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Software entrepreneur Simon Clausen, who debuted on the 2009 BRW Rich List with a $180 million fortune after selling his software company, has abandoned construction plans for an expansive three-level Balmoral Slopes, Mosman, residence.
The high-flyer spent $31 million in 2008 and 2009 on three adjoining properties with direct views out towards Sydney Heads.
After demolition works a 2,560-square-metre vacant block had been listed for sale through McGrath agent Nigel Mukhi.  The block cost $19 million, with the remaining $12 million spent on an adjoining heritage-listed house on the corner of Upper Almora Street.
<img src="/images/stories/balmoral3.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;">
The vacant hillside Arbutus Street holding has approved architect plans for a stunning 10-bedroom home with 10-car garage and swimming pool in Peter Fudge-designed gardens.
The BJP Architects-designed house with a gross floor area of 940 square metres, which got approval in May last year had an estimated $7.5 million completion cost.
The 34-year-old co-founded PC Tools in 1998 as a website.
His first purchase was a $1.35 million Balmain terrace in 2004 with his wife, Alexandra. On Sydney's Pittwater, the Clausens’ Clareville architect-designed weekender – featuring glass, copper, sandstone and timber – is nearing completion. The couple paid $2.7 million for the 1,246-square-metre property in 2009.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Tech millionaire abandons Balmoral Slopes dream home construction

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august24crazies]}
Crazies Hill, a Palladian-style estate at Henley-On-Thames at Oxfordshire has an £18 million asking price.
It’s an eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom house with seven reception rooms. It sits on 32 hectares, and the property islisted through <a href="https://search.knightfrank.com/cho100188" title="Knight Frank" target="_blank">Knight Frank</a>.  
It's in the same neighbourhood as <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/uk-s-most-expensive-home-rumoured-to-have-sold-for-%C2%A3140-million/2011081451149" title="Britain's priciest home" target="_blank">Britain's priciest home</a>, which was once owned by King George II's son, which is believed to have been bought by a super-rich Russian for an estimated £140 million earlier this month.
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Crazies Hill UK offering for £18 million

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Irrational exuberance characterised the bidding at the first two auction finales of the Channel 9 real estate renovation series The Block.
It subsequently resulted in all seven of the ensuing resales – three from the Bondi series in 2003 and all four of the Manly series in 2004 – being sold without profit.
The biggest price collapse was $670,000 reselling for $560,500 at Bondi just two years later.
For the past two series it has been the contestants who've typically gone without profit, although there's always one selling price that surprises.
It seems property buyers have increasingly and understandably not wanted to play their cards in front of the cameras.
After all, they aren't really willing participants in the television drama.
Channel 9 isn’t the poorer, because the sour conclusion of an unfulfilled auction campaign is drama of itself.
But try explaining the $72,000 over reserve paid post-auction for one of the four <a target="_blank" title="Richmond" href="/news">Richmond </a>cottages.
And it was at a private auction.
Patience has yielded $72,000 prize money for Rod and Tania, who sold for $922,000, well above the $850,000 reserve that wasn't met at its intense weekend auction.
It sold at a Jellis Craig onsite auction on Monday evening attended by six parties, with four competing after the bidding opened at $880,000.
Jellis Craig agent Clayton Smith says just one of the interested parties had been at the weekend auction, whereas the other five had only seen the property for the first time on Monday or Tuesday.
It was bought by a Melbourne couple as an investment.
The show's winners Polly and Waz secured just $15,000 above their reserve, but also pocketed the $100,000 overall prize.
Sisters Amie and Katrina were mugs, having sold immediately after their disappointing auction at their $850,000 reserve price.
The Block's dearest offering has now also been sold by Josh and Jenna. They were offered $950,000 on the night but wise counsel meant they are holding off for something like$1 million, which they got from a Melbourne investor who emerged after Saturday night's auction.
The absence of some bidders at the auction can be attributed to the ill-timed raid by the consumer affairs department, which would have suggested to some buyers that the Block agents had been low-balling their price estimates. This was anything but the case.
Josh and Jenna's most recent land value was $500,000 plus and the building contracts for the cottages were typically $400,000 plus, along with $100,000 plus spent by the contestants.
Of course the outlay doesn’t necessarily dictate the purchase price.
And property commentator Monique Sasson Wakelin reckons when Channel 9 outlaid $3.6 million to secure four properties in a row in Richmond, the contestants were facing a significant handicap even before they picked up a hammer.
She also suggests the renovations were too sophisticated and expensive for the location.
“The rule about matching your renovation to what the market will bear in a particular location was broken.
“Even though many buyers would have liked the finished product, they didn’t like the location – and that was The (stumbling) Block."
Peter Starr and Matt King from McGrath Estate Agents marketed the property for John and Neisha’s outstanding win on The Block 2010.  The apartment sold under the hammer for a bullish $1.105 million, netting them $200,000 over reserve plus $100,000 bonus as the ultimate winner.
When asked about their winning formula , McGrath’s chief auctioneer, Scott Kennedy-Green says there’s no difference between The Block auction and how he would conduct an auction on any given Saturday.
"Our success in selling John and Neisha’s was largely due to all the hardw ork and preparation by the agents before auction day.
“The ability to work with buyers at the auction by engaging them and making them feel comfortable with the process is important in selling any property and something we always focus on.”
Starr explains that right from the outset it was important not to get caught up in the excitement around the television show.
“We conducted the campaign like any other – focusing on the buyers and servicing their needs.
"All our open houses were held independently to the promotional television viewing times, so that our clients were never made to feel intimidated or part of a reality television show.
“Our buyers trusted us and when we asked them to bid, they felt comfortable following our advice.”
And that was the missing ingredient at the weekend auctions. Estate agents in the glare of the cameras just didn't appear to be approaching their intending buyers with persuasive intent.
Just because the cameras were rolling didn’t mean the buyers would act.
PS Auctions are very much about momentum, so Rod and Tania made a mistake when they opted to go last in the auction schedule. They ought to have gone first, because that's when the nerves of the buyers can often get the better of them. There's also an element of the unknown, which assists the vital tension of a good auction.
Once an auction room becomes deadened with dud results it’s a brave ask for anyone to buck the prevailing pall. It’s no coincidence that the McGrath listing in the 2010 Block was the night's first offering.
For expert commentary and analysis on lessons to be learnt from property reality TV, <a href="https://register.propertyobserver.com.au/lights-camera-auction/" target="_blank">download our e-book Lights, Camera, Auction!</a>
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Camera-bedazzled agents need to relearn the craft of persuasion on The Block

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Palace Cinemas has been selected as the preferred operator of the proposed five-screen cinema complex on the former Stamford Plaza and Ritz Carlton hotel site in Cross Street at Double Bay.
The upmarket cinema complex features in revised plans from Scarborough Pacific to develop the site with a PTW-designed U-shaped building that is no higher than the existing structure.
“Palace has been looking for some time for the perfect location to expand our operations in eastern Sydney,” says managing director and founder of Palace Cinemas Antonio Zeccola.
“The local community really felt the loss when the much-loved cinemas on New South Head Road closed several years ago, and I’m sure they will be delighted with the news that Palace will bring the very best in high-end cinema experience to Double Bay.
“Our patrons will enjoy the amenity that Double Bay brings – lovely restaurants, beautiful retail and convenient parking – and, of course, the presentation of the best of international cinema for which Palace is celebrated.”
The loss of the previous Greater Union cinema on New South Head Road was blamed for contributing to <a target="_blank" title="Double Bay" href="/news">Double Bay</a>’s economic woes. The Greater Union cinema complex in Double Bay closed its door to patrons in 2004.
It had enjoyed a monopoly ever since the rival 1930s Hoyts palace, then known as The Vogue, which seated 1,388, was demolished in 1963.
Last November Woollahra Council approved a proposal for a 150-seat rooftop cinema in Double Bay. Anecdotal evidence suggests the developer did not proceed with the proposal due to the required cost of building upgrade works.
“A cinema is what many local residents told us they wanted,” says Nicki Garrett, a Scarborough Pacific director.
The development application is currently awaiting Woollahra Council approval. The proposal seeks to demolish the existing Stamford Plaza Hotel structure and construct a mixed-use development with retail, five cinemas and 78 residential apartments. The existing car park, with 154 spaces and vehicular entry, will be retained.
The five cinemas will be capable of accommodating a maximum of 600 people.
Above the ground floor level will be seven levels of residential comprising 30 three-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, and 20 on- bedroom apartments.
The floor area of the retail and cinemas component will be 5,472 square metres. The floor area of the residential component will be 13,135 square metres. The gross floor area will be 18,607 square metres.
The original proposal incorporated a nine-storey mixed-use building.
The Joint Regional Planning Panel will be the determining authority for this development application.
In May 2010 Scarborough Group International launched Scarborough Pacific, a fund management and property development company.
Kevin McCabe is the founder and chairman of Scarborough Group International, a real estate and leisure activities group wholly owned by the McCabe family.
The key investors in Scarborough Pacific are Pacific Shopping Centres and Melbourne investment fund manager Acorn Capital.
Scarborough Pacific’s first major project will be the development of the former Ritz Carlton site, with a gross realisation of $260 million.
The company secured the management of two wholesale development funds of the Ashington fund management and property development company Ashington Development Fund 1 and Ashington Development Fund 2.
Scarborough Pacific indicated it would work with the investors in the Ashington funds to pursue the development of the former Ritz Carlton site.
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Palace to bring popcorn back to Double Bay

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Patience has yielded $72,000 for the latest contestants to sell on Channel 9 renovation series The Block.
Rod and Tania have sold their Richmond cottage for $922,000, well above the $850,000 reserve that wasn't met at its intense weekend auction.
The couple get to keep any proceeds above the reserve price set by Channel 9.
It sold at an impromptu Jellis Craig onsite auction on Monday evening attended by six parties, with four competing after the bidding opened at $880,000.
Jellis Craig agent Clayton Smith says just one of the interested parties had been at Saturday night's auction, whereas the other five had only seen the property on Monday or Tuesday. 
It was bought by a Melbourne couple as an investment.
The show's winners Polly and Waz secured just $15,000 above their reserve, but also pocketed the $100,000 overall prize.
The sisters Amie and Katrina sold immediately after auction at their $860,000 reserve price.
The Block's dearest offering with a $950,000 reserve was Josh and Jenna's double-fronted property, which the couple sold for $1 million. Woodards agent Ruth Roberts told Property Observer it had been bought by a Melbourne investor who had not attended the Saturday night auction. 
For expert commentary and analysis on lessons to be learnt from property reality TV, <a href="https://register.propertyobserver.com.au/lights-camera-auction/" target="_blank">download our e-book Lights, Camera, Auction!</a>
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Take two auction frenzy as investors mop up The Block

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<img src="/images/stories/byronbaypic.jpg">
The Wategos Beach dress circle gets to test the rebound in <a target="_blank" title="Byron Bay" href="/news">Byron Bay</a> prices with a September 3 auction.
It has been listed with $7.5 million plus hopes, having been last traded at $7.5 million in 2009.
The two-bedroom cottage, which sits on a 796-square-metre block, had previously traded for $900,000 in 1996.
It last sold with approval for a new dwelling with a pool.
The last Marine Parade sale was $5.5 million for a 434-squre-metre holding in late 2009 when the entrepreneur Steve Outtrim offloaded the property for which he’d initially wanted $12 million. The founder of Sausage Software, Outtrim had paid $2.2 million for it in 2000.
Prices peaked in 2006 when publishing magnate Stephen Bush sold his colonial-style Wategos property for a record-breaking $15.68 million in 2006 to Danny Goldberg.
The September 3 auction has been scheduled by Vicky Innes at Byron Bay Property Sales in conjunction with Glen Irwin at LJ Hooker Byron Bay.
The lack of beachfront sales has contributed to Byron Bay’s prestige market slowdown, with just one sale above $4.75 million in 2010.
But in 2011 there have been several non-beachfront sales including Sussan fashion chain executive chairwoman <a target="_blank" title="Sussan boss expands" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/title-tattle-sussan-ceo-naomi-milgrom-spends-%246.2-million-to-buy-her-byron-bay-neighbour/2011070150674">Naomi Milgrom expanding her holding</a> with a $6.2 million acquisition.
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Wategos Beach listing to test Byron Bay price rebound

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The first social housing project in Australia to receive a five-green-star rating for environmental excellence has won Urban Development Institute of Australia New South Wales 2011 Sustainable Development Award at the institute’s annual awards.
The Lilyfield project in Sydney’s inner west has also received international recognition by being shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival awards in Barcelona in November.
Designed by HBO+EMTB for Housing NSW, the 88-unit multi-building complex features classic passive solar design, with all units enjoying north- or east-facing living areas and natural cross-ventilation.
Photovoltaic cells on panels concealed by a raked roofline provide solar hot water and on-site production of electricity.
Rainwater is collected in tanks for use in gardens, laundries and toilets.
“For the project to be successful it was essential to have a client who was fully committed to the underlying sustainability principles and an unwavering support for good design,” the project’s design director, HBO+EMTB director Gustavo Thiermann, says.
The 88 units in the Lilyfield development replaced 40 units in 12 two-storey blocks constructed in the 1950s that had proven costly to maintain and upgrade.
Part of the funding for the Lilyfield project comes from money raised from the sale of 99-year leases on heritage-listed Housing NSW properties at Millers Point.
Some 10% of the apartments are designed to the latest standards of accessibility for disabled occupants.
The development also features space for a community garden for tenants to grow their own vegetables and an informal play area, both of which are wheelchair-accessible.
There are compost bins near the community garden space and bicycle racks for secure bike parking.
The judging panel noted the Lilyfield project successfully addressed the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, economic and social performance.
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Sydney social housing development wins green design award

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Former Queensland property spruiker Dudley Quinlivan has been unsuccessful in applying to the High Court of Australia to lower his five-year company directorship disqualification.
ASIC disqualified Quinlivan from managing corporations for three years in 2008 and after an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal it was subsequently increased to five years.
He was long regarded as at the vanguard of selling overpriced southeast Queensland properties to mum and dad investors lured from other states, a claim he denied as recently as last year.
Quinlivan was disqualified due to his involvement in 14 companies that were wound up in insolvency between 2002 and 2007: National Consolidated Investments Pty Ltd, Coastal Administration Services Pty Ltd, Remi Morgan Burns Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Management Corporation Pty Ltd, Consolidated Property Investments Pty Ltd, Manorbase Pty Ltd, First Home Buyer (Aust) Pty Ltd, Ausblue Pty Ltd, Shellston Pty Ltd, Coventry Finance Pty Ltd, Rental Options Pty Ltd, Statefort Pty Ltd, Freedom Mortgages Pty Ltd and Scottsdale Homes No 10 Pty Ltd.
In the period between ASIC’s original decision to disqualify Quinlivan and the hearing of the AAT review, further companies associated with Quinlivan entered external administration. In light of these additional circumstances, ASIC expressed concern that Quinlivan continued to be involved in large-scale property developments and asked that the AAT disqualify Quinlivan for five years.
He was once denounced in Queensland's Parliament as the "King Con" of property marketeering schemes.
The AAT decision was appealed to the Full Federal Court, which affirmed the decision.
In January 2011, the 67 year old Quinlivan applied to the High Court of Australia for special leave to appeal the decision of the Full Federal Court.
After a brief hearing before the Honourable Justices Virginia Bell and Dyson Heydon AC, Quinlivan’s application was dismissed and costs were awarded to ASIC.
ASIC Commissioner Dr Peter Boxall says ASIC’s action against Quinlivan was consistent with its focus on improving industry standards and ensuring investors feel confident and informed.
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Former property spruiker's five-year directorship ban upheld

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While speculation continues about the Melbourne market being both oversupplied and overvalued, some estate agents are reporting stock shortages in key suburbs, with demand outstripping current supply, particularly for well-located houses.
Buyers should remember that property is an individual proposition and that they should take into consideration the micro-economic factors and specific qualities of the area and property they are considering for purchase, according to buyers’ agent Greville Pabst.
“The sweeping generalisations made by some commentators about Australia’s property markets can have a powerful impact on sentiment and therefore on buyer confidence,” he says.
“As the weather improved Melbourne property markets saw a welcome jump in buyer activity at the weekend’s auctions, pushing the city’s clearance rate to 60%, according to the REIV.
“The renewed confidence from some buyer groups is a positive sign in the lead-up to spring, with a ripple effect expected to create further activity as more buyers follow the lead back to the marketplace.
“However, some scepticism remains about the market returning to full swing in spring, with predictions of only a slight rise in weekly clearance rates to mid-60% during the traditionally busy season,” he suggests.
The suburbs consist of mostly inner-eastern suburbs including East Melbourne, Richmond, Hawthorn and Hawthorn East, Armadale, Toorak and South Yarra. Brunswick was another.
“A quick review reveals that all these suburbs, with the exception of South Yarra [which had one], haven’t had even a single new listing in the last week.
“The shortage in listings is unlikely to improve in the next fortnight in light of the AFL grand final, which is scheduled for October 1.
“This is because a typical auction campaign lasts approximately four weeks.
“While listings for these properties should increase in mid-September there may be a slight lull again four weeks out from the Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival,” Pabst predicts.
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Demand outstrips supply in select Melbourne suburbs: Buyers' agent

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Rising interest rates, flat house price growth and an insufficient transport system will continue to weigh on traditional house building activity, according to the Mirvac Group.
“Demand was likely to remain biased towards higher-density living,” its latest annual report has forecast.
It was particularly the case in NSW, the home builder suggests. Mirvac has $980 million worth of exchanged residential pre-sales across three states extending to 2014. Some 40% of its 2011 buyers were upgraders and empty nesters. Investors constituted 30% as did first home buyers.
Mirvac’s recent settlements were at a $1.75 million average apartment price, its house settlements average $689,000 and its land settelements averaged $245,000.
Its report noted that NSW dwelling construction has failed to keep pace with growth in population which has contributed to both low dwelling vacancy rates and solid rental growth.
“Reflecting poor housing affordability, long commuting times to work and a changing ethnic mix, the improvement in dwelling approvals has been dominated by units and apartments, a trend which looks set to continue,” it notes.
But Mirvac suggests even though there has been an improvement in dwelling construction, it was likely to be insufficient to keep pace with demand, further increasing the NSW dwelling shortfall.
In Victoria continuing land release, state government grants and robust population growth, had delivered strong growth in residential construction.
“More recently, the strength of dwelling construction has been driven by medium-density dwellings.
“Even though economic conditions in the state remain favourable, more moderate population growth points to a slower pace of construction activity in the future,” Mirvac expects.
The Queensland residential property market had been adversely impacted by a combination of weaker interstate migration, the rising A$, a slowing in net overseas migration, soft economic conditions and natural disasters.
“The near term prospects remain uninspiring but, longer term, the significant investment by the resource companies, in tandem with a pick-up in population growth, should lead to greater impetus in the state economy and the residential housing market.”
Mirvac suggests after significant price increases during the resources boom, house prices in Perth had exhibited the greatest weakness.
“Additionally, the accompanying sharp slowdown in population growth reduced dwelling demand.
“With the second resources investment boom starting to unfold this should herald stronger dwelling demand and, with it, a firming of property prices.”
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House building activity to remain subdued: Mirvac 

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.

Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.

The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" />

Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.

As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."

Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" />

The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.

As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.

Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" />

The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.

Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.

Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.

Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

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Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

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The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

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For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

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As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

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Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

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&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

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&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

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&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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