

&ldquo;Paradiso Place is strategically located between the Marriott Hotel, main beach and the traditional Surfers Paradise beachfront areas,&quot; Wang says.

<h2>Yves, Mermaid Beach</h2>

Developer: Hirsch &amp; Faigen 
Address: 7-9 Mermaid Avenue, Mermaid Beach

2021 marked the entry to the Gold Coast apartment market for the Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen. They started with the 78 apartment project Hemingway at Palm Beach,&nbsp;which sold out in a matter of months, before heading to Kirra Beach for Emerson, something more boutique with 27 apartments starting from just shy of $3 million.

Their third project, just launched, is the three tower development Yves, in the sleepy Gold Coast village of Mermaid Beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

That will have 145 apartments across three towers, designed by Rothelowman, who handled the design of Hemingway and Emerson.

&quot;We all know the Gold Coast has changed a lot in the last 60 years, and as more and more people escape the crowded &lsquo;southern cities&rsquo;, we anticipate she will change even more,&quot;&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;advised in their design statement.

&quot;Between the sleepless Broadbeach &amp; gentrified Burleigh, Mermaid Beach captures the diminishing modesty&nbsp;of the Gold Coast. It is a microcosm with cafes, craft and culture. A community of locals and tourists relishing a more humble urban lifestyle than the north &amp; south.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186080]

<h2>AURA, Surfers Paradise</h2>

Developer:&nbsp;ASF Group 
Address: 59 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise

In Q1 2022, the ASF Group are set to launch to the market AURA, a collection of&nbsp;just 26 full floor apartments, and one tri-level penthouse, across its 31 levels.

The tower, on the dress circle beachfront Garfield Terrace, will also feature an elevated lobby, gym and a club, activate all four&nbsp;sides defining a podium-like form through a dynamic raking column.

<a href="/new-apartments/59-garfield-terrace">To be the first to be contacted when AURA hits the market, enquire here.</a>

AURA follows ASF&#39;s recent&nbsp;launch of The AU, an even more exclusive block of just 12 apartments.

One of the three-level penthouses in The AU just sold for $8.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6762 project_image_fid=184136]

<h2>Tapestry, Chevron Island</h2>

Developer: Siera Group 
Address: 39&nbsp;Darrambal Street, Surfers Paradise

Tapestry, the first Gold Coast apartment project for the Brisbane-based Siera Group, will be launching in early 2022.

Designed by BDA Architecture to&nbsp;pay homage to the Island&#39;s new Home of the Arts precinct,&nbsp;Tapestry will&nbsp;have 83 apartments across its 17 levels.

Offering two and three-bedroom apartments, Tapestry will be crowned by an exclusive resident rooftop featuring a resort-style&nbsp;swimming pool with day beds, a spa, and a pool deck. A&nbsp;barbecue and alfresco area, will sit in landscaping, as will dining surrounded by an edible garden.

There&#39;s set to be a private dining space with a terrace and fire pit, a gym with sauna and steam room, and a lounging area with a lawn.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=179071]

Siera&#39;s managing director Brett Thomson said he wanted to create something that was targeted at a wider net, rather than the multi million dollar apartments that are limited to the fortunate few.

&quot;We want the local owner occupier, who could be living&nbsp;in a medium-size house in the area, to be able to downsize or rightsize, or have others who just want to find a new lifestyle, and have the opportunity to do so without being priced out.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/tapestry-chevron-island-39-darrambal-street-chevron-island">To be the first to be contacted when Tapestry hits the market, enquire here.</a>

<h2>Lagoon, Main Beach</h2>

Developer: Drew Group 
Address: 11 Cronin Avenue, Main Beach

The longstanding South East Queenslander developer,&nbsp;Drew Group, are set to create which will be the largest Main Beach devevelopment since the 1980s, set over a huge amalgamated 4,000 sqm site.

<img alt="" height="668" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lagoon_main_beach_1.jpg" width="1200" />

Plus Architecture&nbsp;designed the 248 apartments, which will be spread across two towers, linked by a central resort-style heated swimming pool and spa area.

Drew Group, led by Jonathan Drew since 2005, have history in the area and know it well,&nbsp;having previously created the 16-level, 29-apartment developer Cerulean on&nbsp;Pacific Street.

<a href="/new-apartments/lagoon-main-beach-11-23-cronin-avenue-main-beach">To be the first to be contacted when Lagoon&nbsp;hits the market, enquire here.</a>

&ldquo;As a local I feel an overwhelming responsibility to deliver an outstanding result for the Main Beach community and the future residents of Lagoon and this concept will be the central focus throughout the project until future residents move in,&quot; Drew said.

<img alt="" height="670" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lagoon_main_beach_3_0.jpg" width="1200" />

Their most recent project The Village, some 72 apartments and beach houses at Palm Beach,&nbsp;was one of the fastest selling project in the Gold Coast over 2019 and 2020, securing all of the apartments in just three months.

<h2>Miles Residences, Kirra Beach</h2>

Developer: KTQ 
Address: Corner of Miles St and Marine Parade

The second stage of the $380 million redevelopment of the Kirra Beach Hotel is set to launch in early 2022. The first stage only last a few months before it achieved a snappy sell-out, with the 50 per cent sold status coming in just a few weeks of launch this time last year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575 project_image_fid=138620]

Residents will have access to the raised 25 metre swimming pool with gun-barrel, never to be built out views north across the beach. The Kirra Beach Hotel will be redeveloped as part of the project, with a new pavilion added.

No words as to how many apartments will be part of the next stage.&nbsp;

KTQ group&nbsp;have&nbsp;a very successful track record across residential and commercial projects in recent years. They have won a number of awards for Elements of Byron Bay, their exclusive and luxury northern NSW retreat.&nbsp;They also developed Bayshore Bungalows, also in Byron, which they also developed and own and operate.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575 project_image_fid=138605]

KTQ are also set to release something special on their massive amalgamated Garfield Terrace beachfront site.&nbsp;

<h2>Sea, Burleigh Heads</h2>

Developer: FORME 
Address: 96 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads

The local developer FORME are again putting together something special which launched shortly before Christmas.

They&#39;re selling Sea, their second Burleigh Heads development by the high-profile architecture firm Koichi Takada.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=99968 project_image_fid=159158]

The boutique apartment building of just 27 apartments follows the rhythms and designs as their sold-out Goodwin Terrace projects Norfolk and Luna.

Demand was so high for Norfolk, which recently settled as one of the Gold Coast&#39;s most expensiave apartment developments, that Forme boss David Calvisi put together the same team for Sea, with the aim to create a similar-style project slightly further south on The Esplanade.

Also featuring interiors from the Melbourne-based Mim Design, Sea&nbsp;comprises half-floor apartments, each with three bedrooms and&nbsp;240 sqm of living space. The full-floor apartments of around 480 sqm are configured to include three ensuited bedrooms, a multi-purpose room, media lounge, home gym, walk-in wine display bar, and a&nbsp;lifestyle space with a fireplace and butler&rsquo;s pantry.

Residents are afforded exclusive access to an array of in-house amenities including a pool, sauna, ice baths, gymnasium and pilates studio, and an alfresco dining terrace serviced by an integrated barbecue kitchen ensconced by idyllic gardens.

&nbsp;

<h2>Palais Coolangatta</h2>

Developer: BeckDev 
Address: 31-35 McLean Street, Coolangatta

Another Q1 release will see Palais Coolangatta, the $130 million apartment development on the site of the landmark Jazzland Dance Palais that has stood on the 2,355 sqm site since the 1930s, hit the market.

Developed by the Melbourne-based BeckDev, Palais Coolangatta will have&nbsp;175 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as resident facilities and a street-level plaza with retail space.

<img alt="" height="668" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/palais_coolangatta_2_0.jpg" width="1200" />

BDA Architecture has designed the plans for the development.

<a href="/new-apartments/palais-coolangatta-31-35-mclean-street-coolangatta">To be the first to be contacted when Lagoon&nbsp;hits the market, enquire here.</a>

Ben Beck, director of BeckDev and son of the industry veteran Max Beck, said Coolangatta stood out&nbsp;as one of the Gold Coast&rsquo;s gems.

&quot;Its riches lie in its natural amenity, world class surfing beaches and deep sense of community,&quot; Beck said.

<h2>Eden Avenue, Coolangatta</h2>

Developer: Kingbella Group, Steer Developments, CAPDEV Partners 
Address: 44 Eden Avenue, Coolangatta

A joint venture trio of Kingbella Group,&nbsp;Steer Developments, and CAPDEV Partners, are teaming up for a 12-level Coolangatta project.

<img alt="" height="725" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/eden_ave_coolangatta_4_3.jpg" width="1200" />

The project, designed by&nbsp;Plus A rchitecture, who describe the tower as &quot;beachside luxe living&quot;,&nbsp;will home 91 apartments and three townhouses.

To be the first to be contacted when Eden Ave&nbsp;hits the market, enquire here.

It will sit across four amalgamated lots totalling 1,924 sqm between 44 and 50 Eden Avenue.

The development will be&nbsp;crowned by a rooftop amenity level featuring an infinity edge pool, sun beds, adjoining spa, a wet deck, garden day beds and barbecue booths.

<h2>Belvue, Runaway Bay,&nbsp;</h2>

Developer: Polites Property Group 
Address: 13-15 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay is set to see its first residential tower to be developed in the idyllic Gold Coast waterfront enclave for almost three decades.

Belvue, French word for beautiful view,&nbsp;is set to be developed in a joint venture between Monaco Property Group and Polites Property Group, who has just lodged a development for the project.

<img alt="" height="728" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/belvue_runaway_bay_0.jpg" width="1200" />

To be the first to be contacted when Belvue hits the market, enquire here.

The luxury tower on a 3,116 sqm site at 13-15 Bayview Street, has been designed for the&nbsp;owner-occupier, with just whole floor apartments.

The 31 apartments, which have four bedrooms each (or three and a multi-purpose room), will each take up a level of the 31 storey building, which is reminiscent of a resort-style hotel, without the mass number of rooms.

Plus Architecture, who are handling the design, call Belvue&nbsp;&quot;the sophisticated newcomer to Runaway Bay.&quot;

<h2>Myst, Broadbeach</h2>

Developer: Orenda Projects 
Address: 14 First Avenue, Broadbeach

The owner-occupier focused residential tower Myst, in the heart of Broadbeach, is set for an early 2022 launch.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95045 project_image_fid=179473]

The&nbsp;Plus Architecture-designed plans for 14 First Avenue&nbsp;will have&nbsp;46 apartments across the 33-level tower, 45 of those being three-bedroom apartments, which, apart from the three whole-floor sub-penthouses, will span half of a floor.

The top two levels will be dedicated to a two-level penthouse, the only four-bedroom apartment in the building. That will have its own private terrace with a swimming pool.

2021 will go down as the biggest sales year the Gold Coast has seen for new apartments since the property consultancy Urbis began monitoring the sector

Top 12 Gold Coast apartment developments to watch out for in 2022

Demand has soared at AURA, Aqualand's $1 billion North Sydney mixed-use tower, with 70 per cent of the first stage already sold.

Local downsizers have been the keenest of buyers so far in the luxury tower, with three-bedroom apartments priced from $3 million proving the most popular as house prices skyrocket across the state.

Two of the sub penthouses sold for $8 million and $8.15 million, with one of the penthouses selling to a local Mosman downsizer.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=184943]

The attraction for the majority of buyers was the mixed of being in a leafy residential location, near North Sydney Oval, while also being aware of all of the transformation of the suburb with extensive investment planned.

Heavy government and private investment in North Sydney has been laid out,&nbsp;with 19 key projects to reinforce Miller Street as the civic spine of North Sydney, delivering over 17,000 sqm of new parks and plazas, creating a new network of laneways, and improving pedestrian safety and amenity.

The closure of Miller Street to cars will open a 7,450 sqm public plaza outside the Metro Station and a new smaller plaza outside the post office.

Plans are in place to turn the tramway viaduct into a large active recreation space and new laneways running between buildings and spaces will create hidden pockets of North Sydney, with&nbsp;new cafes and bars and walking trails.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181068]

The new Sydney Metro Victoria Cross station, adjacent to AURA, adds another transportation option to the number of trains, buses, ferries, pedestrian and cycling paths at its doorstep, in addition to the freeways in each direction.

Barangaroo is accessible by train in just three minutes.

AURA, at 168 Walker Street, has been designed by award-winning architects Woods Bagot and Richards Stanisich with views overlooking Sydney Harbour, Sydney CBD and North Sydney Oval top of the design thinking.

Apartments feature a simple&nbsp;palette of white marble as a backdrop for the of natural light that comes in through floor-to-ceiling windows, augmented by mirrored surfaces, glazed walls and translucent screens. Residents can choose from three&nbsp;colour schemes—dark, mid, and light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181048]

Marble benchtops anchor kitchen spaces, while marble flooring sits below tall mirrors with dark bronze powder-coated framing in the bathrooms.&nbsp;The bathrooms&nbsp;also feature&nbsp;highest standard in materials—from toughened fluted glass to premium tiling and marble.

All apartments offer an open space living to winter gardens, while apartments feature a multi-functional room that facilitates use as a secondary living area, an office, or bedroom.

Aqualand has also just launched its new hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, incorporating a dedicated, world-class concierge service designed to create a 360-degree lifestyle development offering with exceptional service.

Aqualand’s vision is to bring the 5-star hotel experience to its developments by combining traditional concierge services with lifestyle management for the first time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=181066]

The new service takes its lead from New York, China, Singapore and Hong Kong luxury apartment living, where applying hotel services and a hospitality ethos to homes isn’t new. In addition,&nbsp;Etymon Project’s next-level The Club will custom-fit its services to fit individual lifestyles.

Options will include Home Management (grocery put away, coordinating tradespeople, watering plants and vehicle maintenance) and Home Event Planning (dinner parties, children’s birthdays and more).

Etymon Projects will also manage a providore, artisan bakery, casual diner and a contemporary Japanese eatery in AURA’s vibrant culinary precinct, acting as an extension to residents&nbsp;apartments and a social anchor for the local community.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=30959]

The attraction for the majority of buyers was the mixed of being in a leafy residential location, near North Sydney Oval, while also being aware of all of the transformation of the suburb with extensive investment planned

Downsizer's drive stage one of Aqualand's $1 billion North Sydney apartment tower AURA to 70% sold

The ASX-listed property developer, Mirvac, has submitted plans for its Hills Shire masterplanned community.

Coonara by Mirvac, in West Pennant Hills, will see 418 dwellings created across the near 26-hectare block of land bordering the Cumberland State Forest. Around 10 hectares of remnant bushland will be dedicated to the Stage Government as public open space.

There will be four apartment buildings, and the rest of the residences townhouses.

<a href="/new-apartments/55-coonara-avenue-by-mirvac-apartments-55-coonara-avenue-west-pennant-hills">To be the first to be notified about the next stage of this development, enquire here.</a>

"The concept plan for 55 Coonara Avenue adopts a country-centred approach, underpinned by the preservation and regeneration of vast areas of native forest for the benefit of all living beings," Mirvac noted in their submission to the Hills Shire Council.

"By prioritising the natural environment, the result is a compelling new housing typology and development that will be unprecedented in this local government area.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="730" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mirvac_aerial_main.jpg" width="1200" /> 
An aerial of the proposed masterplan. Image credit: Mirvac

"It intends to set a new benchmark in socially and environmentally sustainable residential development."

It's been a six&nbsp;year process for the Mirvac Design team to get to this point.&nbsp;

Feedback from the&nbsp;2019 planning proposal exhibition process has seen Mirvac pivot away from the higher density living, with concerns raised of the number of apartment&nbsp;buildings when there were nine planned.

<a href="/new-apartments/55-coonara-avenue-by-mirvac-apartments-55-coonara-avenue-west-pennant-hills">To be the first to be notified about the next stage of this development, enquire here.</a>

Dwelling numbers were also reduced from the 2020 rezoning, down 30 per cent from a permissable 600 to 418. Mirvac also increased the average and&nbsp;minimum lot size, from 86 sqm&nbsp;permissible to a minimum range of 150 sqm&nbsp;to 500 sqm.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mirvac_townhouses.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Three views of the proposed masterplan. Image credit: Mirvac

The design response of the masterplanned community&nbsp;sought to capture the natural character of the remnant forest.

"Public spaces, streets and buildings are inspired by the idea of living in harmony with nature.

"The proposed design will have a distinct and contextual expression, one that is not urban nor suburban but specific to its unique context."

<a href="/new-apartments/55-coonara-avenue-by-mirvac-apartments-55-coonara-avenue-west-pennant-hills">To be the first to be notified about the next stage of this development, enquire here.</a>

Houses will terrace across the topography, and will be integrated with surrounding parks and forest areas. There will be a mix of two to three-storey dwellings, with a range of floor plans catering for larger families and multigenerational living.

"The architectural expression of the apartment buildings is inspired by the idea of tree-house living, where the overall built form is broken down into a series of smaller, seemingly random, yet complimentary architectural elements echoing the organic order of nature."

Mirvac suggest the configuration mix of apartments addresses a notable gap in the current housing supply at West Pennant Hills.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coonera_by_mirvac_apartments.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Four perspectives of the proposed apartment buildings. Image credit: Mirvac

Around 1,045 residents will call Coonara by Mirvac home when it is completed. The apartments are set to be the last stage.

Currently a redundant and obsolete business park, it will be the first time in around a century that the natural forest environment will be publicly accessible to the community.

"The concept plan seeks to extend the experience of the forest from the edges of the site into the heart of the development, and on to the doorstep of future residents and the local community," Mirvac added.

<a href="/new-apartments/55-coonara-avenue-by-mirvac-apartments-55-coonara-avenue-west-pennant-hills">To be the first to be notified about the next stage of this development, enquire here.</a>

"The beauty and importance of the remnant native bushland with Blue Gum High Forest and Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest is paramount.

"The protection of this precious environment through a sensitive and design-led approach will ensure the distinct qualities of this remarkable place will be protected and enjoyed in perpetuity by all living being."

"By prioritising the natural environment, the result is a compelling new housing typology and development that will be unprecedented in this local government area."

Mirvac lodge concept plans for Coonara by Mirvac, Hills District masterplan 

Kir​ra Beach has emerged as one of the hottest spots on the Gold Coast in the last 12 months.

There's been a number of boutique apartment projects, targeting the high-end owner-occupier market, with little in the way of more affordable stock.

The new tower at 39-41 McLean Street, which will see more affordable stock than what's currently on offer, will rise 19 levels and home 63 apartments, made up of 28 two-beds, starting from 85 sqm of internal space, and 35 three-bedroom apartments which start from 110 sqm.

<a href="/new-apartments/39-41-mclean-street-coolangatta">To be notified when the project hits sales, enquire here.</a>

It sits next door to the old Jazzland Dance Palais which Melbourne developer&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/beckdev-set-for-palais-coolangatta-apartment-development">BeckDev are seeking to turn in to apartments</a>.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="735" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/39_mclean_street_coolangatta_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
BDA drew inspiration from Manhattan's Flatiron building. Image credit: BDA Architecture

Crowning the new McLean Street project will be a rooftop pool, gym, lounge and kitchen area, and indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The development will be anchored at street-level by a cafe.

BDA Architecture, who handled the design, said in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council that the attributes of the&nbsp;site suggest that it is an ideal location for affordable residential accommodation.

<a href="/new-apartments/39-41-mclean-street-coolangatta">To be notified when the project hits sales, enquire here.</a>

"The design proposal is to create a building form that accentuates the junction of McLean and Musgrave Street providing elements that welcome people to the heart of Coolangatta," the submission by lead architect Christopher Cumming read.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="727" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/39_mclean_street_coolangatta_3.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The tower's sculptural facade. Image credit: BDA Architecture

"The tower is inspired by the natural landforms of the Coolangatta headlands, the fluid movements of the beach, with the base informed by the existing form and scale of the McLean Street buildings but clothed with landscape of the Kirra headland.

"A palette of natural whites and darker tones combined with face brick complement and enhance the existing Coolangatta built form character. The proposed bold building form and layered facade results in a timeless expression.

"The public realm interface to the street is key to creating an enhanced pedestrian experience and bookend to the McLean Street frontage."

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="676" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/39_mclean_street_coolangatta_4.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed ground-level retail space. Image credit: BDA Architecture

The development was submitted by a company linked to John Kearney, who is a director at the Southport-based building firm Greyburn. Currently on the site is the disused surf shop, Sunhouse.

Kirra Beach has been one of the hottest markets on the Gold Coast since December last year when Miles Residences, the development by KTQ, was launched. The $450 project, part of the redevelopment of the iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, snappily sold out stage one, with future stages to be released early next year.

The quick sell-out of Joe Adsett's Rockpool by Rainbow Bay quickly followed, without any need for marketing. Marquee Developments Partners also didn't need any marketing to sell out their SOL Kirra Beach recently.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/39-41-mclean-street-coolangatta">To be notified when the project hits sales, enquire here.</a>

Hirsch &amp; Faigen's luxury Emerson development on Musgrave Street has been in high demand, with the luxury, mostly whole-floor, development now over 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106646 project_image_fid=184798]

Cr​u Collective also has a luxury project around the corner, with SUR Kirra Beach apartments selling for over $4 million each.

There are a few opportunities in the pipeline though for more affor​dable apartments in the area.

Just a few doors down from the new tower will be&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/beckdev-set-for-palais-coolangatta-apartment-development">Melbourne developer BeckDev's Palais Coolangatta</a>, a redevelopment of the&nbsp;old Jazzland Dance Palais that has stood on a 2,355 sqm McLean Street site since the 1930s.

That will see175 one, two and three-bedroom apartments built, as well as resident facilities and a street-level plaza with retail space.

Also in the area on Eden Avenue will be the development&nbsp;by joint venture partners&nbsp;Steer Developments, Kingbella, and Capdev, who are <a href="/news/qld/beachside-luxe-living-set-for-rainbow-bay-as-new-apartment-tower-proposed">seeking to build 94 apartments as well as a handful of two-storey beach houses</a>.

The new tower at 39-41 McLean Street, which will see more affordable stock than what's currently on offer, will rise 19 levels and home 63 apartments

First look: Latest Kirra Beach, Coolangatta apartment tower

Seasons Birtinya, on the Sunshine Coast, has proved to be popular with all demographics, as Cube, one of the area&#39;s most well-regarded developments, put together a development which was both design driven and price led.

Cube had their go-to architecture firm, Cottee Parker Architects, who have designed the developer&#39;s most high end stock in the area, create Seasons, with the overarching design principles to connect residents to the local community and to differentiate the design from its neighbours.

Priced from $499,000, the apartments have been a hit with first home buyers, local and interstate investors, as well as downsizers.

Urban recently spoke to Sandra Browne, director at Cottee Parker,&nbsp;to discuss the design ideas behind Seasons.

JR: What was the brief from Cube for Seasons? What were the key features that were essential?&nbsp;​

SB: The&nbsp;brief was to create a unique and elevated &#39;Work Rest Play&#39; environment in response to the post COVID lifestyle shift, with leading amenity for the Sunshine Coast.

JR: Was there a project that inspired you in the design?

SB: We&nbsp;initially&nbsp;drew inspiration from some&nbsp;inner-city&nbsp;Melbourne projects, and&nbsp;then evolved and adapted these to speak to the Sunshine Coast lifestyle -&nbsp;with a point of difference being an enormous amount of amenity to take advantage of the weather, the adventure and a&nbsp;sense&nbsp;of health and wellbeing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184863]

JR: What were the most important features of the site/location which influenced your design?

SB: Its position on Lake Ka​wana alongside the ocean&nbsp;and&nbsp;hinterland views - these factors heavily influenced the design and vision which ultimately&nbsp;culminated&nbsp;in in utilising lots of natural light and in building three individual towers with central cores.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184864]

JR: What was the biggest challenge in the design of Seasons?

SB: The unique shape of the site and balance area left over from Stage 1&nbsp;proved a challenge when&nbsp;placing amenity destinations throughout the common areas.

JR: How do you approach designing a three-tower development?

We engaged Cottee Parker architects to ensure our building design captured all views on offer with lots of natural light as&nbsp;well as&nbsp;appealing to a variety of purchasers through the right apartment mix.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184866]

JR: What part of the design are you most proud of/ most looking forward to seeing when the towers are completed?

SB: Looking forward to seeing the terrace apartments of Stage One as well as seeing the three apartment towers work together as an integrated precinct.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=106957]

Priced from $499,000, the apartments have been a hit with first home buyers, local and interstate investors, as well as downsizers.



How the Sunshine Coast apartment development, Seasons Birtinya, was designed: Five minutes with Cottee Parker's Sandra Browne

It&#39;s been over seven years since Iris Capital first earmarked what will likely be one of the most impressive redevelopments in the affluent harbourside suburb of Potts Point.

Iris Capital, led by the local hotelier and developer Sam Arnaout, has slowly amalgamated a larger site, including Potts Point institutions&nbsp;the Bourbon and Beefsteak pub and Les Girls nightclub, to create an ideally located 2,500 sqm from 18-32 Darlinghurst Road, at the top of Macleay Street.

Now Iris are set to launch the $350 million redevelopment, which will see 48 apartments, not including a handful of penthouses with private pools, spread&nbsp;apartments across five buildings, each with their own art-deco identity. The buildings will be known as Sovereign, Regent, Consort, Monarch and Empress.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5570 project_image_fid=185765]

The development application&nbsp;went before the City of Sydney council in 2018, before being approved earlier this year.

&ldquo;I have long been a big believer in this pocket of Potts Point, and the Queensgate vision is one which we have been working incredibly hard at for some time now,&rdquo;&nbsp;Arnaout said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5570 project_image_fid=180676]

&ldquo;Breathing new life into key destinations with high quality redevelopment is one of the hallmarks of Iris Capital and we are extremely eager to see this unique revitalisation come to fruition in the coming months.&rdquo;

Ben Stewart, a director at CBRE Sydney, says Queensgate is&nbsp;one of&nbsp;the most hotly anticipated releases the Eastern suburbs for a number of years.

&ldquo;Queensgate symbolises the next phases in the Potts Point renaissance, one which pays tribute to Potts Point&rsquo;s art deco roots while moving forward with a contemporary collection of sophisticated residences,&rdquo;&nbsp;Stewart said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5570 project_image_fid=185762]

Just 48 high-end apartments will be on offer across a selection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments,&nbsp;in addition to an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury penthouses with private pools.

A selection of three-bedroom apartments will also house their own private wine cellar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5570 project_image_fid=180675]

Apartment prices start from $1.8 million for the one-bedroom units , $2.8 million for two-bedrooms, $5 million for the three-bedrooms,&nbsp;and $10 million for penthouses.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve already seen strong interest from both local and interstate buyers who are eager to get their hands on an incredibly rare product set in one of the city&rsquo;s most thriving dining and retail cultures,&quot; Stewart added.

&ldquo;Residents will be able to step out their front door and straight into a world class collection of caf&eacute;s, boutiques and bars, nestled in an activated laneway with fantastic new amenity and upmarket retail.&quot;

Each residence features&nbsp;artistic finishes, soaring ceilings, a limited collection of private wine cellars, and large&nbsp;walk-in wardrobes, all encased in a&nbsp;heritage fa&ccedil;ade.

As the home of Australia&rsquo;s highest concentration of art deco buildings and some of Australia&rsquo;s earliest block of flats, Potts Point&rsquo;s cityscape is one of juxtaposition, where modern high rises border historic landmarks.

Queensgate&rsquo;s design was bred from a diversity of input including architects Panov Scott and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG) who devised five distinct personalities for each of the buildings, and interiors by TZG and BKH.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5570 project_image_fid=180674]

&ldquo;Our philosophy has always explored the crossover between art and architecture, and Queensgate epitomes that intersection of high-end design,&rdquo; said Tim Greer, Director of TZG.

&ldquo;We wanted to produce a collection of homes that were deeply reflective of the Potts Point character while offering the most high-end and modern luxuries available in residential design.&rdquo;

Iris Capital has been busy in the Gold Coast as well as Sydney, recently launching their first Surfers Paradise development, Victoria &amp; Albert.

The $800 million mixed-use development will feature more the 330 apartments across two residential towers rising 30 and 40 levels.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=178909]

The East tower known as The Albert will comprise 114 two, three and four-bedroom apartments over 30 levels.

The west tower, known as The Victoria, will rise over 40 levels and deliver 219 apartments of one, two and three bedrooms.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5570]

“I have long been a big believer in this pocket of Potts Point, and the Queensgate vision is one which we have been working incredibly hard at for some time now,” Arnaout said

Iris Capital prepare launch of Queensgate, the hotly anticipated Potts Point apartment redevelopment

Palm Beach, one of the Gold Coast&#39;s hottest apartment markets, is set for a new unique project just off the beach.

S&amp;S Projects, led by the surfer developer Paul Gedoun, is expanding out of Rainbow Bay, where it&#39;s had back to back successes with its three latest apartment developments.

They&#39;ve just submitted plans for an $88 million mixed-use development at 1128 Gold Coast Highway, a mix of 150 hotel rooms underneath 40 two and three-bedroom apartments. It will replace the popular dining venue, The Collective.

Dubbed St Isla, the project has been designed by S&amp;S&#39;s go-to architecture firm, Cottee Parker, who designed Awaken, Esprit and Flow, in Rainbow Bay. Awaken and Flow are both sold out, with Esprit soon to follow suit.

<a href="/new-apartments/st-isla-1128-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">To keep up with the next stage of development and launch of St Isla, enquire here.</a>

<img alt="" height="664" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ss_from_the_beach.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed St Isla development from the beach. Image credit: Cottee Parker

St Isla will rise 23 levels one row back from the beach and will have 10 two-bedroom apartments and 30 three-bedroom apartments which start from level 12 upwards.

The two-bedroom apartments start from 94 sqm internal with a 14 sqm balcony. The three-bedders have internal living areas from 147 sqm, with a 33 sqm balcony.&nbsp;

There are two amenity levels on the first and second floor. Level one will home a function room with a kitchen and a bar, a full day spa and a gym.

<a href="/new-apartments/st-isla-1128-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">To keep up with the next stage of development and launch of St Isla, enquire here.</a>

Up a level will be the pool, with an adjoining cafe and beach bar. The ground level will also turn in to a precinct itself, with a cafe and dining tenancy space.

<img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st_isla_ss_montage.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The full St Isla tower with entry renders. Image credit: Cottee Parker

Town planner Urbis said that St Isla will provide a suitable point-of-different to boutique large three and four-bedroom apartment products that are being lodged in recent months.

&quot;With&nbsp;varied sizes and density, these units will vary in price with an intent to attract owner occupiers, first home buyers and down-sizers,&quot; Urbis added.

They put together an economics benefit package, showing how much St Isla would have a positive impact on both the employment and value added to the wider economy.

<a href="/new-apartments/st-isla-1128-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">To keep up with the next stage of development and launch of St Isla, enquire here.</a>

&quot;Construction associated with the proposed development is expected to add a total of $64.2 million to the economy and support 240 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs per annum during the construction period,&quot; Urbis predict.

The hotel is expected to bring over 76,000 visitors to Palm Beach.

Construction is expecting to take around two years, and start, pending planning approval, in Q4 2022.

Town planner Urbis said that St Isla will provide a suitable point-of-different to boutique large three and four-bedroom apartment products that are being lodged in recent months

Exclusive: S&S Projects plan for rare Palm Beach apartment hotel development, St Isla

The prominent Queensland developer, Seymour Group, has filed plans for its Newstead Green masterplan.

There will be two stages of the development at 99 Breakfast Creek Road, each with four residential towers ranging in height from 11 levels to 16 levels. The four towers in each stage will share a level four podium.

One of the planning driver for architecture firm&nbsp;bureau^proberts was to create a gateway precinct that connects the airport arrivals to the CBD - an important arrival experience for future visitors for the 2032 Olympics.

Bureau^proberts said in their statement to the Brisbane City Council that the departure of the current occupier, which is AP Eagers,&nbsp;offers a unique opportunity&nbsp;to&nbsp;transform an&nbsp;important and strategic land parcel on one of Brisbane&rsquo;s key gateway&rsquo;s.

&quot;Newstead North has deep history of change, from a mix of residential housing and industry on the river in the 1930&rsquo;s, to a growing industrial hub in the 1970&rsquo;s &amp; 80&rsquo;s,&quot; the statement read.

&quot;As the city grows and its needs shift, the site has found itself soon to be vacant. Its current occupier, one of the last of Newstead North&rsquo;s industry users, is leaving due to the site not able to meet the needs of these historic users.

<img alt="" height="782" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/newstead_north_evelyn_street.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed view of Evelyn Street. Image credit: bureau^proberts

&quot;Newstead Green intends to build on the history of urban regeneration to offer a vibrant place for people to live and work close to the city, but with a focus on integrating landscaped green spaces with the fine grain urban lifestyle.

Bureau^proberts says the project aims to build on the idea of green spines connecting the Brisbane River to the character of Bowen Hill.

&quot;This &lsquo;River to Ridge&rsquo; approach will afford the opportunity to incorporate BCC&rsquo;s Building that Breathe design strategies to provide a sustainable, approachable and vibrant place to live, work and visit.

&quot;By creating public open spaces that open up with cross block links, the site will be a permeable and accessible precinct that will create dynamic living opportunities for a wide variety of demographics.

The location of Newstead Green at 99 Breakfast Creek Road&nbsp;will see it&nbsp;built next door to&nbsp;JGL Properties&#39; Newstead Series, four completed apartment towers with 200 apartments.

There will be a carnival type atmosphere at the Evelyn Street Plaza, with an archway of greenery at Byres Lane making the entry to Newstead Green laneway, lined with shops.

<h2>Fast facts</h2>

Residential inclusions:

<ul>
	<li>Apartments</li>
	<li>Residential care facility</li>
	<li>Retirement facility</li>
	<li>Rooming accomodation</li>
	<li>Short-term accomodation</li>
</ul>

Commercial inclusions

<ul>
	<li>Bar</li>
	<li>Car wash</li>
	<li>Caretaker&rsquo;s accommodation</li>
	<li>Childcare centre</li>
	<li>Community care centre</li>
	<li>Community use</li>
	<li>Educational establishment</li>
	<li>Emergency services</li>
	<li>Food and drink outlet</li>
	<li>Function facility</li>
	<li>Health care service</li>
</ul>

One of the planning driver for architecture firm bureau^proberts was to create a gateway precinct that connects the airport arrivals to the CBD



Seymour Group file plans for Newstead Green masterplan

Toowong, the riverside inner-Brisbane suburb,&nbsp;is set for a contemporary mixed-use development.

Plans have been filed for two towers, dubbed The Edge&nbsp;at&nbsp;80-88 Jephson Street Toowong, which will see 320 apartments built above a number of retail spaces on a podium level.

There will be a mix one two, three and four-bedroom apartments in Tower A, and the&nbsp;

The local architecture firm, Zenx Architects, designed the two 24 and 25-level towers with the focus of &quot;Living on the Edge.&quot;

&quot;It embraces the design principles of &ldquo;Buildings That Breathe&rdquo; and reflects a new post-Covid lifestyle,&quot; Zenx submission to the Brisbane City Council advised.

<a href="/new-apartments/toowong-qld-4066">To keep up to date with the project, enquire here.</a>

&quot;We have explored various responses to new social challenges, with the aim of generating a design that reflects changing lifestyles and demands of residents.&quot;

Zenx said the site provides an exciting opportunity for urban renewal excellence, being located in the central hub of Toowong and part of Brisbane City Council&rsquo;s strategic catalyst site.

&quot;Sitting between the Brisbane river and foothills of Mt Coot-tha, where the green meets the blue, the development is situated alongside all the natural &amp; urban attributes that can support a healthy, connected and sophisticated lifestyle.&quot;

<img alt="" height="1236" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_edge_toowong_2.jpg" width="1200" />

There was a big focus for Zenx to encourage healthy indoor and outdoor living, entertainment, and working from home, as well as creating a positive social connection in the neighbourhood.

&quot;The design of this development occurred through the Covid pandemic period, and will be one of first projects to deliver a considered response to the post-Covid era.

&quot;We have explored various responses to new social challenges, with the aim of generating a design that reflects changing lifestyles and demands of residents.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/toowong-qld-4066">To keep up to date with the project, enquire here.</a>

The level three podium roof terrace, shared between both buildings, will feature a&nbsp;20 metre lap pool and adjoining play pool, a gym, indoor lounge, and a quiet room.

There will be further resident amenity on each rooftop, with landscaped gardens and lounge area, as well as ground level media room, lounge and function room.

The plans were filed by Po Seng Management.

No doubt they took some inspiration of the green laden The Aviary apartment development, currently being developed next door by State Development Corporation.

"The concept of “Living on the Edge” is our answer...It embraces the design principles of “Buildings That Breathe” and reflects a new post-Covid lifestyle"



Plans filed for "post-COVID" mixed-use apartment development in Toowong

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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