<html><body>
A Cottesloe home sold twice this year in Perth, perhaps the only property to head upwards in price too.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/13-pearse-st-cottesloe-wa-6011" target="_blank">13 Pearse Street</a> holding sold for $7.05 million in June, then again for $7.55 million last month.
The latest buyer was a company co-directed by mining magnate Kerry Harmanis, which owns three neighbouring properties on the street.
The windfall came to Colin Herdman who had bought the property from the Kidd family in June.
It faces onto Avonmore Terrace.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/23/Cottesloe-2.jpg" alt="">
Harmanis bought the corner home on 1000 square metres, prompting the Perthnow website to speculate Harmanis may seek to create a luxury redevelopment on the four blocks.
The largest block, at a little over 1000 square metres, cost $10.5 million in 2007. 
Harmanis founded the nickel miner Jubilee Mines in 1987. It was acquired by mining giant Xstrata in 2007 for $3.1 billion.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Kerry Harmanis secures Cottesloe house that sold twice in 2016

<html><body>
Rona at Bellevue Hill, which was the big springtime prestige listing, nears year-end still for sale.
The 1880s Bellevue Hill hilltop estate joined the already plentiful harbourfront offerings, including John Symond's $100 million plus Wingadal at Point Piper, the Fox trucking family's Elizabeth Bay Spanish Mission home, Boomerang and Elaine at Double Bay which the Fairfax family have been seeking to sell for the past three years.
The modernised Rona, a Victorian Rustic Gothic Revival style abode has been home for the past 12 years to the property developer Terry Agnew and his wife, Kyril. 
Rona remains listed through veteran agent, Bart Doff at Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay inconjunction with Ben Collier whose is departing McGrath Estate Agents after 23 years.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/23/Rona-2.jpg" alt="">
He has two days to add it to his personal annual sales tally which came in at $278 million in 2015, up from $216 million in 2014. McGrath's 700 agents sell $7 billion plus annually.
McGrah's Central Coast agent Mat Steinwede ranks as the group's top seller, with his recent sales including more than $7 million record secured by property developer Jason Gazal for a three-year long Pacific Street, Wamberal property listing.
Sydney's eastern suburbs star performer has been - as far as taking public credit - Alexander Phillips at the Phillips Pantzer Donnelley agency which looks set to narrowly fall short of a record $1 billion in sales this year. 
Phillips' personal tally has risen from $200 million in 2013 to $390 million last year.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/23/Rona-3.jpg" alt="">
Altona was the big Sydney sale when the Point Piper harbourfront fetched $61 million plus in mid-November, with its selling agents yet to take credit.
The CoreLogic report, Best of the Best 2016 detailed Point Piper's median house price as $6.62 million. 
</body></html>

Bellevue Hill's Rona remains for sale

<html><body>
The retired champion footballer, turned Fox Sports commentator Braith Anasta stood on the sidelines when auction offerings were knocked down at big prices this year.
He missed out on several eastern suburb coastal Sydney apartments, but has finally managed to put his name on a signed contract.
It was a three bedroom <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-coogee-123612010" target="_blank">Coogee apartment</a> with Gordon Bay views.
The devoted father snapped it up within a few days of its recent private treaty listing. 
The Anasta clan were previously spotted missing out on the Bondi Beach garden apartment offering of the Greater Western Sydney AFL star Shane Mumford and fiancee Eva Konta which sold for $2,155,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/23/Coogee-2.jpg" alt="">
Anasta had moved into his mother's now sold Malabar house after his separation from actor Jodi Gordon this time last year. Anasta had been looking too for his mother, Kim, too, since she sold earlier in year at Malabar through Jason Black from Black Lifestyle Property.
Braith and Kim turned up to the Tamarama auction of the Kiwi film director Dame Jane Campion mid-year when the 241 square metre investment property sold for $2.55 million through Bethwyn Richards of McGrath. 
They were the underbidders at $2,545,000.
</body></html>

Fox Sports commentator Braith Anasta buys Coogee apartment

<html><body>
The $300 million Australian Pub Fund run by John Singleton, Geoff Dixon and Mark Carnegie has sold three Sydney hotels.
The off-market sales totalled a combined $47 million.
The Feros family's JDA Hotels bought the Peakhurst Inn in Sydney's southern suburbs for $22.5 million in a deal negotiated by Andrew Jolliffe of Ray White Hotels.
The Bristol Arms on Sussex Street in Sydney and the Como Hotel in the Sutherland Shire were sold to the family-run Oscars Hotel Group for $19.5 million and $5.6 million respectively, in deals negotiated by JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group's John Musca.
The prices offered for all three pubs were at cap rates below 8%, Geoff Dixon, the former CEO of Qantas told The Australian Financial Review.
APF will soon begin on-market campaigns to sell Newtown's Marlborough Hotel and Kinselas in Surry Hills, with expectations of about $60 million - more than double what they were acquired for by the fund.
Kinselas enjoys strong food and beverage patronage. It also has 30 gaming machines that contribute more than $3 million in annual revenue.
"Capital continues to find its way to the sector where a 400-500 basis point spread still exists between sustainable earnings and the cost of debt. This is an attractive proposition for not just experienced operators but increasingly syndicators as well," Musca said.
The Lone Pine Tavern in Rooty Hill was sold in December by the Feros family after being marketed with expectations above $30 million.
Also in December, Merivale boss Justin Hemmes paid $37.05 million for The Tennyson Hotel in Sydney's south.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/12/02/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-02%20at%2011.54.15%20AM.png" alt="">
The Tennyson, whose design is illustrative of a Sidney Warden-designed inter-war functionalist structure, fetched a record hammer price for hotels. 
The Ray White Hotels Asia Pacific director Andrew Jolliffe listed the top 100 gaming property, The Tennyson Hotel at Mascot.
Set on Botany Rd, the Tennyson Hotel is a popular hotel with 30 gaming machines.
"Notwithstanding the latest ranking at 87 in NSW, the hotel requires an upgrade," Jolliffe advised. 
The leading hotel architect Paul Kelly has designed a renovation which has DA approval for the vendor John Feros of JDA Hotels.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/12/02/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-02%20at%2011.53.59%20AM.png" alt="">
The hotel, even in its currently unrenovated state, attracts in excess of $8 million in annual receipts from predominantly high gross profit margin revenue centres.
</body></html>

Kinselas next hotel to be sold by Singo's Australian Pub Fund

<html><body>
The luxury cruise ship, The World of ResidenSea arrives in Sydney for New Year's Eve after its apartment dwellers have cruised round Australia from Broome.
With more Sydneysiders than ever now among the owners aboard, it will be the place to be seen over its four day stay.
The 12-deck, 196-metre vessel first set sail in 2002 and officially sold out four years later.
Matriarch Ros Packer is likely to be aboard in an apartment that was a gift several years ago from son, James. The double apartment then got a serious makeover.
Property developers Bob and Margaret Rose are owners. Ditto Bill and Imelda Roche, the developers of the Hunter Valley gardens estate, on the stern of The World.
Motivational speaker John Demartini outlaid $3 million on his glamorous cabin, a one-bedroom apartment.
It was bought with his late wife, Australian astrologer Athena Starwoman, after selling their Trump Tower apartment, unnerved after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Demartini will be giving lectures in Sydney in early January.
The late engineer Bob Sparke, from Belvedere estate at Burradoo in the NSW Southern Highlands, enjoyed time onboard until his 2013 death.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/23/RESIDENSEA-2.jpg" alt="">
Sparke's acquaintanceship with mining tycoon Gina Rinehart had blossomed and they regularly followed the sunsets from a ninth-floor apartment.
Rinehart, who of course can’t help working, has had government ministers aboard for dinner at its Chinese restaurant.
Richard Penn, the one-time Gutbuster entrepreneur, and his wife, Heather, are among the owners who can access the facilities that include two pools, a tennis court, virtual golf, gym, library, chapel, deli and even House of Graff jewellers.
There is a net worth threshold of at least a $10 million required to join The World.
At last count, the residents comprise around 130 families from 19 different countries with an average age around 64 years.
Initially The World was overrun by rowdy short-stay tourists invited aboard by the ship's financially challenged operator to help fill the many unsold apartments.
Paying guests are no longer taken.
I was aboard The World of ResidenSea the first time it sailed into Sydney Harbour in 2003, albeit on the rather quick Melbourne to Sydney voyage. 
The ship has since visited more than 900 ports. Its 2016 journey started in Antarctica, and the journey continues in early 2017, again to Antarctica.
By next November, the ship will be in Cuba then an end-of-year celebration in Miami.
This article was first published in The Sunday Telegraph.
</body></html>

The World of ResidenSea arrives in Sydney for New Year's Eve

<html><body>
The Federal Court has found that Peter Charles Drake, Francene Maree Mulder and Eghard van der Hoven did not breach their duties as directors of LM Investment Management Ltd (LMIM).
ASIC had alleged that Drake used his position to gain an advantage for himself and that each of the former directors of LMIM breached their director’s duties by failing to act with the proper degree of care and diligence regarding transactions involving the LM Managed Performance Fund (MPF), an unregistered managed investment scheme with about 4,500 investors.
The MPF loaned funds to Maddison Estate Pty Ltd, to complete a property development on the Gold Coast known as Maddison Estate. ASIC's case focused on a decision of the directors to extend the loan in 2012.
ASIC is reviewing the court's decision and deciding whether it wishes to appeal.
LMIM was the responsible entity for seven registered managed investment schemes as well as the trustee for MPF. More than $400 million was invested in MPF. In total, LMIM was responsible for managing at least $800 million on behalf of approximately 12,000 investors in Australia and overseas.
ASIC's claim against Simon Ticker and Lisa Darcy was dismissed by consent on 12 September 2016.
ASIC has taken other action and has been involved in other court proceedings arising out of the collapse of LMIM.
</body></html>

ASIC loses Federal Court case against LM's Peter Drake on Maddison Estate

<html><body>
A historic cable tram shed and workshop in North Melbourne that has been converted into a family home remains for sale.
There had been a scheduled pre-Christmas auction marketing campaign that did not yield a buyer.
It was bought three years ago for $3.35 million by car collector Chris Page because he wanted to grow his car collection.
He and his family moved from their Carlton home and renovated <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-north+melbourne-124078490" target="_blank">the historic 1918 building</a> which had previously sold in 1978 at $155,000.
It is a vast five bedroom home with a big garage downstairs as well as a street-facing mechanic business.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/22/North%20Melbourne-2.jpg" alt="">
Page still hopes that another like-minded car enthusiast will secure the property which was also advertised as <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-north+melbourne-502177718" target="_blank">a development site</a>.
The property first began as a cable tram shed in the 1920s before being converted into a tramways administration office and then finally into a Mediterranean grocer before being converted into the current home.
The reported pre-auction price indications were $5.5 million for the property that includes the mechanic business space.
The business owner would be happy to stay if the new owner wishes.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/22/North%20Melbourne-3.jpg" alt="">
The property is offered through Jellis Craig agents John Morello and Simon Mason.
A neighbouring office building on a 500 square metre block at 16 Howard Street sold earlier this year at $4.4 million.
</body></html>

No buyer yet for historic North Melbourne car paradise

<html><body>
The Clovelly Hotel has been sold to Solotel, headed by the hospitality duo, Bruce Solomon and Matt Moran.
The sale of the hotel, marketed by Daniel Dragicevich from CBRE and Andrew Jolliffe of Ray White Hotels Australia, did not come with a formal price advisory.
Iris Capital acquired the hotel in 2008 for $22.5 million and extensively renovated it in 2012. 
The price has been speculated as in excess of $30 million following other Eastern Suburbs pubs, the Coogee Pavilion, Newport Arms and the Bondi Hotel, trading at $36 million, $46 million and $43 million respectively in recent years.
It attracted "considerable" interest from both domestic and overseas based groups.
Situated upon a commanding 1708 sqm beachside block with Pacific Ocean views, the legendary multi storey "Cloey", the agents suggested "the astute hospitality and business prowess of Solotel was the successful party; and, clearly, a most applicable suitor for the next chapter in the hotel's life."
"With the recent success of Justin Hemmes' nearby Coogee Pavilion, as well as Chris Cheung's Coogee Bay Hotel, Kim Maloney's Bondi Hotel and Arthur Laundy and Fraser Short's Watsons Bay Hotel, the opportunity to acquire this "once in a generation" hotel icon was simply too good for many to refuse.
Solotel are the owners of numerous hospitality businesses around Australia including Opera Bar, recently refurbished Aria restaurant at Sydney's Circular Quay and The Paddington Inn; as well as Double Bay's The Sheaf and Woollahra's Chiswick, leaving many industry observers salivating at the prospects of the future shape the business is likely to take.
Speaking on behalf of Solotel, Solomon says hey are thrilled to be taking over "such a well-loved pub that really is the full package- it has a brilliant location, ocean views and a great pub culture."
Clovelly Hotel owner Iris Capital, led by successful entrepreneur Sam Arnaout, rejected several other offers for the property, ensuring that Solotel became the successful party.
</body></html>

Solotel buy the Clovelly Hotel from Iris Capital

<html><body>
Lija and John Wilson, who helped established the online Indian dating website, Troozi, have sold their three bedroom South Yarra home.
<a href="https://kayburton.com.au/properties/view/424669-19-lara-street-south-yarra-3141-sale" target="_blank">The modernised 1890s Lara Street offering</a> came with a $1.95 million asking price after it was passed in at Kay &amp; Burton auction last month at $1.75 million. 
It last sold at $1,242,000 in 2012 when sold by Jim Gall, the co-founder of agribusiness marketing agency Redhanded Creative, and wife, Suzanne, a former publishing executive.
They had renovated in 2010 using the architecture studio MAKE and landscaper and horticulturalist Lachie Anderson.
Lija Wilson was working previously for Fairfax on RSVP.com.au.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian.
</body></html>

Troozi co-founder sells South Yarra trophy home

<html><body>
The 18-office Victorian estate agency Buxton has a new ownership group.
Buxton Corporate will now have seven directors.
The directors include Mark Earle, David Hart, Ben Riddle, Craig Williamson, Chris Hassall and Nathan Jones.
"We are also excited to announce that we have secured <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-o-neil-6a932813" target="_blank">Nigel O’Neil</a> who will join us as managing director," Mark Earle advised staff this week.
"Nigel has nearly a decade of experience leading and developing another real estate group and brings a wealth of knowledge to that role.
"The new leadership team is extremely excited about the future at Buxton and we look forward to sharing more in 2017."
O'Neil's appointment comes after his rapid exit from hockingstuart in February after 8 and a half years’ service.
"When these discussions commenced, the most important aspect for me was for Buxton to remain as Buxton," Earle added.
"Albeit the last few years have been very strong, we firmly believe our best days are ahead of us.
"Our aim is to make Buxton even more of an attraction brand for vendors, landlords and agents."
The first Buxton office was established by the company's founder John Robert Buxton in South Melbourne in 1861.
Buxton has offices across many key inner-suburban and bayside locations, including the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Geelong.
</body></html>

Nigel O'Neil appointed to lead Buxton in directorship reshuffle

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

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> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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]

Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News