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Owner-occupiers can stand to save up to $73,000 in the Parkhill apartment development in West Melbourne.

The project developer Central Equity are matching the VIC government's $15,000 HomeBuilder grant to save Parkhill buyers $30,000.

That, combined with the potential to save up to $43,000 in stamp duty for owner-occupiers, totals $73,000 of savings. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

Investors will benefit from the $24,500 in stamp duty concessions, and Central Equity are offering a rental guarantee for investor purchasers.

One bedroom apartments in the block start from $479,000, or closer to $400,000 for owner-occupiers after the savings boost.

Two bedroom apartments start from $619,000, up to $819,000 when including an extra bathroom and a parking space.

<a href="/buildings/parkhill-apartments-west-melbourne-408-spencer-street-west-melbourne"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/parkhill_melbourne_render_2.jpg" width="1202"></a>

The apartments, many spanning more than 70 sqm, have been designed by Central Equity's inhouse design team. They all have up to 2.7 metre high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with stone benchtops and Miele appliances and bathrooms with German tapware.

The development has a 6.5 star energy rating, with apartments fitted with double glazed windows.

Residents in the building will have access to a seven day concierge, a rooftop gym and a rooftop garden, complete with barbecues and outdoor seating.
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Owner-occupiers can stand to save up to $73,000 in the Parkhill apartment development in West Melbourne.

Joel Robinson

Buyers could save up to $73,000* on a brand new home at West Melbourne's Parkhill thanks to developer Central Equity matching the government grants

There&rsquo;s set to be a new apartment block in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast which has affordability on its mind.

The Kirra Apartments project has been lodged by Kirra One Pty Ltd, a company associated with Rawspace Developments directors David Walton, Anthony Rigby and Dan Roger.

They&rsquo;ve had Red Architecture draw up plans for a 13 storey apartment block at 10 Coyne Street which will be made up of 50 apartments.

There will be 25 two bedroom units, 12 two bedders with a multi-purpose room and 13 three bedroom apartments.

<img alt="" height="973" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kirra_apartments_coyne_street_coolangatta_2.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;The building has been designed to reflect the transition of the elements of the Kirra esplanade from the ocean through to the high-rise spine which is captured in the colours and materials incorporated into the tower form,&rdquo; the Town Planning report read.

The 1,012 sqm block was bought for $3.2 million last July as a block of five units with an income of over $120,000 per year.

It sold with development approved plans for another four one bedroom plus study apartments.

There will be 25 two bedroom units, 12 two bedders with a multi-purpose room and 13 three bedroom apartments.

Plans lodged for new Coolangatta apartment development ISLA Kirra Beach

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The Melbourne-based property developer GURNERTM has secured St Kilda's well known Cushion Lounge and has lodged $35 million plans to create what will be the first in a series of new concept hotels under the Club Maison brand.

Club Maison will provide ultra-luxury boutique short and long-stay accomodation.

Gurner, who paid $2.25 million for the 99 Fitzroy Street building, has had the Sydney HQ'd Warren and Mahoney Architects draw up plans for the first concept hotel, with 25 rooms across six levels. There will be hotel facilities such as a swimming pool and outdoor dining space.

<img alt="" height="1200" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/club_maison_gurner_2.jpg" width="1200">

From Fitzroy Street, where there will be a commercial space facing the street, it will look like the building has just three levels.

The design takes its cues from the Palazzo della Civilta Italiana in Rome and Mondadori building in Milan, with huge arched windows lining the façade, while exposed concrete, brick and steel in repeating curvilinear forms pay homage to Fitzroy Street’s iconic buildings including The George, Brooklawn Mansion and the neighbouring St Kilda terrace homes.

<img alt="" height="1600" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/club_maison_facade_3.jpg" width="1200">

GURNERTM founder and director, Tim Gurner said the Club Maison concept would become an exciting way forward for our brand, carving out a niche in an asset class that is not strictly residential.

“When you look at the successful business model of Soho House in London and New York, we want to take a similar approach and apply it at a local scale.

“Our Club Maison buildings will offer discerning Australians a private club experience with long and short term stays, private and public amenity and a very big focus on world-class hospitality offerings.

“These projects will become long-term investments for us as we look to strategically hold more assets across our portfolio into the future,” he said.

The developer confirmed it had adopted an aggressive acquisition mindset throughout 2020 and plans to acquire 12 to 15 sites of varying scale across the country within the coming 12 to 18 months.

“We are aggressively looking for further sites as the business continues to diversify and grow,” said Gurner.

The site is located just metres from the developer’s first landmark St Kilda project, Saint Moritz, which secured a record penthouse sale last year.

“Saint Moritz really re-invigorated my love for St Kilda – we are excited about the opportunities here and I believe St Kilda is really just at the beginning of a once-in-a- generation transformation."
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Gurner has had the Sydney HQ'd Warren and Mahoney Architects draw up plans for the first concept hotel, with 25 rooms across six levels.



Gurner buys St Kilda's Cushion Lounge, lodges plans for first Club Maison project

One of the biggest draw cards about being sky-high in an apartment block is the views on offer, whether it be in the heart of the city, looking out over the ocean or even the hinterland.

Even developers of boutique apartment blocks are incorporating the importance of views to buyers, with full floor apartments offering 360 degree views of the surrounding area.

Urban has wrapped up six of the best apartment views in Queensland.

<a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island">Chevron One, Surfers Paradise, QLD</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="679" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chevron_one_view.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

When completed in mid 2023, Chevron One will offer some of the best views over Surfers Paradise. Set on Stanhill Drive on Chevron Island, the 41 level tower has been designed by Marchese Partners to take advantage of the views of the famous waterways and the beach.

Bensons Property Group are developing the building which has its one bedroom apartments starting from $480,000. The larger apartments are enhanced through the oversized balconies. Each apartment kitchen has been designed by the celebrity chef Shannon Bennett.

<a href="/new-apartments/cabana-1-nineteenth-avenue-palm-beach">Cabana, Palm Beach, QLD</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/cabana-1-nineteenth-avenue-palm-beach"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="672" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cabana_palm_beach.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

One of the newest planned beachfront complexes&nbsp;on Palm Beach is the high-end apartment project Cabana, developed by Ignite Projects&nbsp;and designed by Plus Architecture. The best views in the boutique block of 34 come from the east facing apartments, with gun-barrel views over the Palm Beach sand,&nbsp;north to Burleigh Heads and south to Currumbin.&nbsp;

Prices start from $2,325,000 for the three bedroom apartments that span over 200 sqm. Completion is slated for early 2023.

<a href="/buildings/miles-kirra-beach-hotel-101-musgrave-street-coolangatta">Miles Residences, Kirra Point, QLD</a>

<a href="/buildings/miles-kirra-beach-hotel-101-musgrave-street-coolangatta"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="896" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/miles_kirra_views.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Much like Cabana, Miles Residences at Kirra Point, part of the luxury redevelopment by KTQ Group of the Kirra Point Hotel, the best apartment views look over the ocean and north up Kirra Beach.

Although the apartments facing inward aren't bad either, looking high over the surrounding neighbourhood and to Kirra Park. One bed apartments, designed by Woods Bagot, start from just $545,000.

<a href="/buildings/miles-kirra-beach-hotel-101-musgrave-street-coolangatta"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="899" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kirra_apartment_views.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

<a href="/new-apartments/the-coterie-365-st-pauls-terrace-fortitude-valley">The Coterie, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/the-coterie-365-st-pauls-terrace-fortitude-valley"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="598" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coterie_brisbane.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The completed Fortitude Valley development The Coterie by Vicland Property Group&nbsp;and Bruce Henderson Architects has views across Brisbane from its St Pauls Terrace location, just 1.5 kilometres from the CBD.

Some apartments have views between buildings to Brisbane's famous Story Bridge. Prices start at $383,880 for the one bedroom apartments in the block of 249 residences.

Queen's Wharf Residences, Brisbane, QLD

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="841" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/queens_wharf.jpg" width="1200" />

Brisbane's Queen's Wharf Residences are set to offer the best views in the city when it is completed toward the end of 2023. The Margaret Street development by Far East Consortium towers 64 storeys in to the air. The building has been designed by Cottee Parker Architects and there's only one and three bedroom apartments remaining.

The cheapest 59 sqm one bedroom apartments are priced from $565,000, but can reach as high as $734,000 for the 75 sqm one beds with a study. The three bedroom apartments start at $1.85 million and span 139 sqm and include two parking spaces.

<a href="/buildings/ocean">Ocean, Surfers Paradise, QLD</a>

<a href="/buildings/ocean"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="590" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ocean_surfers_paradise.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The Meriton-developed Ocean at Surfers Paradise will soon be the tallest high-rise in the area, standing at 252 metres and 76 levels, therefore there will be a number of the higher apartments which look down on every building in the popular Gold Coast tourist hotspot.

Each of the SJB-designed apartments are&nbsp;complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, made to take full advantage of its iconic beachfront views. Properties are available in a selection of one, two or three-bedroom apartment configurations, with one beds starting from $425,000. Prices over the last six months have ranged from $450,000 to $1.4 million.

One of the biggest draw cards about being sky-high in an apartment block is the views on offer, whether it be in the heart of the city, looking out over the ocean or even the hinterland.



6 apartments with the best views in Queensland

The under construction Upper House in the heart of South Brisbane will offer residents some of the best communal amenities in the country.

Not only set to be the tallest tower in South Brisbane when completed at the end of 2022, <a href="/buildings/upper-house-66-hope-street-south-brisbane">Upper House</a> from ARIA Property Group will also home amenities to rival any luxury hotel.&nbsp;

They have had the internationally acclaimed architect Koichi Takada Architects design the 30 storey tower of 188 apartments which will be crowned with Australia&rsquo;s first double-storey residents&rsquo; rooftop club.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27918]

Part of the rooftop club will be an infinity pool with sun lounging and day beds and views across the Brisbane skyline.

<a href="/buildings/upper-house-66-hope-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/upper_house_aria_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

There will be a residents&rsquo; wine bar, lounge room with fireplace and a private dining room, wine cellar and even a theatre room.

<a href="/buildings/upper-house-66-hope-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="871" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aria_upper_house_4.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

A fitness studio and yoga room will be accompanied by a day spa featuring a steam room, two infrared sauna&rsquo;s and a treatment room.

<a href="/buildings/upper-house-66-hope-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="916" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/upper_house_aria_3.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

There will also be home offices and an executive boardroom.

Residents will also have access to Aria Living&rsquo;s concierge service.

The development on Hope Street is set within Aria&rsquo;s Fish Lane Arts Precinct and newly completed Fish Lane Town Square.

<a href="/buildings/upper-house-66-hope-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="865" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aria_upper_house_5.jpg" width="495" /></a>

Takada has designed each apartment with three metre high ceilings and a kitchen fitted with Miele appliances and stone bench tops with waterfall edges.

The two bedroom, two bathroom apartments with a car space start from $699,000. A three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with two parking spaces starts from $999,000 and the three bedroom, three bathroom apartments start from $1.2 million.

The internationally acclaimed architect Koichi Takada Architects design the 30 storey tower of 188 apartments which will be crowned with Australia’s first double-storey residents’ rooftop club.




South Brisbane apartment development Upper House to offer the highest level of amenities

Sales have begun at The Parade West Ryde, the new development by the developer&nbsp;Billbergia Group.

Designed by PTW Architects, The Parade will be made up of 63 apartments across 11 levels, set in landscaped gardens with established trees and green spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90223]

Sales manager Lulu&nbsp;Chen says they&nbsp;have already received large amount of enquiries since the project information was released.

&quot;The price ranges are very affordable for both first home buyers and home occupy buyers, backed up by the outstanding architectural design and the reliable reputation of the developer, we are sure that the project will be a great contribution to West Ryde local community,&quot; Chen says.

The Parade is positioned in the&nbsp;heart of West Ryde,&nbsp;16 km north-west of the Sydney CBD and a 270 metre walk to West Ryde train station.

Apartments in The Parade:

One bedroom apartment with parking&nbsp;start from $600,000.

Two bedroom apartments with parking start from $750,000.

Three bedroom apartments with parking start from $950,000.

Three bedroom apartments with a study and two parking spaces start from $1.07 million.

&nbsp;

Designed by PTW Architects, The Parade will be made up of 63 apartments across 11 levels, set in landscaped gardens with established trees and green spaces

Sales launch at West Ryde apartment development The Parade

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EXPERT OBSERVER

The ABS reported a 0.9% lift in the December quarter CPI which was greater than Westpac’s (and the market median) forecast of 0.7%. At two decimal places the CPI lifted 0.86% with the annual pace lifting a touch from 0.7%yr to 0.9%yr.

The core measures were around expectations with the trimmed mean lifting 0.4%qtr (WBC forecast 0.3%/market median 0.4%) while the weighted median gained 0.5%. Excluding the imputed series had little impact on the core measures.

The CPI is still being influenced by government taxes and subsidies which have been pushing and pulling on the data. However, outside of dwelling prices we found little to suggests more broad based inflationary pressures.

The main surprise compared to our forecast was how the surge in housing demand lifting dwelling prices to swamp the benefit of the Home Builders Grants. In many capital cities developers were able to lift prices in excess of the value of the grants, even in Perth and Hobart were the Federal Grant ($25,000) was supplemented by state government grants ($20,000).  

In our preview we had expected that the know rise in childcare would be offset by falling housing costs but rising underlying dwelling prices swamped the discounts. Prices fell in Sydney (-0.3%), Adelaide (-0.5%), Darwin (-2.3%) and Canberra (-0.5%) but lifted in Melbourne (0.9%), Brisbane (2.0%), Perth (2.2%) and Hobart (1.1%). The large rise in Perth and Hobart is somewhat very surprising given the lower level of house prices in those capital cities and the almost doubling of the size of the grants in those cities.

It is also worth noting that rents rose 0.1%, while modest it was stronger than the expected fall -0.3%. Electricity prices fell -7.5% due to a $600 in WA which saw electricity prices fall -66.7% in Perth.  

There was the expected rise in two key components; the 33.7% lift in childcare and the 10.9% rise in tobacco prices.

The ABS informed us earlier of the magnitude of the rise in child care due to the ending of free child care in Victoria. Overall, household equipment and services rose 3.4% (WBC forecast 3.5%). Excluding child care this group would have fallen -0.7%.

Tobacco prices rise every December quarter due to the re-indexing of the excise to the CPI.

Unlike the NZ CPI it was harder to find any broader inflationary pressures from the COVID induced changes in demand. Holiday travel cost did rise bit more than expected but household contents were close to expectations while clothing fell more than expected.

However, dwelling prices are running well ahead of our expectations and even rents have turned positive. These factors can have a meaningful impact on estimates of core inflation, something we will be looking more deeply at for our monthly update.

Justin Smirk is an economist at Westpac.
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The main surprise compared to our forecast was how the surge in housing demand lifting dwelling prices to swamp the benefit of the Home Builders Grants

Q4 CPI above expectations as dwelling prices surge: Westpac

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Mulpha Australia has released 15 private villas for sale on the Whitsundays Hayman Island, where Mulpha own the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.

The luxury self-contained villas have three ensuited bedrooms, a fully appointed kitchen and dual living areas with balconies, opening to a private swimming pool.

The villas will also be designed to minimise carbon footprints with energy efficient fittings and solar electricity.

Construction of the architecturally designed villas is being fully managed by Mulpha and construction of the first villas is expected to commence in March 2021.

<img alt="" height="807" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hayman_1.jpg" width="1200">

Hayman Estates is limited to a total of 21 residences in a gated enclave with six residences having been completed in prior years.

Owners will have the option for private exclusive use or the option of adding their property to the luxury hotel pool for domestic and international guests seeking a private retreat with all resort services. 

<img alt="" height="899" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hayman_intercontinental.jpg" width="1200">

Mulpha general manager of sales and development John Hughes says once the villas are sold, there will be no further similar villas included within the Hayman Island masterplan being surrounded by World Heritage National Park.

“It’s your own slice of paradise set in one of the most sought-after leisure destinations in the World. This is privacy at its best or simply a luxurious resort living at its best”, Hughes says.

<img alt="" height="798" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hayman_2.jpg" width="1200">

“These competitively priced villas offer exceptional design quality, value, and the ultimate in tropical elegance.

“The Whitsundays region and the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef offers an unmatched lifestyle with direct airline access to the major Australian east coast capital cities making it ideal for people to use as either a residential base or a holiday investment property."
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Mulpha Australia release exclusive villas on Hayman Island

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The consumer price index (CPI) beat its market expectation over the quarter and rose 0.9 per cent, according to figures released by the ABS.

Over the 12 months to December, CPI rose 0.9 per cent. The RBA have indicated that they want CPI between two to three per cent for a steady period before lifting interest rates, among other key metrics such as unemployment.

Commsec's Craig James says inflation is likely to remain below, or near the bottom, of the Reserve Bank’s 2-3 per cent target band for most of 2021.

"As a result the Reserve Bank has committed to not increasing the cash rate for three years."

The December quarter inflation rise follows a 0.7 per cent increase in the September quarter and a 0.3 per cent fall in the June quarter.

Michelle Marquardt, head of prices statistics at the ABS, said the December quarter CPI was primarily impacted by an increase in tobacco excise and the introduction, continuation and conclusion of a number of government schemes, including childcare fee subsidies and home building grants.

Prices rose in the purchase of new dwellings (0.7 per cent) following increased demand. 

"The rise in demand for new dwellings is reflected in higher building approvals for houses and a record value for housing loan commitments in November," Marquardt said.

"The December quarter rise of 0.7 per cent in the purchase price of new dwellings would have been higher, but was partially offset by the Federal government's $25,000 HomeBuilder grant, and similar $20,000 grants by the Western Australian (WA) and Tasmanian state governments."

Westpac's Justin Smirk did suggest holding back the rise in the CPI is the WA $600 Household Electricity Credit, as well as the Federal Government Homebuilder Grants supplemented in WA and Tasmania by state grants.

Westpac had been forecasting a 0.7 per cent lift in the CPI which would have held the annual rate steady at 0.7 per cent.

 

 
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CPI outperforms market expectation, up 0.9%

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Laing+Simmons Corporation has been purchased by a partnership comprising members of the company’s head office team.

The likes of managing director Leanne Pilkington, who is also the president of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, and some of the network’s highest-profile and longest-serving principals including D’Leanne Lewis, Ray Fayad and Nicholas Efrossynis, are part of the buying syndicate.

The New South Wales-based boutique real estate franchise, which has a total of 43 offices in metro and regional NSW, was bought from the Dexar Group for an undisclosed sum.

Leanne Pilkington said the purchase by members of the network demonstrates the value and belief in the brand.

“The purchase of Laing+Simmons by network members highlights the confidence we have in the business and the potential for growth we see in the future.

"When the opportunity to acquire Laing+Simmons arose, the demand among franchisees was strong and the offer was fully subscribed quickly, demonstrating the belief in the brand,” Ms Pilkington said. 

“Laing+Simmons has been a fixture in the New South Wales real estate landscape since 1967. We recognise the industry is undergoing rapid evolution, which means franchising needs to evolve as well.

“No-one is better placed to understand the needs of today’s business owners than agency principals, who operate at the coal face every day.

“The new shareholding group is very diverse, in relation to age, location and of course gender. This will ensure a holistic direction is set for the business which welcomes and benefits a broader demographic of network partners and their teams.

“This diversity will underpin our future growth as we look to grow the Laing+Simmons network in select metropolitan and regional locations in 2021 and beyond.

“This internal acquisition means we have skin in the game. We believe so strongly in the brand that we acquired it. Our future partners and office principals can be confident in our commitment to support them and the growth of their business with a view to helping them create a long-term asset for the future.

“The ambitions of ownership, our existing franchisees and those we welcome in the future are completely aligned. This provides us a solid platform for future growth,” she said.
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The New South Wales-based boutique real estate franchise, which has a total of 43 offices in metro and regional NSW, was bought from the Dexar Group for an undisclosed sum.



Laing + Simmons bought by their top network members

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.

[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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