<html><body>
It's taken just a fortnight for the legendary Dire Straits bass guitarist John Illsley to sell his <a href="/news">Point Piper</a> apartment.
The three-bedroom Wolseley Road apartment came with $3 million-plus hopes, with its selling agents Sally Hampshire of Laing+Simmons Double Bay and McGrath agent Bethwyn Richards now sworn to secrecy.
It cost $690,000 shortly after Dire Straits' 1986 tour of Australia.
The stylishly reinvented 241-square-metre apartment is atop a Wolseley Road block of seven called Harbour Gate.
<a href="/news">There's also a private boat shed on title with access to Seven Shillings Beach</a>.
These days the English-born Illsley, who lives in Hampshire, paints, having promised himself to pursue that passion when the time came in 1993 for Dire Straits to finish its touring. The band broke up in 1995.</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Nothing dire about Point Piper as John Illsley snappily sells Point Piper apartment

<html><body>
Peter Barker, the outgoing chief financial officer at Computershare Australia, has listed his <a target="_blank" href="/news">South Melbourne</a> penthouse residence, which comes with views over Albert Park Lake and the CBD.
He is moving to Asia for work to take up a new appointment.
It's been listed through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/15-182-albert-road-south-melbourne">Gary Ormrod and Peter Kudelka at Kay &amp; Burton South Yarra</a>. More than $2 million is tipped when offers for the Albert Road, South Melbourne close March 5.
It's within a boutique development of 15 apartments, the Laguna building which was designed by Rothelowman.
It was bought in 2009 and then totally renovated. The spacious apartment offers a generous open-plan living and dining area, which opens onto the terrace.
It has three bedrooms, the main with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.
The second level has a generous family room with bar area opening onto an enormous rooftop with outdoor cinema facility with surround sound system.
</body></html>

Outgoing Computershare Australia CFO Peter Barker lists South Melbourne penthouse

<html><body>
Charter Hall Group’s $1.7 billion Core Plus Office Fund has spent $172.5 million on the purchase of a Harry Seidler-designed Castlereagh Street, Sydney, office tower.
The 35-level, 1989-built Castlereagh Street office was sold by Stockland through Josh Cullen and Michael Andrews of CBRE.
<img alt="9castlereagh" height="600" width="401" src="/images/stories/2013/02/9castlereagh.jpg">
It's the one with the impressive hanging gardens.
On its completion, with tenants including Tricontinental, Credit Lyonnaise and merchant banking group Fay Rich White, the office tower had gardens on the ground level, landscaping on level nine, more gardens on level 13 and 15, palm trees on level 19 and a single tree on level 31.
It first sold in 1994 for $78.1 million when Capita Finance Group sold what was then known as the Capita Centre to Singaporean Straits Steamship Land.
It last sold in 1998 for $112 million.
<img alt="9castlereagh2" height="300" width="450" src="/images/stories/2013/02/9castlereagh2.jpg">
Stockland, the diversified property group, has been exiting its office and industrial holdings to focus on its retail, residential and retirement property portfolio.
<img alt="9castlereagh3" height="300" width="450" src="/images/stories/2013/02/9castlereagh3.jpg">
The 9 Castlereagh Street sale reflects a likely yield of around 8% as it is expected to generate a rental income of $15.1 million on a fully leased basis.
The purchase price includes $4 million in income support and the payment of all outstanding incentives.
<img alt="9castlereagh4" height="300" width="450" src="/images/stories/2013/02/9castlereagh4.jpg">
Its sale price was just above <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/leasing-and-tenants/office/nsw/9-castlereagh-street-sydney_about-9-castlereagh-street.htm" target="_blank">Stockland’s June 2012 book value of $172.3 million</a>.
The building comprises 21,000 square metres of net lettable area, with tenants including Tokio Marine Management, van Eyk Research, PTW Architects and Talent 2.
The CPOF had been seeking to buy in Sydney for some time with the purchase increasing CPOF’s Sydney exposure from 19% to 27%.
“We believe the medium-term prospects for the Sydney office market remain positive and as such CPOF was attracted to this investment given the $8241 per square metre is below replacement cost and represents good value when compared to new building asset sales,” said Charter Hall joint managing director David Harrison.
<div id="story_info" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; text-align: left;"></div>
</body></html>

Charter Hall spends $172.5 million on Harry Seidler-designed Castlereagh Street office

<html><body>
The Gold Coast home of international footballer Craig Moore has been sold for $1.9 million.
It's the property he built on Hope Island. The 1,006-square-metre property, which has direct access to the broadwater, has a pontoon for a large boat.
It also features a games room with a built-in bar, an outdoor kitchen and 12-metre pool with a spa. The house was sold to a Gold Coast couple who have lived in the Hope Island area previously and wanted to move back there from The Sovereign Islands.
Moore captained Australia’s Olympic soccer team in 2004 and played with the Socceroos in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
His five-bedroom waterfront home had been tipped by its <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-hope-island-qld-4212/171809/?searchID=25664384" target="_blank">McGrath listing agent Philip Chillemi </a>to sell for between $1.6 to $2 million.
Chillemi said there was wide interest in the house, with potential buyers from both interstate and overseas. After about 50 people went through the house during open for inspections, there were four bidders at the auction. The house was sold to a Gold Coast couple, who have previously lived in the Hope Island area previously and wanted to move back there from The Sovereign Islands.
</body></html>

Ex-Socceroo Craig Moore sells Gold Coast home

<html><body>
Ian McDonald, the man at the centre of one of NSW's biggest political corruption investigations, has seemingly ceased the marketing of his 21-hectare Orange farm, Andoyaskye.
It had been listed for sale at $960,000 by McDonald and his wife, who'd also offloaded their house in <a href="/news">Northbridge</a>, Sydney, for $1,187,500 in April last year, shortly before he moved to Hong Kong.
The Northbridge house, sold through Justin Ferguson Property Specialists, had been initially listed with $1.3 million hopes. The four bedroom house cost $730,000 in 2001.
The farm had been listed through First National agent Jim Oates.
There had been a recent offer on the property, according to a Daily Telegraph report, in which reporter Andrew Clennell speculated the besieged former state Labor minister was "cutting his ties with Australia."
It is not known if the farm has been withdrawn following a sale, or just withdrawn from marketing.
When Andrew Clennell contacted to see if the property was still on the market, real estate agent Jim Oates said there was an offer on the property but the owners would not be available to consider it, or other offers, for a week.
The McDonalds bought the 21 hectare lot in 2007 for $675,000, then another 14 hectares, which appears not included, for $475,000 in 2011. On the atlas it's eight kilometres from <a href="/news">Orange</a>– with views of Mount Canobolas and the Towac Valley.
It was at the farm where he bred Murray grey stud cattle and grew crops. There are six paddocks with rich volcanic basalt soils. It comes with improved pastures of clover and rye.
It was marketed as suitable for grazing, cropping, horticulture or viticulture. There is an established orchard with apples and cherries.
There is a new set of steel cattle yards, a large lock-up steel machinery shed and a large irrigation dam with licence.
The totally renovated weatherboard house has four bedrooms, two living areas, a new kitchen and new bathroom, plus study.
''I want to grow some pinot noir, some more fruit, renovate the big shed,'' the occasional Central West farmer once told reporters.
It was initially listed in late 2001, then again in late 2012.
</body></html>

Former NSW politician Ian McDonald withdraws his Orange farm from sales marketing 

<html><body>
Listed last year with a $3.6 million to $3.9 million price range, developer Brendan Patti's <a target="_blank" href="/news">Balwyn North</a> mansion has been now given a $3.75 million asking price.
The five-bedroom, six-bathroom Jacka Street Georgian style house on a 1,000-square-metre block is listed through <a href="https://www.fletchers.net.au/3355251/48-Jacka-Street-Balwyn-North" target="_blank">Fletchers</a>.
It was featured last month as <a target="_blank" href="https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323468604578247082841203490">the Wall Street Journal's Asian edition house of the day</a> with a $3.8 million asking price.
With grand facade, the interior offers family-size luxury.
There a home theatre room, rumpus room, solar-heated pool, sauna and cellar along with basement garage for six cars.
Set within the Eastern Gardens Estate, it is within the Balwyn High School zone.
It is three levels, with two having city skyline views.
</body></html>

Developer Brendan Patti's Balwyn North mansion has $3.75 million asking price

<html><body>
The absence of first-home buyers in NSW is becoming a major political and housing issue.
But it presents a bonus for investors, given the likely lack of competition in securing some properties at the moment.
Much of the finger pointing has been at the NSW state government following the axing of its first-home owner concessions for the purchase of existing homes. 
The Daily Telegraph has estimated there might be 40,000 fewer buyers this year after Treasurer Mike Baird's tightening of eligibility for the first-home owner grants.
The decison is estimated to boost government coffers by $1 billion a year – more than twice the figure originally budgeted.
The ABS statistics for December last year revealed yesterday just 988 NSW first home owner loans compared to about 4200 in December 2011, when the full array of government grants were available.
But its not just NSW where first- home buyers are pulling back.
The ABS first-time buyer numbers showed nationally they accounted for 14.9% all loans taken out in December – the smallest proportion since 2004 and well below the recent 20% average.
The state govenments that have initiated the shift to new home subsidy rather than continue with the established home subsidy always suggested it would take a while for first-home buyers to adjust to the new incentives.
But while Westpac had expected first-home buyer (FHB) loans to remain soft in December due to the demand shifts associated with changes in state government incentives/stamp duty arrangements, it found actual state mix puzzling.
"We had expected December to show particular weakness in Victoria where stamp duty concessions for FHBs were set to increase substantially in January.
"Meanwhile NSW was expected to stabilise as the unwind from a previous pull forward in demand ended," Westpac notes.
"Instead FHB approvals posted another steep fall in NSW to extremely low levels (lowest since early 1990s), with a sharp fall in Queensland as well but a more modest decline in Victoria.
"WA is the only state showing consistent gains in FHB approvals," Westpac notes.
The decline in first-home buyer finance approvals was mostly offset by an estimated 5% rise in the number of loans to 'upgraders',  with solid gains coming across the big eastern states in particular.
Investor activity softened, with the value of investor approvals falling 2.4% in December after strong gains in previous months.
December’s housing finance figures showed some encouraging signs for the residential building industry, but do not herald a recovery, according to Peter Jones, Master Builders Australia’s chief economist, who added that while there were positives in the figures for builders, the industry was not yet out of the woods.
“Looked at in isolation, today’s figure suggests interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank may be beginning to gain traction, but any broad based recovery appears a way off.
“In the broader real estate market, the decline in first home buyers that continued in December is a concern given the various incentives across several states to entice them into the market.
“With consumers still reluctant to commit to large investments, the Reserve Bank should give urgent consideration to a rate cut at its March board meeting,” Jones said.
</body></html>

First-home buyer absence a blessing for investors

<html><body>
Fairfax and News Limited stand on the brink of a 1990s-style newspaper war after the part-Fairfax-owned Weekly Review group slapped a writ on a leading Geelong real estate agent for breach of contract.
In a dramatic $1.4 million statement of claim filed in the Victorian County Court Monday  afternoon?—? <a target="_blank" href="https://media.crikey.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DOC1.pdf">obtained by Crikey</a> —? Weekly Review publisher MMP Greater Geelong alleges Danny Hayes, managing director of boutique agent Hayeswinckle, accepted rebates, secret commissions and a diamond ring from the News Limited-owned Geelong Advertiser to transfer advertising to News, despite being a major MMP shareholder.
The writ alleges Hayes breached the Estate Agents Act, the Crimes Act and a shareholders’ agreement by accepting payments of up to $50,000 a year, hospitality and the ring for his wife. Hayes specifically denied the allegations this afternoon, calling them untrue and “absurd”.
MMP alleges News Limited property director Tom Panos encouraged Hayes to enter into a rival deal with the Addy after he signed a previous agreement with MMP to book $470,400 worth of annual ads with The Weekly Review. In a statement, News told Crikey that “any suggestion that we have behaved improperly is ridiculous”.
MMP?—?a joint venture between real estate agents and Fairfax helmed by former Age property reporter Antony Catalano?—?is seeking $1.398 million in damages. Hayes slammed the allegations, telling Crikey that he’ll defend them vigorously in court.
“This is like something out of a Steven Spielberg movie. The bottom line is simply this … we offer both print mediums to the Geelong public … we let the public decide which medium they want to promote their property in. We just want what’s best for our vendor,” he said.
The statement of claim says that while Hayes initially complied with the terms of the deal, from late December he “actively discouraged” clients from placing ads with The Weekly Review and encouraged them to go with the Addy  instead.
“Unfortunately, the Advertiser is a lot cheaper than The Weekly Review. Even though I’m a shareholder of MMP I can’t force people to use their publication. I won’t be bullied by Mr Catalano,” Hayes says.
The MMP agreement also required Hayes to market and actively promote the weekly glossy to the public, clients and potential clients, however MMP says he secretly spruiked for News instead. Hayes and a related entity, Team 3126, became co-owners of MMP in October when he secured a tranche of shares as part of MMP’s co-ownership model.
House sellers typically splash between 1-2% of the sale price of their home on advertising and marketing campaigns booked by agents on their behalf. Under Victorian law, estate agents are banned from retaining a rebate or inducements from media companies?—?agents that fail to pass on the “benefit” to sellers and the media companies that pay them are then liable for prosecution if the benefit can be proven to relate directly to vendor spend.
The Weekly Review Greater Geelong launched in November amid huge fanfare and ended up signed 25 local agents, in addition to Hayeswinckle, to its co-ownership model. Overnight, around $9 million was wiped from News’ revenue base previously generated by property ads in the Addy’s flagship Saturday edition.
In retaliation, the Advertiser slashed its page rate in half to sandbag remaining clients, and Crikey understands the title is now operating at close to a loss. A circulation war has now developed between the free Weekly Review and its bitter rival, which charges $1.10 for a weekday copy and $1.70 on the weekend. The heist would have frustrated News Victoria regional director Mark Gardy, who was previously general manager of the Geelong Advertiser group.
Catalano opened fire on Hayes and News, telling Crikey that his estranged business partner had questions to answer:
“[It’s] interesting, when we launched Mr Hayes seemed to have the ability to move all his clients into a publication in week one even though we had no history. Then, after a couple of visits from News Limited, who in the past have paid Danny $50,000  a year in illegal kickbacks, he suddenly found his vendors wanted to go back into the Geelong Advertiser. I don’t think so, Danny. Danny might learn that in this case, diamonds aren’t forever.”
He went on:
“Does Danny honestly expect us to believe that the vendors have all chosen the Advertiser when it has far fewer properties advertised and half the circulation of The Weekly Review? And they deduced to move after News Limited executives behaving like Santa Claus visited his office. The discount rates being offered in the second-rate Geelong Advertiser real estate section were available from the time we launched last year. Why have the vendors suddenly decided to take up the offer?”
On Facebook, Hayes rigorously defended himself:
"No one will ever bully me or my business?—?to sell print media so they can line their own pockets.
“There is always two sides to every story?—?I don’t care if I’m the only agent in Geelong that takes a stand, HW Agent [Hayeswinckle] will always offer ‘all print media options to all vendors’ and let them decide. We make out commissions from selling houses period!”
He suggests he will fight the claims with serious intent:
“I’m gunna be sued by a media mogul for breaching a contract because I will not sell $500,000 of marketing a year?—?I say bring it on!!
“I started with nothing 9 years ago, I’m ‘all in all the time’ - how big are your balls!!”
Stay tuned.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/" target="_blank">Crikey</a>.
<div> </div>
 
</body></html>

Diamond ring dispute: Weekly Review slaps writ on agent in Geelong newspaper advertising war

<html><body>
The translation from English to Chinese is almost becoming a pre-requistite for significant property marketing campaigns.
And a simple flag that represents the nationality of the reader is the catchy way property sellers are presenting their offerings to an international audience.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discoverypoint.com.au/summit.php?utm_source=Private%20Media%20AU&amp;utm_medium=300x600&amp;utm_term=6204922&amp;utm_content=12767542&amp;utm_campaign=Australand%20-%20Discovery%20Point_SCHAUS026_BRBLUE">latest Summit Discovery Point marketing campaign from Australand</a> has the easy translation available after pressing the Chinese flag located in the digital advertisement's lower right hand corner.
<img alt="discoverypoint" src="/images/stories/2013/02/discoverypoint.jpg" height="334" width="470">
Meriton has been a market leader in the arena.
Local estate agencies are also making the switch.
Fletchers, the Melbourne agency, has been an industry leader. Fletchers' site has 16 flagged buttons for its language translation.
In addition to the principal Chinese button, there is French, Japanese, Russian, Hebrew and Greek (pictured below).
<img alt="fletchers" src="/images/stories/2013/02/fletchers.jpg" height="617" width="470">
Last week the switch was done by Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman.
"We did it due to the sudden influx of sale to mainland Chinese buyers," says Robert Simeon from the R&amp;W office.
The translation is via Google, which might not be the best translation tool.
For more on the allure of Australian property to Asian buyers, <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment">download our free eBook. </a>Property Observer is also part of this trend, as the eBook is also available for<a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment-free-ebook"> free download in Chinese. </a>
</body></html>

Pressing the right Chinese button for Australian real estate sales

<html><body>
Ambitious for Melbourne, let alone for Port Melbourne where the median unit price is $607,500. But $20 million is the reported desired sale price for developer Elias Jreissati's bespoke foreshore penthouse.
At that price it would just excede the Melbourne and Australian apartment record. The Kay &amp; Burton agent Ross Savas has launched its <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/41831929" target="_blank">accompanying video today</a>. There is also its <a href="https://hmasaustralia.com/" target="_blank">own website</a>.
Its asking price derives from it being 1,040 square metres over three levels - 18, 19 and 20 - atop the HMAS Lonsdale building (pictured below).
<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/stories/2013/02/rouse.jpg" alt="rouse" width="470" height="353">
Designed by architect Nonda Katsalidis, the Rouse Street property comes with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus a kitchen on each level.
<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/stories/2013/02/rouse2.jpg" alt="rouse2" width="456" height="342">
There's a rooftop garden with enough space for 100 guests, where Jreissati and his wife, Colleen have hosted many influential political figures.
The apartment cost $3.75 million in 2003 with interiors by leading Melbourne architect/designer Jarrod Haberfield of Molecule. Elias was apparently so impressed with the job that he has commissioned Haberfield to oversee the  refurbishment of the homestead at their Yarra Valley winery Levantine Hill – where the couple now intend to spend much of their time.
Apparently the Kay &amp; Burton agency will conduct an invitation-only inspection soirees coinciding with the Melbourne grand prix next month.
Jreissati, the group chairman of the <a href="https://www.bensonsgroup.com.au/pages/Our-People" target="_blank">Bensons Property Group</a>, reportedly is currently fitting out the 620-square-metre shell of the entire 82nd floor of Eureka Tower, which he bought in 2010 for $6.67 million.
After a couple of record-setting but abandoned Sydney penthouse deals, plus another in Perth, Title Tattle ranks the $19.36 million sale of the 11th floor, 150 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne, complex as the national record holder.
It sold in 2008 to a Hong Kong holding company, directed by Margaret Lou, the little-known businesswoman born in Tianjin, China. Mortgage financing for the 900-square-metre apartment purchase came from the Bank of China.
</body></html>

Port Melbourne penthouse ambitiously seeks Australian record price

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

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

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News