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Daydream Island owner China Capital Investment Group has secured South Molle Island in the Whitsundays in the Great Barrier Reef for about $25 million.
The leasehold tropical island was sold by long-time owner and tourism identity Craig Ross.
It has 12 hectares of developable beachfront land and an existing 188-room resort.
The island offered the potential, according to the information memorandum, to develop a 1300-room resort, subject to planning approval.
The Shanghai-based China Capital Investment Group secured the Daydream Island (West Molle) Resort and Spa last year from Nature's Own founder Vaughan Bullivant for about $30 million. The 4.5-star resort has 296 rooms and suites.
The company was founded by Chuanyou Zhou, the chairman and CEO. Its invests in the mining industry, real estate and infrastructure.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

South Molle Island sold to West Molle owners

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GUEST OBSERVER
Office metro markets, like CBD markets, are driven by factors which differ from state to state and region to region, so any discussion of a ‘national’ metro market only serves to mask the various drivers of each of these markets. 
There’s no question that long-overdue Infrastructure investment along the eastern seaboard will be the primary driver of growth in metro markets in the coming decade.
According to Colliers Metro Office Research and Forecast Report- first half 2016, over 33 buildings in Sydney’s metro markets will be compulsorily acquired for the Metro Rail, putting downward pressure on vacancies and upward pressure on rents. In fact, many metro markets are now at a tipping point, with the first real opportunity since the GFC to experience significant growth.
But where will the positive effects be most strongly felt?
NSW is where the strength is
At the moment, the NSW state economy is the strongest in the nation, with robust employment growth and a healthy surplus. It is also the hub for infrastructure development, with projects like the Sydney Metro, WestConnex and the Parramatta Light Rail set to come online in the next 10 years.
The most recent state budget revealed a total spend of $68.6 billion over the next four years alone, a very positive scenario for those metro markets in line to receive infrastructure upgrades.
This is because efficient transport links allow for greater connectivity across all metro markets, and in turn, increase the attractiveness of metro accommodation to a broader tenant base.
In further good news, the stock withdrawal story we are seeing in the Sydney CBD market holds true in a number of other NSW metro markets. Colliers reports that between January 2015 and January 2016, metro office stock decreased Australia-wide from 7.34 million sqm to 7.29 million sqm as a result of withdrawal for residential conversion or infrastructure development.
As the same time, we have not seen the same influx of offshore money into these markets as we have in the major CBD office markets. With offshore investors continuing to favour CBDs, investors in metro markets are still predominately domestic. The proportion of domestic investors, compared with international investors is continuing to grow with Colliers reporting that domestic investors made up 55 percent of the acquisitions in 2013, 60 percent in 2014 and 65 percent in 2015.
Centuria’s ASX-listed Metropolitan REIT invests purely in metropolitan office and industrial assets across Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. These assets have been valued at $396.7 million. Decreasing vacancies and increasing values have seen this fund trading well amongst both institutional and retail investors, highlighting the investor appetite for metro investment.   
Sydney’s north shore metro markets set to shine
In our view, some of the strongest metro markets are to be found on Sydney’s north shore, where the positive combination of residential conversion with acquisitions made for Metro stations will translate into improved vacancy and rental levels in the next few years.  
For example, fifteen commercial properties will be demolished along the north shore, in to make way for the Sydney Metro. At the same time, all new development is focused on residential accommodation, and with no new commercial development slated we expect a further tightening of supply and upward pressure on commercial rents.
As a result of the positive fundamentals, Centuria recently completed the purchase of part of the Zenith office tower in Chatswood, an area which we see as a major beneficiary of the Sydney Metro. Stage 1 from the northwest to Chatswood is scheduled for completion in 2019, and the second stage from Chatswood to the southwest via the CBD will put Chatswood right at the heart of Sydney’s transport network.
The most recent PCA figures show vacancy rates have dropped back to 6.6 percent in Chatswood which is the lowest vacancy rate for many years. We also expect demand to increase further due to the strong transport links already in place in Chatswood and the absence of any significant increase in supply. 
Looking forward, we are confident that Chatswood status as a major commercial and residential hub will be cemented by the benefits of the major infrastructure spend by the NSW State Government. 
Positive fundamentals in the CBD fringe, particularly in the south
Vacancies continue to fall in the city fringe as a result of leasing growth on the back of demand from tenants displaced by withdrawals for infrastructure and residential projects in both the CBD and locally.
The Southern CBD and fringe areas are undergoing a renaissance on the back of proximity to the rapidly growing residential area of South Sydney as well as demand from tenants displaced by the metro line. This area is particularly popular with advertising and media companies, resulting in over 10,000 sqm of demand in the six months to January 2016, according to Colliers. 
In late 2015, in conjunction with Mirvac, we acquired commercial property within the Australian Technology Park south of Sydney. The site is 14 hectares, three kilometres south of the Sydney CBD on the site of a $1 billion development for CBA, which we believe will have wide-ranging positive impacts on the broader Central to Eveleigh corridor.
So what’s the bottom line?  Our house view is that tenant demand for metro locations will continue to strengthen as CBD vacancy rates fall. Withdrawal of A and B grade stock for residential conversion and/or infrastructure development will leave many tenants in this market seeking cost effective solutions in those suburbs with good (and improving) transport links.
This means markets such as Chatswood, and the southern fringe of the CBD are likely to benefit. We have already taken advantage of a number of opportunities with compelling value, such as our purchase, in conjunction with global investment manager BlackRock, of The Zenith in Chatswood.
Ultimately, we remain convinced that the fundamentals of these metro markets in NSW make them ideally suited to providing stable, high yields and potential for capital growth that our investors have come to expect.
 Jason Huljich is chief executive officer, Unlisted Property Funds for <a href="https://centuria.com.au" target="_blank">Centuria</a>.
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NSW office metro markets set to shine

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The winner of the 1969 Wilkinson Award, a Philip Cox-designed house at Cheltenham, has been listed for sale.
Considered as one of the best mid-century houses in Australia, the late 1960s Norma Crescent home has $2.75 million hopes.
The five bedroom home has been updated and renovated around its central courtyard that features a pool and spa.
There's a self-contained lower level with its own private entry on the 1,150 sqm parcel that adjoins the Lane Cove National Park.
Built with creamy-yellow expressed bricks, it comes with brush box floors, oregon ceilings and exposed cedar rafters. 
It last <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cheltenham-111765475" target="_blank">traded for $1.405 million in 2013</a> to the Apap family, in fairly original condition. Since then it has bathroom and kitchen renovations which don't detract too much from the style of the home.
It went unsold late last year when listed with $3 million hopes.
Now Black Diamondz listing agent Noemi Guttmann is taking the home to auction August 20.
It first traded for $108,000 in 1976 when sold by the Hawkins household.
When designed by Philip Cox in 1968, he was an influential proponent of the Sydney School – a style of architecture responding to its environment, often built in natural bushland, organic, and using natural materials.
The Wilkinson is the highest accolade of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. 
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
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Philip Cox-designed 1969 Wilkinson Award winner listed at Cheltenham

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Scentre Group, jointly with Cbus Property, has purchased the David Jones Market Street building in Sydney’s CBD for $360 million.
David Jones owner, South Africa’s Woolworths Holdings had the property offered through real-estate agents Simon Fenn of Savills, inconjunction with CBRE, with the Lowy-family backed Scentre always keen to expand its retail prescence.
Property tycoon Frank Lowy, ahead of resigning from Scentre in May, is understood to have played a major role.
David Jones will use the sale proceeds to help back the redevelopment of its adjacent flagship Elizabeth Street store.
The Scentre group’s share of the purchase price is $182.5 million with Cbus Property paying the balance of $177.5 million.
David Jones will continue to occupy the site until late 2019 under a lease agreement providing a 4.5% per annum rental return on the acquisition price.
During the leaseback period, the co-owners will obtain the necessary approvals to redevelop the site when David Jones vacates the building. 
On completion, the redeveloped 77 Market Street site will comprise approximately 10,000 square metres  of luxury retail space integrated with Westfield Sydney.
In addition Cbus Property will convert the balance of the existing building to provide quality office space and develop a luxury residential tower above, overlooking Hyde Park.
Scentre Group will own, develop, design and build the retail elements of the site.
Scentre Group CEO Peter Allen said the transaction was a rare opportunity to significantly expand our flagship Westfield Sydney centre. 
The 77 Market Street site will provide the opportunity for further luxury retail and high-quality food, which combined with our existing Westfield Sydney and David Jones’ planned $200 million investment into the adjacent Elizabeth Street store, will reinforce the precinct as Sydney’s pre-eminent luxury retail destination.” 
Adrian Pozzo, Cbus Property CEO said 77 Market Street provided another excellent opportunity for Cbus Property to demonstrate its core capabilities in residential and commercial development in what will be a vibrant mixed use building in an exciting location with unrivalled amenity.
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CBUS and Scentre team up to secure David Jones Sydney store

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/62493/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Despite being one of our oldest public institutions, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) social media campaign for the 2016 Census is a clever nod to the modern zeitgeist.
This census will ask us to “pause” (presumably Netflix) and “make a difference” on the night of Tuesday, August 9.
Held every five years (compared to the ten-year censuses of the UK and US), the ABS describes the census as a:
"Snapshot of Australia, showing how our nation has changed over time, allowing us to plan for the future."
Census data have a real impact on the lives of Australians, from determining political representation through the distribution of electorates, to the allocation of government funding, as well as private investment based on projected demand for goods and services.
Australia uses the census to evaluate how well it is progressing on myriad issues, such as Indigenous policy, the distribution of health outcomes by socioeconomic inequality and to plan for population growth.
<h2>The census’ evolution</h2>
The act of taking a census is as old as civilisation itself; Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine, Persian and Chinese empires all conducted censuses.
The primary purpose of these seems to have been twofold: establishing the size and strength of a potential army in case of war, and enabling effective taxation (in large part to fund these armies).
The industrial and scientific advances of the 18th and 19th centuries led to a dramatic shift in the relationship between the state and the public, and in the ability to statistically “manage” populations.
Economics and sociology as developing academic disciplines further motivated population data collection. The defining idea was that a nation’s physical and moral “progress” could be measured statistically. Thus, the modern census was born.
Today the census plays an essential role in Australia’s public life. It provides the raw data with which policies can be planned and outcomes assessed.
While knowing Australia’s total population at one point in time might seem of little use (as this number is almost immediately out of date), the question of exactly where people are living, and the changing characteristics of these local populations, is of vital importance.
<h2>Technological developments and privacy</h2>
The 2016 Census is in some ways a case of continuity and change. No new questions have been added since the 2011 Census, which makes it easier to compare outcomes across both years.
The big change the ABS is pushing in 2016 is the ongoing move to a more digital census. It is hoping 65% of households will complete the 2016 Census online, compared with 33% in 2011.
Another more controversial change in 2016 is the decision to retain names and addresses temporarily in order to link census results with other administrative data for research and policy assessment purposes.
These records will be kept for four years. During that time they are protected with both digital and physical safeguards. However, privacy groups and those concerned about the potential for government overreach have flagged worries.
<h2>Sensitive information</h2>
Providing the government with personal information, especially on religion or race, is a sensitive issue. This is one of the reasons the question on religious affiliation has remained optional in every Australian census since the first in 1911.
In the early colonial censuses, with their origins in the military-style “musters” of Governor Arthur Phillip, convict status was also a sensitive and unpopular question. It was eventually removed in the second half of the 19th century. The first simultaneous census of all Australian colonies was held in 1881 as part of a wider census of the British Empire.
By this time, the question of race had gained prominence, with the population divided into Australians, Chinese (who had arrived in large numbers during the gold rush) and Indigenous Australians. However, Indigenous Australia would not be properly included in the census count until 1971.
<h2>Data retention</h2>
The history of the Australian census also tells an interesting story about the changing attitude towards the retention of personal information, as reintroduced this year.
In 1891, Victorian statistician Henry Hayter chose to destroy the original census forms rather than hand them over to the police, who wanted access to private records to track down suspected criminals.
Australia has been an outlier in its commitment to destroying individual census records throughout the 20th century. In Canada, the UK and the US, personal records are retained under embargo.
The census represents in many ways the goals and values of our time; we measure what we think is important. But with power (to measure) comes great responsibility, and trust in public institutions like the ABS is therefore crucial.
Nicholas Biddle is fellow, Australian National University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-biddle-10171" target="_blank">here</a>.
Maxine Montaigne is PhD student, Economic History, London School of Economics and Political Science and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/maxine-montaigne-10699" target="_blank">here</a>.
Both are authors for The Conversation.
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What is the census, and why does it matter?

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China's Fucheng Group has acquired the last remaining parcel of the Baillieu family's Woodhouse Station on Melbourne's outskirts for about $100 million for new housing.
The 4953-hectare rural property on Ballan Road near Melton was put up for sale two years ago by the Woodhouse ­Pastoral Company, whose shareholders include the Baillieus' investment vehicle, Mutual Trust.
Fucheng Group is a privately owned company led by self-made Chinese agribusiness billionaire Li Fucheng.
Another 1250-hectare portion of the original Woodhouse Station is under development as the Eynesbury Estate.
The Baillieus bought Woodhouse Station in 1947 when it was a 7500-hectare cropping and grazing property.
The Australian Financial Review indicated the Foreign Investment Review Board had been approved the sale of the site whose present zoning allows for agricultural and conservation use with more than 1300 hectares to be acquired by the Victorian government for native vegetation offsets.
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Baillieu's sell Woodhouse Station

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The supply of new stock for sale is one of the most important factors in how property markets will perform.
Every one of Sydney's 850 suburbs, even every street has its own momentum. Too many or too few makes for interesting times.
There are of course distinct established housing and off-the-plan markets, that sometimes interconnect. Auction and private treaty markets too.
The Saturday auction market sets the commentary agenda because the latest results are published weekly in the Sunday Telegraph.
Last weekend's preliminary CoreLogic result of 80 percent represented the strongest clearance rate for Sydney so far this year, and a big increase from the prior low 70s percent weekend result.
What was especially interesting was the result was higher than the same time last year when the then 76 percent clearance rate came as the market was coming off the boil. 
The strength in the Sydney market has seen week-on-week results over 70 percent ever since the last week in April.
Sydney’s result were especially driven recently by North Sydney and Hornsby (95 percent), the Ryde district (94 percent) and the Northern Beaches (92 percent).
Depending on your location or property type, the factors that drive supply and demand can be varied and not just local. The media coverage the property market receives, whether positive or negative, strongly influences buyer and seller confidence.
The wider factors that influence markets include interest rates, regulatory and lender policies for investors and overseas purchasers, infrastructure and even currency fluctuations.
Clearance rates suggest demand is still strong, however the valuers Herron Todd White suggested this week the decrease in auction numbers has masked the slowing demand.
As the winter months are generally quieter and now the election campaign is behind us, HTW anticipate Sydney should see an increase in market activity.
There are currently around 19,000 properties for sale across Sydney, according to CoreLogic, which is up 4 percent on the same time last winter. But much of the stock has been on the market for many months, with just the 5600 new listings some 27 percent down on fresh listings at the same time last year.
Fewer newly advertised properties being added to the market, according to Tim Lawless at CoreLogic, suggests that vendors are not quite as confident as they were a year ago. Or it could be that after four years of price growth, the supply chain of vendors wanting to sell has been exhausted.
Hobart is an interesting example of low supply at the moment. Its stock levels sit at 1800 properties for sale - which is 33 percent down on the same time last year. And CoreLogic not surprisingly had Hobart sitting just behind Sydney when it came to price growth this year for houses, up 10.9 percent in Sydney and 9.7 percent in Hobart.
By contrast Perth's stock levels sits at 22,000, which is up 15 percent on the same time last year. CoreLogic says Perth prices are down around 5 percent so far this year. Perth, which has about 700,000 households, has more listings than Sydney which has around 1.7 million households. Brisbane also has more for sale than Sydney. Both Perth and Brisbane sit among the capitals where prices are falling.
Earlier this year the RBA Governor Glenn Stevens tipped the Sydney and Melbourne home prices “to take a bit of a breather for a while”.
Any further auction clearance rate at 80 percent would be troubling, but hopefully spring stock ought reduce the recent market heat.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Auction success stems from slim stock

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GUEST OBSERVER
The return to dominance of homebuyers is seen as a major positive for property markets around Australia.
This follows several years in which foreign and local investors have been the major players, but the tide is now starting to turn in favour of owner-occupiers.
We want to see homebuyers driving the market. Lender restrictions in response to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) crackdown have helped to generate a marked drop-off in loans to investors.
At the same time, state governments surcharges and tighter lending criteria for offshore borrowers are likely to curtail the buying by foreign investors, which were at record levels in 2015.
We are likely to see a pullback in foreign investment into Australian residential real estate, which is a positive thing because it has tripled in the last two years. We think this is a good thing for the stability of the market.
Performance Property research indicates that both Sydney and Melbourne have passed their peaks, in terms of the optimum time for investors to buy. However, Adelaide and Brisbane both have positive indicators for investors, while Perth may present possibilities for counter-cyclical buyers.
Our assessment of the five major city markets is as follows:
Sydney:
It’s clear this market has peaked. The Performance Property affordability index is at 59 percent for Sydney – historically, the market has pulled back whenever the index has risen beyond 47 percent. This has happened three times since 1985 and each time the outcome has been that prices post-boom have stagnated or fallen slightly.
The Sydney market has been under-supplied since 2007, with vacancies at their lowest levels since 2008, and both wages and population growth remain strong.
But the affordability equation is negative and typical gross yields are now 2.2 percent. It’s pretty hard to build a case for strong short-term price growth in Sydney.
Melbourne:
Like Sydney, the affordability index for Melbourne has reached a level where prices stagnate - and typical gross yields are down to 2.5 percent, indicating the market has peaked.
The number of properties listed for sale is low and days on the market are low also, so there’s still strong competition in selected markets and suburbs. Population growth remains strong and we may see some rental growth, which would see yields increase.
However, the Melbourne market is starting to run out of steam. It has the second lowest yields in the nation and is well ahead of its long-term price comparison.
The Melbourne market has some clear distinctions: there’s an oversupply of inner- city apartments causing downward pressure on rental and price growth, but a shortage of quality housing stock in established suburbs placing upward pressure on prices and rents.
Adelaide:
Historically Adelaide capital growth rates have been in line with the major capital cities, which surprises a lot of people. The long-term compound growth rate is 8.4 percent, but in the last five years it’s been under-performing, around 2.4 percent per year. It’s now showing some real value for investors and there are some positive signs emerging within the local economy to underpin growth.
When the affordability index for Adelaide is around 25 percent, it generally means prices will rise. Currently it’s around 27 percent, making this market very affordable and attractive for first-home buyers and ‘next-time buyers’. It’s a major positive for the Adelaide market.
The Adelaide market is oversupplied by 3,500 dwellings but again it’s a tale of two markets: a real under-supply of A Grade family accommodation within close proximity of the CBD, particularly in the school belts which will underpin price growth, but oversupply in other areas.
Brisbane:
The affordability index is about 30 per cent - in the past when it’s been in the 25-30 percent range, there have been price rises in this market. Income growth has been out-pacing price growth in South-East Queensland, which is a positive for the Brisbane market, while recent price growth has been below par.
Brisbane generally has been under-supplied since 2006 but we are starting to see that change, particularly with the looming oversupply in the inner-city apartment markets. Vacancy rates have increased, reflecting the amount of apartment stock being built. But good-quality family homes are in undersupply and in some pockets we are seeing solid price and rental growth.
Perth:
This is a wait-and-see market. The affordability equation is quite positive for Perth, at 27 percent. When it gets down to 25 percent, historically it leads to price increases so there could be some price growth in Perth in the medium term.
A weakening economy and an oversupply is the biggest issue for the Perth market, with vacancies now over 5 percent, rents down 15 percent and prices down 10 percent over the past three years.
The market hasn’t quite bottomed out, net interstate and net overseas migration is slowing, wage growth has slowed and unemployment is on an upward trend, which is contributing to the fragility in the local economy and confidence in the market. Vendors are continuing to discount and that’s likely to continue.
The Perth market is starting to show some signs of value for investors from a counter-cyclical viewpoint, but we are awaiting more evidence.
Heath Bedford is associate director of Performance Property Advisory and can be contacted <a href="https://performanceproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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The tide is turning for owner-occupiers

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GUEST OBSERVER 
The Productivity Commission’s draft report on our super system may make self-managed super funds (SMSF) more popular.
The draft report, designed to stimulate discussion about competition in the superannuation sector, examines whether the system is working in favour of fund members.
It questions whether larger institutional funds and service provider groups are passing on benefits to fund members in the form of lower fees, better services or improved investment returns.
The report refers to SMSFs as a core segment of the superannuation industry, and a benchmark to which APRA-regulated funds can be compared.
The Productivity Commission’s findings so far will come as no surprise to many Australians, especially those who already have their retirement savings in a self-managed fund.
Granted, technology is improving and fees are coming down, but the Productivity Commission believes there is still a long way to go. Ultimately criticism of the way APRA-regulated funds operate could motivate many more Australians to take control of their retirement future and set up their own self-managed fund.
The SMSF sector is competition operating in its purist form - its members are individuals who have exercised their choice as free consumers to establish their own funds but they are not without vulnerabilities.
The government’s view that SMSFs swim ‘outside the flags’ means they are on their own when victim to financial misconduct. The Trio Capital fraud saw 400 SMSFs, who lost a total of $60 million, refused any form of government compensation or support. It’s vital trustees have access to the independent advice and guidance they need to avoid the traps.
The Productivity Commission is not just reviewing competition and efficiency in the superannuation sector, but whether trustees of APRA-regulated funds are acting in the best interests of members. 
Any doubts about trustees acting in members’ best interests will ring alarm bells. People all over the world are already becoming more cynical of institutions, from the ‘Brexit Effect’ to the ‘Trump Effect’, but here we might just see the ‘Super Effect’
Christopher Page is managing director of market intelligence company Rainmaker and can be contacted <a href="https://www.rainmaker.com.au" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Review of super system will push more Australians into SMSF

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GUEST OBSERVER
While some recent office construction plans have focused entirely on open-plan layouts and stand-up desks, one particular feature of the modern workplace has shot up the priority list of many companies – interactive technology.
Ten years ago, technology costs represented about seven percent of a company’s interior construction budget. Now, they can consume 25 percent or more of a total build-out cost.
Companies are much more focused on digitization and connectivity, with common examples including more sophisticated conference rooms featuring interactive audio/visual technology and smart TVs, as well as cloud-based solutions for employee mobility.
The focus on technology has influenced workplace design as well. 
“Spaces are being designed to accommodate what the technology can offer now,” says David Roberts, international director at JLL.
“Pioneering workplaces consist of tech-enabled meeting and huddle areas, and employees can work seamlessly whether they’re in an office, cubical, meeting room – or even at home. The physical personal space matters less now while tech-focused spaces matter more.”
Of less importance to many of today’s offices are material finishes. 
“Materials, fixtures and finishes are getting less attention as the technological components of the workplace grow in prominence,” says Christian Beaudoin, national director, Research &amp; Strategy at JLL. “Offices are becoming more minimalist and decreasing expenses on millwork and granite, for example, so they can allocate more of the budget for technology.”
<h2>What a tech-enabled workplace looks like</h2>
One example of this is UI LABS, a first-of-its-kind research and development facility in Chicago dedicated to advancing high-tech commercial innovation. 
“It’s minimal in design but maximized in technology,” Roberts says.
Zurich Insurance‘s North American Headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, has also created a tech-enabled workspace. The simple task of setting up a video conference call used to require at least a week’s worth of notice and several steps. Now, employees simply agree to a meeting time, walk into the conference room and touch a screen to begin the meeting.
However, what works for one company may not necessarily be a good fit for another: Companies which are successful in using technology to maximize both a workspace and an employee base start by thoroughly researching how their own employees work.
This prevents the use of technology tools that don’t have the end user in mind. Companies embracing technology can use quantifiable data like seat sensors to show how much time people are at their desk or, for example, working in co-working spaces in an office. With that objective data, they then develop solutions built around the end users – a company’s employees.
A successful IT build-out also doesn’t put much stock in brands, manufacturers and providers until the planners have a clear understanding of the technology needs of each team. Once that is established, the appropriate components can be selected.
<h2>Change comes from within</h2>
Often IT teams work in a reactive capacity, but that should change in a tech-enabled workplace. A technology system should be intuitive and user-friendly so IT experts can dedicate time to solve actual problems rather than troubleshooting and re-booting computers. The design and support team should be an integral part of the IT build-out process from ideation to implementation, and they should continue to be involved even after.
“Companies may have to be prepared for more frequent updating of the systems in their space than people have been used to,” Beaudoin says. 
“During a 15-year lease, for example, they may need to upgrade technology as the business and the solutions evolve. It’s a much more continuous cycle of advancement.”
Finally, the budgets of companies that successfully embed technology in the workplace go beyond the rough cost-per-square-foot metric. They include cost allocations for pre-design research, envisioning sessions and data analysis, change management communications, adoption training and post-installation analysis and modification.
“With new technology frequently coming to market, the modern office is changing rapidly,” Roberts says. “Companies that take a holistic approach to IT can get the most out of their employees, their workspace and their technology.”
This article was by William Polk as featured in <a href="https://www.jllrealviews.com" target="_blank">JLL Real Views</a>
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Why the tech-enabled workplace tops the corporate wish list

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

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Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Joel Robinson

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

The wave of apartment proposals sweeping through Mosman shows no signs of slowing, with another major residential development lodged through the NSW Government's State Significant Development pathway.

Developer First Quadrant Properties, which recently completed Willoughby Grounds and has several projects in planning across the North Shore, has unveiled plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cove-on-ourimbah-40-56-ourimbah-road-mosman-nsw-2088">Cove on Ourimbah</a>, a 63-apartment development on Ourimbah Road, adding to the growing pipeline of projects reshaping one of Sydney's most tightly held harbour suburbs.

The proposal would consolidate nine properties at 40-56 Ourimbah Road into a part eight, part nine-storey apartment building, continuing the momentum created by the NSW Government's accelerated planning pathways that have seen several significant developments emerge across Mosman over the past 12 months.

Designed by Doroch Architects, the project would deliver 63 apartments, resident wellness facilities including a gym, pool and sauna, landscaped communal spaces and basement parking, while using recessed upper levels, generous setbacks and extensive planting to reduce the perceived scale of the building.

<img alt="First look: First Quadrant Properties eyes nine-storey Mosman apartment project under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ee68e4-141e-4a10-8f83-48e961a5e71e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ourimbah%20Road%2C%20Mosman%20a.png?VersionId=CUeILFc6APlwXPc.iplElbxHvREKwjig" />

Doroch Architects said the building had been designed to reinforce Mosman's established character.

"The building's aesthetic is grounded in the existing residential character of Ourimbah Road and the broader Mosman context," the architect noted in the planning documents submitted to the NSW Government.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette of natural stone, textured concrete and brown concave metal cladding, complemented by integrated planters and deep balconies. The podium incorporates softened curved concrete forms, while increased setbacks have been provided adjacent to the heritage-listed property at 60 Ourimbah Road to create a more sympathetic transition.

The site sits around 330 metres from Mosman Town Centre, placing it within the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy area, where increased residential density is being encouraged close to shops, transport and services.

The proposal follows a string of major apartment projects lodged or declared State Significant in Mosman in recent months, including Abadeen's 100-apartment Honeysuckle Garden redevelopment on Military Road and several other developments across Awaba Street, Redan Street and Muston Street from the likes of Time &amp; Place, HELM and Prosker Property.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Time &amp; Place to take on Mosman apartment market</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-abadeen-plans-100-apartments-on-former-honeysuckle-garden-site-in-mosman">First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman</a>

&nbsp;

Jonathan Chancellor

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