The Melbourne property developer Pace Development Group&nbsp;have won&nbsp;the Master Builders Victoria award for Excellence in Construction - Highrise Buildings 2020 for their Abbotsford development Pace of Abbotsford.

The 12 level tower was designed in collaboration with SJB Architects and pays homage to Abbotsford&rsquo;s rich industrial past through a thoughtful and relevant design response.

They restored the landmark 1923 St Crispin House fa&ccedil;ade to its former glory, which forms the street level of the building along with a Woolworths Metro and a Sparrows speciality wine store.

St Crispin House was named after the patron saint of shoemakers &ndash; a nod to its first tenants the Grimson Shoe Machinery Company. The Art Deco building is also a symbol of the wider history of shoemaking and related industrial operations throughout Abbotsford.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3755]

Pace created a contemporary juxtaposition of modern apartments above the historic red-brick building. There are 133 loft-style apartments featuring four metre ceilings.

The rooftop infinity pool is the standout, with sweeping views across Melbourne. There&#39;s also a gym,&nbsp;BBQ and dining area and a resident library. On the fifth level is a garden terrace designed by Jack Merlo.

It&#39;s Pace&#39;s second consecutive win of the award, having won it in 2019 for their Collingwood project Pace of Collingwood, their 100th project.

Pace Development Group latest development is Pace of Blackburn, where the final stage is now on market.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7211]

Joel Robinson

Pace Development Group win Master Builders Victoria award for Pace of Abbotsford

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The Broadbeach-based development firm Aniko Group has unveiled further plans for its grand Hope Island community on the Gold Coast.

Aniko Group, led by managing director George Mastrocostas, have fast-tracked construction for stage two of their $140 million No.1 Grant Avenue project, having secured more than 70 per cent of sales across the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21346]

Stage two of the development will feature 105 two, two plus study and three-bedroom apartments with a range of bridge free marina berths available along the Hope Island canal. Aniko also responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a "post-pandemic" office precinct for those wanting to work remotely.

Fitness guru Michelle Bridges is designing the health club as part of the second stage, where they will also be a children's play centre, theatre, residents lounge and outdoor cooking and dining facilities.

<a href="/buildings/no-1-grant-avenue-1-grant-avenue-hope-island"><img alt="" height="678" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aniko_new_pool.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Mastrocostas said that the rapid sell-out of stage one gave them the confidence to fast-track the launch of stage two.

“To have achieved such exceptional sales and demand for our projects during a year that was filled with a lot of uncertainty is a testament to the quality offering we have brought to market,” said Mr Mastrocostas. 

“The market has remained exceptionally strong during Covid and buyers who missed out on securing an apartment in stage one have already purchased within stage two.”

<a href="/buildings/no-1-grant-avenue-1-grant-avenue-hope-island"><img alt="" height="702" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aniko_grant_2.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Part of the precinct will be No.35 Grant Avenue, with its apartments inspired by designs from New York.

The downsizer and owner-occupier market have been particularly interested in the development which allows them to downsize while still remaining in the area.

“There’s no doubt that the Gold Coast is one of the hotspots for residential property and with great lending conditions we are certainly seeing buyers transitioning into their next investment journey whether it is as an owner occupier or investor.”

“With the recent border re-openings, we expect to see an increasing number of southern buyers purchasing in the project and we look forward to meeting the buyers who purchased in stage one, sight unseen, who haven’t been able to see their apartments until now.”
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Aniko Group, led by managing director George Mastrocostas, have fast-tracked construction for stage two of their $140 million No.1 Grant Avenue project, having secured more than 70 per cent of sales.



Why downsizers and owner-occupiers have descended on Aniko Group's No.1 Grant Avenue on Hope Island

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A collection of 54 terrace homes, dubbed the Dawn Edition, have hit the market.

The $30 million development, a collaboration between Villawood Properties and Azure Development, is part of the wider $500 million community The Surrounds.

The three and four bedroom terraces will each have two bathrooms, two car spaces and their own private courtyards.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93418]

The terraces start from $499,900. There are four floorplans on offer, ranging in size from 171 to 301 sqm.

Residents of the gated community will have access to 23 hectares of open spaces and parks designed for outdoor play, sports, and time with the family.

<img alt="" height="1001" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_dawn_edition_helensvale_3.jpg" width="1200">

The terraces are located right near the $4 million leisure centre which has a heated lap pool, a fully equipped gym, private multi-purpose room, change facilities and a cafe.

Azure Development director Trent Keirnan said they have designed each terrace to be built for life, from their minimalistic exteriors to stylish entryways and spacious interiors.

Villawood Properties state development manager Michael Williams said the convenient location, appealing designs and affordable pricing of the terrace homes would appeal to a range of buyers looking to get their foot on the Gold Coast property ladder.

“Every one of these homes has been designed from the ground up with the modern buyer in mind,” Mr Williams said.

“They are high-quality and low maintenance, which makes them ideal for a range of buyers including busy families, young couples and retirees.

“The terraces further compliment the unique offering we have here at The Surrounds and are an ideal solution for buyers either looking to upsize from an apartment or downsize from a big home.”

The project is located within five minutes’ walk to the Westfield Helensvale and Helensvale Train Station with easy access to the Northern Gold Coast beaches via the pacific Motorway.
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The three and four bedroom terraces will each have two bathrooms, two car spaces and their own private courtyards.


Dawn Edition terraces launched as part of Helensvale's $500 million The Surrounds community

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The Gold Coast's Main Beach is set for a new 24 level apartment tower.

Gallagher Property Group, led by New Zealander Dean Gallagher, have secured approval for the apartment tower at 16 Hughes Avenue.

Plus Architecture have designed the building which will comprise 42 three bedroom apartments and two four bedroom apartments spanning the top two levels.

"Our team was inspired by the nature surrounding the Gold Coast including the flora, and land forms," the submission to the Gold Coast City Council from Plus Architecture read.

"By combining the local native tree forms with the fluid forms of the ocean, we’ve created a series of residences protected by curved canopies formed out of linear battens creating both privacy but also screening to the Wester sun while creating visual interest, exaggerating the horizontal ocean views, and allowing for the light an shadow to come into the units in a variety of interesting ways through out the day.

<img alt="" height="787" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hughes_avenue_main_beeach_2.jpg" width="620">

"These canopy forms rest on a solid rock base made of horizontal bricks."

The development will sit in landscaping by Shepherd Urban Landscape Architecture.

Level one will home the resident amenities, which include a spa and spa deck, sauna, lap pool, barbecue area, residents lounge, gym and a yoga space. There will be three levels of basement parking.

The impressive sub penthouse and penthouse will each have four bedrooms, a home office and a self-contained area and span the whole floor of the 23rd and 24th level.

The penthouse will feature its own rooftop terrace complete with private gym, kitchen and wine storage, dining area, fire-pit and day beds as well as a pool.

Gallagher's investment vehicles paid $6.8 million for the 1,062 sqm Hughes Ave site late last year. On the property was a block of five apartments and a single level cottage. 
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Gallagher Property Group, led by New Zealander Dean Gallagher, have secured approval for the apartment tower at 16 Hughes Avenue.

Take a look at Main Beach's newest apartment tower

The luxury developer Gurner has signed off on the completion of their luxury Prahran developer Hawksburn Place Residences.

The apartment block of 22, a collaborative effort between Cox Architecture, David Hicks and landscape architect Paul Bangay, set suburb price records when it launched to the market in 2018.

Tim Gurner says the project was inspired by his many stays at the 5-star hotel JK Place Roma in Italy, which he says blew him away.

&quot;Hawksburn Place Residences is a testament to opulent, modern living,&quot; Gurner says.

<img alt="" height="881" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_italy_wall_0.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper

In 2018, a local downsizing couple bought the whole top floor&nbsp;as an empty shell&nbsp;and fully customised it, with the help of&nbsp;Tim Gurner himself, along with interior designer David&nbsp;Hicks. They created&nbsp;an&nbsp;805 sqm space, comprising 345 sqm of internal area and another 461 sqm of external terracing.

The apartment has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private library, retreat, a six car garage and its&nbsp;own 12.5 metre rooftop pool with CBD views.

<img alt="" height="700" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_pool.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper 
 
Carrara, Calacatta Oro, Nero Marquina marble and black granite stone was used throughout to create a moody, dark, rich interior palette.

&ldquo;Personal customisations for purchases is an incredibly difficult process to manage and thankfully after it being the fourth job our amazing design team has handled we were able to offer something truly different to our clients and the journey for all involved was incredible,&quot; Gurner says. 
 
&ldquo;When Joan and Wes first approached us, we didn&rsquo;t yet have any finishes or designs ready to present,&quot; Gurner recalled.&nbsp;&quot;They entrusted us to deliver on their vision and create their dream home, and we didn&rsquo;t disappoint. I remember it like it was yesterday.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Every room, every material, every piece of marble chosen reflects their specific tastes - it&rsquo;s very rare that a penthouse can be customised like this to the smallest degree.&rdquo; 
<img alt="" height="881" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_kitchen.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper 
 
The apartment features coffered LED ceilings, private dual lifts, and a custom designed stone shower seat complete with LED lighting. There&#39;s custom designed cabinetry to showcase the owners&rsquo; extensive collection of antiques and art.

&ldquo;The antiques speak for themselves so we provided a dramatic backdrop for them to sit seamlessly,&quot; the penthouse interior designer David Hicks says.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="904" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_tv.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper

&quot;Introducing specific places for each piece with strategic lighting was also key.&rdquo;

&ldquo;The apartment occupies the entire top floor of the building with 360-degree glazing, so a darker interior really suited the space. It has allowed some warmth and respite from the sun.&rdquo;

<h2>Melbourne properties selling now:&nbsp;</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136]

The luxury developer Gurner has signed off on the completion of their luxury Prahran developer Hawksburn Place Residences.



Gurner completes Prahran's Hawksburn Place Residences: Urban takes a look at the custom penthouse

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Renders have been revealed for the two penthouses atop Residences Two, one of the towers in luxury Barangaroo project One Sydney Harbour.

The three level penthouse in the neighbouring Tower One made history in 2018 when it sold for a record $140 million, the most expensive residential transaction in Australia's history. It was bought as two separate apartments, the sub-penthouse below added to the double-storey penthouse.

The two Skyhomes in Residence Two span a whole floor each, ranging between 540 to 670 sqm. They both will have three-metre high ceilings throughout, as well as gun-barrel views overlooking Sydney Harbour's famous icons.

<img alt="" height="892" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/one_sydney_harbour_2.jpg" width="1200">

The Skyhomes, accessed through their own private lobby, will each have their own Sky Terrace which will have an entertaining space and a pool. The apartments have been designed in collaboration between Daniel Goldberg, the creative director at State of Craft, and the internationally acclaimed Pritzker award winning architect Renzo Piano.

The pair have collaborated before, on The Shard and Shard Place in London in 2012, and Goldberg was behind the interiors of the $140 million penthouse. 

Estimated to be completed in 2025, One Sydney Harbour will be made up of 808 apartments across three towers. Tower One is set for completion in 2023 and will home 317 apartments across 72 levels.

 

<blockquote>
  
We wanted to create two unique, world-class homes in the sky that capture the essence of living high above Sydney Harbour. The experience of being in the Skyhomes was inspired by life onboard private yachts with their seamless transition from inside to outside spaces, and the feeling of freedom and elegant comfort. 

Daniel Goldberg, Founder and Creative Director - State of Craft
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
"All places have a story to tell, you just have to listen to that story and I think Sydney has a great story to tell. We immediately started to think about these buildings being like crystals, playing one to the other. In this case I think it’s very much about this, about making something that tells the essence of this city that is about sense of lightness, a sense of light, the sense of transparency."

Renzo Piano, Chairman and Founding Partner – Renzo Piano Building Workshop
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“The design collaboration between Renzo Piano and Daniel Goldberg continues to bring Lendlease’s vision for One Sydney Harbour to life, setting the tone for this landmark residential offering. Following the record-breaking Residences One penthouse sale, we are now showcasing the Residences Two ‘Sky Homes’, which pay homage to Goldberg’s design expertise and luxury living vision.” – Ben Christie, Head of Residential, Property - Lendlease
</blockquote>
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Renders have been revealed for the two penthouses atop Residences Two, one of the towers in luxury Barangaroo project One Sydney Harbour.

Lendlease reveal One Sydney Harbour luxury skyhome penthouses 

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Having previously forecasted four per cent gains in 2021 in September, Westpac economists have lifted their forecast for dwelling prices and are now expecting 10 per cent gains in both 2021 and 2022.

Westpac chief economist Bill Evans and senior economist Matthew Hassan's expectation is the market will flatten in 2023 as rising fixed-term interest rates combine with prudential measures aimed at reining in the associated lift in leverage.

"These headwinds are not expected to emerge until 2022 with prudential measures likely to be timed for the second half of 2022," Evans and Hassan suggest.

The forecast has Perth leading the way in 2021 with 12 per cent gains, followed by Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide at 10 per cent. Hobart and Melbourne are predicted to see eight per cent gains, with the latter jumping to 10 per cent over 2022.  

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864]

They say the September forecast of four per cent gains in 2021 was "considered bold", given Victoria was still in lock down.

<img alt="" height="824" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/dwelling_forecast_westpac_2021.jpg" width="1200">

"The forecast for 2021 incorporated ongoing COVID-related headwinds – particularly around the end of temporary loan repayment deferrals and the impact of closed international borders on migrant inflows," Evans and Hassan continued.

"These headwinds and uncertainties around the pace of reopening and risks of further virus outbreaks were expected to restrain price gains through the first half of 2021.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

"However, the last four months have seen a faster and stronger than expected turnaround, particularly in markets that will see little or no effects from these headwinds. Even in those that are more exposed, demand is looking materially stronger than expected back in September, suggesting momentum will be better sustained.

Evans and Hassan says the upturn is being supported by record low interest rates; the confident expectation amongst borrowers that these rates will remain low for years to come; ample credit supply; and an improving economic backdrop, as the roll-out of vaccines promises to bring the pandemic to an end and drives a sustained lift in confidence.
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Westpac chief economist Bill Evans and economist Matthew Hassan's expectation is the market will flatten in 2023



Westpac now forecast 20 per cent dwelling price gains over next two years

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The Brisbane-based developers Keylin Group and Kinstone Group has began construction on their waterfront homes and townhouses at the luxury Helensvale development Serenity 4212.

The construction commencement comes after more than $107 million in sales since the project, one of the Gold Coast’s largest waterfront land projects, launched 12 months ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=83147] 
Over 30 per cent of Serenity Green, part of Serenity 4212 comprising 60 architecturally designed town homes, have sold, with more than $12 million in sales in just four months following its market launch. 

Remaining town homes in Serenity Green are priced from $535,000.

The sales generated in Serenity Green add to the $72 million achieved through Serenity Waters – a collection of 110 waterfront blocks of land that back onto Lake Serenity and the Coombabah Wetlands Conservation Area.

Keylin director Louis Cheung said Keylin was keen to expand its residential and commercial portfolio in the northern Gold Coast growth corridor between Helensvale, Hope Island and Coomera.

“We are absolutely delighted that our range of residential offerings has been so warmly welcomed by the marketplace,” Mr Cheung said.

“Keylin, with our team of consultants, has worked very hard to create the most diverse residential options available within our projects and they have been very well received.

<a href="/buildings/serenity-green-8-ben-dalley-drive-helensvale-road"><img alt="" height="794" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/serenity_entrace.jpg" width="1200"></a>

“It’s hard to believe that we have achieved so many sales in Serenity 4212 after only acquiring the waterfront site early last year and made so much progress across all our projects despite the challenges of the pandemic in 2020.”

Serenity Green’s town homes are positioned to capitalise on a growing market of discerning buyers seeking larger sized homes. 

“Demand for larger sized home is certainly growing, which in part is due to buyers spending more time at home during Covid. While the impacts of Covid-19 of the Gold Coast are subsiding, buyers’ desire to upsize their lifestyles certainly remains,” Mr Cheung added. 

Tony Ashwin, director of Ashwin Property which is managing the sales and marketing for Serenity 4212, said Serenity Green has been met with great immediate demand, particularly amongst the local owner-occupier demographic.

“Serenity 4212 is a unique, luxurious and well-priced offering and we’re witnessing great interest from the local community familiar with the great lifestyle on offer here,” said Mr Ashwin. 

<a href="/buildings/serenity-green-8-ben-dalley-drive-helensvale-road"><img alt="" height="720" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/serenity_green_pool.jpg" width="1200"></a>

“There really isn’t much else on the market with the same level of offerings in a beautiful, private and idyllic location, so well-priced to meet the market.

“Demand for the larger sized home offering is certainly there. A lot of our buyers who don’t require all four bedrooms are converting the fourth room or the second living area into a home office which is ideal in a post-Covid working environment.”

A range of resident amenities will be on offer in the gated Serenity Green community including an outdoor recreation area with barbecque facilities and a large swimming pool.

Of the sales achieved to date, four first home buyers have taken advantage of $40,000 of government incentives – the $15,000 First Home Owners Grant and the $25,000 HomeBuilder scheme which ends this month.
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The construction commencement comes after more than $107 million in sales since the project, one of the Gold Coast’s largest waterfront land projects, launched 12 months ago.



Take a look at Keylin and Kinstone's Helensvale development as house and townhouse construction begins

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CDMA Australia has completed the first apartment building of its multi-staged, master-planned community, Rosella Place in Rouse Hill.

The first nine-level building has 72 apartments with large balconies offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. There are just five apartments left for sale in the development.

When completed in late 2023, Rosella Place will comprise 352 apartments across five mid-rise buildings.

The development at 56 Cudgegong Road, Rouse Hill is located in Sydney’s rapidly-growing north-west and is just 100 metres from the newly opened Tallawong Metro Station.

CDMA Australia sales and marketing manager Jonathan Tan said Rosella Place is the ideal purchase for a young family looking to make their first property purchase at a price that suits their budget as well as local downsizers who are looking for zero maintenance.

<img alt="" height="933" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cudgegong_rd_kitchen_.jpg" width="1200">

“Investors will also be drawn to this project attracted to capital growth prospects with the raft of major infrastructure projects coming up in Rouse Hill including the $250 million expansion of the Rouse Hill Town Centre, the new Tallawong Town Centre, the opening of the new Rouse Hill Hospital and the Hills District’s first university, Norwest University", Tan said.

“In as little as five years’ time, Rouse Hill will be a major new centre in Sydney’s north west, home to thousands of more residents but also supported by significant local infrastructure and amenities.”

The next release of apartments at Rosella Place will be launched to market in mid March.

Designed by local architects WMK, Rosella Place, named after the vibrantly coloured Australian bird which is native to the Rouse Hill area, is one of the first residential projects to get underway in the rapidly expanding north west which meets a need for affordable, high quality apartments in close proximity to transport links and new public amenities.

The next release of apartments at Rosella Place will be launched to market in mid March.

About the developer

CDMA is a strategic alliance between major international property development firm Lianfa (Group) Co., Ltd (core arm of Xiamen C&amp;D Co., Ltd) and highly regarded local developer Metro Award Group.
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Investors, downsizers and families to be drawn to new Rouse Hill community Rosella Place

The national developer Mirvac has seen buyers snap up the first release of Ashford Residences, its Everton Park project just north of the CBD.

All of the 24 terraces have been snapped up which has seen Mirvac bring forward construction to this month.

The cheap entry point, starting at $630,000, has seen first home buyers dominate the purchasers. There we 10 first home buyers, accounting for over 40 per cent of the buyer demographic. They&#39;ve taken advantage of the $15,000 HomeBuilder grant and the $15,000 first home buyer grant.

There were five downsizer purchases and five investors who are getting back in to the market, and four buyers upgrading.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28504]

Mirvac have appointed Brighton Homes to deliver the 80 Ashford Residences townhouses, with further stages to also be fast-tracked and released to the market in the coming weeks. There has already been expressions of interest in the next lot of 33 terraces, some of which have up to 217 sqm of space.

There will also be 43 freestanding homes in the wider development.

Each purchaser has the opportunity to customise their terrace, with the ability to choose from five main colour schemes and a number of different fittings. 
 
Warwick Bible,&nbsp;Mirvac&#39;s&nbsp;general manager of residential development&nbsp;said he was pleased to have Brighton Homes on board to ensure the quality of construction was on par with the community&rsquo;s stellar location alongside Kedron Brook and five star resident facilities.

&ldquo;This is the first built product at Ashford Residences and we are confident Brighton Homes will bring these beautifully crafted terraces to life exactly as we have imagined,&rdquo; he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28504 project_image_fid=150616]

&ldquo;As with all Mirvac communities, we have designed the terrace homes to embrace the look and feel of their surroundings, so in this case it&rsquo;s all about capturing light, breezes and appreciating the natural, leafy surrounds of the adjacent Kedron Brook.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve extended the greenery in to our community with each home boasting a landscaped private courtyard, along with access to the Ashford Club, which features a communal turfed area for residents to relax and entertain guests, complemented by resort-style amenities including a pool, barbeque, teppanyaki grill, fire pit and gymnasium.

&ldquo;Lifestyle has been a major drawcard for purchasers, who have been predominantly local owner-occupiers including families, downsizers and first time buyers &ndash; who will enjoy the convenience of having multiple schools nearby along with the revitalised Everton Park Plaza with a range of new restaurants and cafes.

&ldquo;With construction starting on the first stage, we&rsquo;re expecting the strong demand to continue from buyers looking for a brand new home they can move in to soon, with completion on the first stage expected by late 2021/early 2022.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=28504]

<h2>Other developments by Mirvac</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

Mirvac has released the latest apartments in its $1 billion Quay Waterfront Newstead community.&nbsp;

Following development approval in mid 2020 the latest tower, Sky Precinct, will be located alongside the Brisbane River and will join previously completed stages including Pier, Park and Unison.

The 25 storey tower will home 143 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments that have been designed by Mirvac&rsquo;s team to cater specifically to owner-occupiers.

&nbsp;

Mirvac has just secured a sell-out of stage one of the project, which will be fast-tracked to meet demand

Why first home buyers have dominated sales in Mirvac's Everton Park townhouse development Ashford Residences

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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