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Savills have listed a Melbourne CBD development site with a permit for a twin tower project incorporating 400 apartments.
It is likely to fetch more than $20 million. The 212-222 La Trobe Street property, comprising a large 942 square metre site zoned Capital City 1 with five street frontages, is located directly opposite Melbourne Central shopping centre. The recently approved permit would see the construction of connecting Jackson Clements Burrows-designed towers of 39 and 54 levels on the site which stretches through to a second frontage on Little La Trobe Street. According to Savills agent Nick Peden and Clinton Baxter, the property offers the single best redevelopment opportunity to be offered to the Melbourne market this year.
The property, which has been privately owned for 31 years.
Expressions of interest close June 10.
Last year $14.1 million was paid for the Duke of Kent hotel with the Singaporean developer then quietly acquiring the neighbouring office building and applied to replace both sites with a 67-level apartment tower.
Fig Tree Holdings' super-thin proposal, which aims to fit 370 flats on a 663-square-metre site, needs approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne before proceeding at 293-303 La Trobe Street.
On 502 square metres at 293-299 La Trobe Street, the hotel was held as an investment by the Yankos​ family for 50 years.
<div>The Coptic Orthodox Church is developing a 43-level, 307-unit apartment building, Eporo Tower, on an 831-square-metre La Trobe Street block.</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

La Trobe Street high-rise development opportunities

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The Australian Prudential and Regulatory Authority will embark on further enforcement of banks to cut back on current lending levels of property investor loans.
Available funds will be cut back "by at least a third" within weeks, John Symond, the founder and chairman of Aussie Home Loans believes.
"Banks are going to be knocking back a lot of investor applications," he told Ross Greenwood on the 2GB Money News program last night.
It will be because there will be less money available for loans under this macro prudential reform.
"If you are in the process of looking to borrow get in now because rules are going to come in sooner than later, so it going to make it a lot harder to find a lender on an investment property," he said.
The heat of the lending really centres on Sydney and Melbourne and the inner suburbs, he noted.
"At least half of Australia that hasn't seen significant house price rises."
The renewed APRA tightening comes as it appears investor borrowings may already be trending down.
<div id="articlebody">Activity across CoreLogic RP Data’s mortgage platforms during April - a difficult month from which to draw too many observations given Easter and Anzac Day - seemed to pause with average working day volumes dropping three per cent over the March numbers, although up 13 per cent over the corresponding month in 2014.  Melbourne stands out in terms of softness in the month of April, Craig MacKenzie of CoreLogic RP Data told the BankingDay website.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div id="articlebody">According to the Bloomberg Business news, the Australian banking regulator expects to see slower growth in investor mortgages that have helped drive a housing boom in Sydney and Melbourne and warned it will continue to monitor lending standards.</div>
</div>
Banks have had long enough to “revise their ambitions” and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority will “be watching carefully to see a moderation in growth in investor lending in the second half of the year,” APRA chair Wayne Byres said in a speech last week. The regulator has agreed plans with banks and will be “monitoring closely to see that they kick into effect,” he said.
“Given the importance of housing-related lending, it should not be surprising that APRA supervisors are increasingly vigilant on the risks this lending presents,” Byres said.
“Put simply, if all our eggs are increasingly being placed in one basket, we need to make sure the basket isn’t dropped.”
The Australian Prudential and Regulatory Authority in December wrote to all deposit-taking institutions setting out "sound lending standards" including a benchmark for the 10% maximum growth of residential investment mortgages.
Wayne Byres told a Senate committee the move was made "against a backdrop of historically low interest rates, high household debt, subdued income growth and rising unemployment, significant house-price growth, and strong competitive pressures."
The focus was on high loan-to-value, and high loan-to-income, lending, the growth in investor lending and serviceability.
"Our objective is not to target a particular level of house prices," Mr Byres said.
"That is not a task that is within our mandate. Our goal is more modest – to make sure that, however the housing market evolves, housing finance remains sensibly founded on sound lending standards."
Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens says his bank is working with other regulators to assess and contain risks that may arise from the housing market.
Recently addressing the Housing of Representative standing committee on economics, Glenn Stevens said it involved more intense scrutiny of investor loan portfolios growing at over 10 per cent per year, with the possibility, ultimately, of additional capital being required if APRA deems it necessary.
ASIC has begun a review of interest-only lending in the context of consumer protection legislation.
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Tougher APRA set to restrict property investor lending by at least a third: John Symond

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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Mortgage broker Australian Finance Group has raised $122 million for its initial public offering, after the float priced at $1.20 a share on Tuesday. 
AFG is expected to begin trading with a $257.8 million market capitalisation on Friday. 
Sources told The Australian Financial Review Street Talk column that bookrunner Macquarie and AFG's existing shareholders closed the raising at $1.20, which was the bottom of the $1.20 to $1.38 a share range. 
The price implied 14.4-times forecast proforma net profit for the 2015 financial year.
It represents 13.1-times 2016 financial year forecasts.
AFG is majority owned by founding shareholders including managing director Brett McKeon and directors Malcolm Watkins and Kevin Matthews. 
Macquarie Bank also has a 9.9% stake.  
Macquarie is lead manager, while Morgans Corporate is co-manager.
Herbert Smith Freehills was legal adivser to AFG.
 
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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section"> </div>
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AFG set to float with $257 million market capitalisation

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Billbabourie, the redundant Palm Beach home set above the Bible Garden, has been sold by rag trader Bob Locke.
The 1950s home on 1037 square metres at 67 Pacific Road was bought by Locke in 2006 for $4.5 million. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-palm+beach-119515487">Glenn Lee of Raine &amp; Horne Palm Beach</a> secured the sale, but is under instructions not to reveal details.
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Billbabourie, Palm Beach sold

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The Sydney contestants in the latest House Rules live in the Mount Druitt district.
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/steve-and-tiana/#page1">The father and daughter team Steve and Tiana Falzon</a> have their 1960s brick three-bedroom house up for transformation.
<img src="/images/2015/05/20/700_steve_tiana.jpg" alt="">
Steve Falzon bought the Shalvey house for $130,000 23 years ago. 
His wife Danielle died 19 years ago, leaving him, then 28, to raise Tiana and son Andrew.
Being a single dad, there was no extra money to do work on the house. He has a $250,000 mortgage that would be wiped if they win the Johanna Griggs' hosted series on Channel 7.
He lives in the house with his new partner, Deanne and their son, Rory, 6.
Steve, a metal fabricator, admits to feeling embarrassed by the state of his home.
"I would like to feel proud of this house again. It's been a long-time dream to have this house renovated. And to have my mortgage paid off would be mind-blowing."
Tiana, a childcare director, now lives 20 minutes away with new husband Dean.
Shalvey is located 48 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district, <a href="/news">with a $362,500 median house price</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
<a href="/news/nsw/the-10-sydney-suburbs-with-the-highest-yields-for-houses-are-within-five-kilometres-of-each-other">In 2012 Shalvey</a>, in Sydney's west, was named last year by RPData as possessing one the city's top 10 for rental yields.
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House Rules $250,000 Shalvey, Sydney contestant mortgage

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Mandurah, the double-storey house designed by Wayne Gillespie on the Portsea cliff top, has settled with David and Jennifer Swann its $9.75 million buyers.
It had returned to the market last summer with <a href="/news/mandurah-the-12-million-portsea-clifftop-summer-offering">a $12 million asking price</a>. It was the highest recorded price of the 2015 summer season.
The five bedroom, five bathroom trophy home was listed by the former Hinkler Books publishing boss Robert Ungar who reportedly had unfulfilled $10 million plus hopes the prior summer.
It was offered through Sotheby's International Realty agent Robert Curtain.
Ungar bought the then two-year-old house at 3820 Point Nepean Road 20 years ago with wife Rosemary.
It sold at the 1995 Australia Day weekend auction for $2,625,000, one of nine clifftop mansions at Portsea and Sorrento and Portsea to sell for above $1 million during 1995.
The Ungar's are off to a new home at Blairgowrie.
Mandurah is a 1,969 square metre holding with tennis court above Fisherman’s Beach.
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Portsea's Mandurah sold at $9.75 million

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<div class="story-intro">
Rugby player Quade Cooper has put his Hawthorne, Brisbane home on the market.
</div>
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/8-mcdonald-street-hawthorne/Property-Details-buy-residential-8661210" target="_blank">The Ray White listing</a> follows his $1.845 million purchase of a four-bedroom, three-bathroom Bulimba home.
The contemporary Bulimba house with marina berth had $2.2 million hopes.
The home’s former owner was Place Bulimba real estate agent Shannon Harvey.
Set in the Addison Quays development, the home was designed by award winning architect John Robertson.
Cooper bought in Hawthorne at $1.55 million in 2013.
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Upgrading Quade Cooper lists Brisbane home

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The next wave of Chinese capital flowing into Australia property will target new destinations like Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth and the suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne, according to Knight Frank.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
But the impetus will not come from traditional property developers, rather its insurance companies.
According to Knight Frank’s latest report, Chinese Outward Real Estate Investment Globally and Into Australia, the total value of Chinese outward real estate investment globally skyrocketed from US$0.6 billion in 2009 to US$16.9 billion in 2014 across the world.
Already over US$7.8 billion has transacted in the first four months of 2015 (data excludes residential dwellings). 
Knight Frank’s Dominic Ong, senior director of Asian markets, capital markets, said so far the majority of the Chinese outward investment has been focused in gateway cities of Australia, the US and the UK.
“What first started as sovereign funds making exploratory investments has proliferated into buying sprees by Chinese developers, banks, Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and institutional investors, such as insurance companies. 
"By 2020, authorities estimate that the Chinese insurance industry will accumulate a further RMB20 trillion worth of premiums, tripling the current pool size.
“This current wave of equity investors and insurance firms are seeking core, value-add and yield-driven opportunities," Dominic Ong said.
 Among the big-cap players, only four of the top 10 Chinese insurance companies have made offshore investments so far, although the remaining six are considering overseas expansion. 
Sunshine Insurance Group is the only one to invest in Australia, purchasing the Sheraton on the Park Hotel in Sydney for a record AU$463 million. 
“For Chinese investors in the Australian market, the gateway cities – namely Sydney and Melbourne – have been the most active market for Chinese investors.
"The next wave of Chinese investors are diversifying more and broadening to areas such as Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth and metropolitan suburbs of NSW and Victoria, which will all start to gain more traction.
“These investors will also diversify by broadening their sector allocation from core office and residential developments into hotels and leisure, student accommodation, industrial assets and mixed-use developments,” said Mr Ong.
Click to enlarge
<img src="/images/2015/05/20/Screen%20Shot%202015-05-20%20at%207.44.49%20AM.png" alt="">
</div>
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China's next wave into Australia to have broader target: Knight Frank

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Singaporean billioniare Tay Tee Peng has sold Memocorp's East Circular Quay apartment.
It was the weekend's top sale at $3,825,000.
Having been bought in the Toaster complex at 1 Macquarie Street at $1.96 million in 1999, its price growth over the 16 years was at just over 4% a year.
The two bedroom, two bathroom sold through <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/nsw/sydney/?adid=2011907819" target="_blank">Morton &amp; Morton</a>.
Tay, ranked Singapore's 25th richest in the latest Forbes rich list, recently sold the <a href="/news/singaporean-billionaire-tay-tee-peng-sells-in-dover-heights">Dover Heights property</a> which comes with panoramic ocean views.
Tay Tee Peng has commercial properties through his private investment company Memocorp, including Suncorp Plaza which was bought for $395 million in 2011.
The Tay family is known throughout Asia for its chain of affordable OG department stores, started in Indonesia as shirtmaker Ocean Garments.
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Singaporean billioniare Tay Tee Peng sells East Circular Quay apartment

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RBA members discussed the potential risk that low levels of interest rates could foster imbalances in the housing market at its May meeting. 
While concerned about the very strong pace of growth of housing prices in Sydney, and observing that conditions in Melbourne were strong, members saw much more muted trends in other capital cities. 
As at previous meetings, they acknowledged the risks that could accompany a sustained increase in leverage from already high levels, should that occur, and that the expansionary effects of lower interest rates could be less than in the past. 
On the data available for this meeting, however, it did not appear that the growth of housing credit, either for investment or owner-occupancy purposes, had been increasing over recent months. 
The Bank minutes indicated it would continue to work with other regulators to assess and contain the risks arising from the housing market.
Members noted that the inflation forecast had been revised down slightly since February, reflecting the expectation that growth of economic activity would remain below trend for a little longer than previously forecast. 
Domestic labour cost pressures were expected to remain well contained and underlying inflation was expected to remain consistent with the inflation target over the forecast period. 
Headline inflation was forecast to remain below 2 per cent in year-ended terms through to mid 2015, before picking up to be consistent with the inflation target thereafter.
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RBA pinpoints Melbourne and Sydney as strong, but muted price trends elsewhere: RBA May 2015 minutes 

Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;is doubling down in Drummoyne, lodging plans for a boutique apartment development on St Georges Crescent, only one-kilometre down the road from its first Drummoyne development, Bianca.

The new project at 15A-21 St Georges Crescent,&nbsp;a&nbsp;1,701sqm north-facing site overlooking Iron Cove, will have 45 apartmnts across 10 levels. Eight of the units will be dedicated to affordable housing.

The site sits within walking distance of Drummoyne Village, Birkenhead Point, ferry services and the Bay Run, and offers harbour views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Designed by MHN Design Union, the development will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside resident amenity including a gym, landscaped communal open space and three levels of basement parking.

The project has been lodged under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, with Drummoyne Village identified as a town centre capable of accommodating additional housing supply.

Central Element acquired the site earlier this year as part of its continued expansion across Sydney's eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west.

The developer's current pipeline includes luxury apartment projects Pearl Bondi and a separate development on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi, a residential project in Barry Street, Neutral Bay, and a mixed-use seniors living community in Greenwich.

Central Element Managing Director Nathan Chivas said the project would address a shortage of new owner-occupier housing opportunities in Drummoyne.

"While we're seeing a significant shift across Canada Bay as major infrastructure investment, population growth and planning reform drive a new chapter for the region, in suburbs like Drummoyne there remains a genuine shortage of new boutique luxury housing opportunities for owner occupiers," Chivas said.

"Sites of this nature are increasingly difficult to secure, particularly those that combine a north-facing aspect with direct water outlook. Our St Georges Crescent project responds directly to the market demand, offering a level of exclusivity, outlook and lifestyle in the highly sought after suburb."

The development application has been lodged with the City of Canada Bay Council, with the project expected to launch to market in early 2027.

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Central Element seeks second Drummoyne apartment development

The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Jonathan Chancellor

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