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Jacks Ridge, the Merricks North house designed by Robert Boyle, has been sold by the Jack family.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-merricks+north-112179975" target="_blank">The 18-hectare Junction Road property </a>has elegant parklands, along with extensive beds of roses and perennials, Manchurian pear avenue, a box-bordered English lavender parterre and croquet lawn and golf green.
The stone-and-timber four-bedroom house with wrap-around veranda overlooks vineyards and Port Phillip Bay in the distance.
There are vineyards of chardonnay on one side of the homestead and pinot noir on the other. The vines were planted around 1996. The Mornington Peninsula property comes with guest accomodation.
<a href="https://www.jacksridge.com.au/" target="_blank">Fletchers Canterbury agent Rob Fletcher </a>had $6 million hopes, with its sale price not revealed. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Jacks Ridge, the Merricks North vineyard, sells

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News Limited  is to sell the headquarters of its publication Brisbane News.
The managing director of News Queensland, Jason Scott, sent an email to staff on the group's decision to sell 39 Mayne Street, Bowen Hills.
Ray White special projects agents Mark Creevey and Tony Williams inconjucntion with John Dwyer of Ray White Commercial have been instructed to sell the property.
There are reported $10 million plus expectations.
At one stage News considered listing its main Bowen Hills headquarters which has since been refurbished.
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News Limited list secondary Brisbane property with $10 million plus expectations

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Donna Hay, the food queen, has listed her Woollahra homewares retail premises for March 5 auction.
She's decided to concentrate on her online retailing initiatives rather than continue with the Holdsworth Street outlet.
Similiarly her long-established magazine, while still printed, also has a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.donnahay.com.au/magazine/"> digital iPad edition </a>these days. There's also her eBook and Zinio editions. Her 18 award-winning cookbooks have sold more than 4 million copies worldwide and been translated into nine languages.
The shop is a highly exposed corner setting close to <a target="_blank" href="/news">Woollahra</a>'s Queen Street village.
<a target="_blank" href="https://bradfieldcleary.com.au/3528154/40-Holdsworth-Street-Woollahra">The three-level sandstone terrace </a>had "no expense" spared in its renovation and customised high end shop fit-out, the marketing by BradfieldCleary advises.
"It's currently renowned as Sydney's finest destination for the ultimate in beautiful homewares, but the property is offered vacant possession," listing agents Bob Guth and Georgia Cleary said.
"It provides a brilliant opportunity for anyone seeking to set up a stylish concept store, market-leading emporium or luxury boutique."
The Holdsworth Street, Woollahra, shop cost $1,615,000 in 2008.
"High ones," is the tip on price expectations. 
It was early 2009 when Hay opened her concept store – full of Donna’s products plus homewares and gift ideas chosen from around the world.
It will all be undertaken online in future.
Among the publishing world, the biggest-selling digital editions in the recent circulation figures ranked NewsLifeMedia's Donna Hay the highest with average sales of 9658 per issue and Bauer Media's The Australian Women's Weekly  at 7250.
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Donna Hay lists Woollahra homewares store as she concentrates on clicks

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It's Melbourne meets Monaco – well, almost.

Seahorse, the super yacht of James Packer, cruised into Melbourne Docklands around 4am this morning.

Its cruised down to Melbourne for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. No one knows how long it's there for, or when it heads back to Sydney Harbour, but some hope it comes back to Melbourne for the March grand prix too. Around 110 Australians possess yachts over 30 metres, according to nautical journals.

The $50 million 52 metre yacht dwarfs Texas, the neighbouring 45-metre Solomon Lew superyacht at Docklands. The giant cruiser Seahorse can accommodate 12 guests and up to 18 crew members. 

<img alt="seahorse4" height="351" src="/images/stories/2013/02/seahorse4.jpg" width="470">

The Packer boat was formerly known as Tigre d'Or, custom-built in 1999 by Dutch ship builder Amels with its steel hull and aluminium superstructure equipped with an ultra-modern stabilisation system to reduce roll motion effect. It has a maximum speed of 16 knots.

 

<img alt="seahorse" height="351" src="/images/stories/2013/02/seahorse.jpg" width="470">

 

Just 20 years ago Melbourne's docklands was an industrial wasteland. The <a href="/news">Docklands </a>concept stems back to around 1988 when the then mayor Leckie Ord proposed building an Olympic village, but with the games bid lost, and then the property market collapse, it didn't go far until Jeff Kennett's swath of major projects, including the Bolte Bridge, Federation Square, and the Docklands precinct.

<img alt="seahorse2" height="351" src="/images/stories/2013/02/seahorse2.jpg" width="470">

Melbourne's Superyacht Marina is located at Central Pier in Melbourne Docklands, the harbourside retail, entertainment, commercial and residential precinct. When the marina opened in 2006 the then minister for major projects John Lenders said it would not only expose Melbourne to a new and lucrative economic market, but make this city a more attractive destination for the world’s rich and famous.

<img alt="seahorse3" height="351" src="/images/stories/2013/02/seahorse3.jpg" width="470">

“There are about 6,000 superyachts worldwide, and now Melbourne can share in the $150 million generated in Australia each year from superyacht visits," he said.

Construction cranes are still building residential high rises at Docklands amid commercial office blocks of quite some architectural flare.

But despite the harbour having come a long way, and possibly with its priciest mooring yet, the city's broadsheet newspaper headlines were of despair.

<img alt="theage" height="629" src="/images/stories/2013/02/theage.jpg" width="470">

"Victoria is coming to a standstill" with more than 12,000 construction jobs lost and thousands more at risk as big infrastructure jobs such as the desalination plant finish and the pipeline of major building projects dries up, The Age front page story and special report said.

The jobs losses add to a record slump in the new housing sector that has contributed to the largest decline in construction jobs since the early 1990s.

The decline in building puts thousands more Victorians in related fields under pressure, including hundreds of engineers, surveyors, workers and contractors, The Age said.

The Master Builders Australia said there were about 254,100 Victorians employed in the industry in November 2012, but that was 12,200 fewer jobs than the year before, a drop that was more than double the national trend for the industry.

Executive director Brian Welch said the building and construction sector employed about 10% of Victoria's full-time workers, making it the second-largest employment provider in the state.

The executive director of the Victorian division of the Property Council of Australia, Jennifer Cunich, told The Age the industry was increasingly worried about where the next building projects would come from and this uncertainty was resulting in a downsizing of the Victorian workforce.

''If Victoria continues to bleed skilled workers to its competitor states, our ability to manage a future economic resurgence will be severely constrained,'' she said.

Of course, James Packer, the gambling tycoon has recently been overseeing the costly $2.3 billion upgrade of his Australian casino interests, Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Western Australia.

Driving much of his outlay is the hope that Crown can keep luring China's high rollers to Australia, as Packer notes "China's wealthy are spending increasing amounts of time and money on their quality of life, with luxury travel their leisure activity of choice."

VIP players turned over $30 billion plus at Crown Melbourne annually. 
 

See more: Apartments on the market in Melbourne's Docklands

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3205]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494]
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James Packer's Seahorse adds nautical glamour to Melbourne's Docklands

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The Block All Stars premiere opened last night with 959,000 viewers tuning in, well down on previous seasons and not enough to win the timeslot.
The reality check came from Home &amp; Away, which had a narrow win in the 7pm time slot, but then My Kitchen Rules easily trumped The Block at 7.30pm both on Channel 7.
While both The Block and MKR overcooked their promotional opportunities in the days and weeks leading up to the big night, Seven triumphed with the select offering of contestants "the Spice Girls", Jessie and Biswa.
<img height="224" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/blockfeb5.jpg" alt="blockfeb5">
Their dishes, however, scored the lowest in MKR history, just 41. They served pani puri, lamb samosa, yoghurt lassi as entree, goat sindhi biryani for main and galub jamum as dessert.
Last year the first-night Channel 9 ratings for The Block series set in South Melbourne rated an average 1.4 million viewers, which bettered 2011’s 1,342,000 debut viewers of the <a target="_blank" href="/news">Richmond </a>renovation.
<img height="234" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/blockfeb52.jpg" alt="blockfeb52">
This year's season returned to <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bondi</a>, but the Melbourne audience outnumbered the Sydney audience, according to the OzTAM five city metropolitian report. Melbourne's audience was 354,000, Sydney had 247,000 and Brisbane was 215,000 on the 2013 opening Monday night which was a one hour 10 minute program at 7pm.
Excluding the news and current affair programs, it was the night's fifth most watched show.
<img height="252" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/blockfeb51.jpg" alt="blockfeb51">
The first season was filmed in Bondi in 2003, with 2.2 million watching weekly – and the auction finale episode attracted 3.1 million viewers, which was the second-most watched event of 2003.
Its 2003 first series coincided with the peak of the property boom along the east coast Sydney property market.
The first series was hosted by Jamie Durie, and the past few by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/scott-cam-reduces-rosebery-rental-to-%242900-a-week/2013010958710">Scott Cam</a>.
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The Block All Stars get cooked by MKR as premiere ratings sit below 1 million

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Mark Butler has been appointed the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness replacing Brendan O'Connor.
Mark Butler will keep his existing portfolio including the ministry for Mental Health and Ageing.
It was March 2012 when Brendan O'Connor was sworn in as Minister for Small Business, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness. Brendan O'Connor took over the portfolio from Robert McClelland who'd held the post since December 2011. Jenny Macklin held the post in the second Gilliard Ministry from September 2010.
The first housing minister in the Rudd-Gilliard governments was Tanya Plibersek who in December 2008 released the Government’s White Paper on Homelessness, The Road Home, which has a goal of halving homelessness by 2020.
The housing ministry didn't exist under the Howard Government with the prior housing minister being Brian Howe from 1991 to 1996.
Mark Butler was elected to Federal Parliament in 2007 representing the electorate of Port Adelaide.
Before entering Parliament, he worked for 15 years in the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (now United Voice) - including 11 years as state secretary.
In 1997, he was elected president of the ALP in South Australia, and has been a member of the ALP national executive since 2000.
Mark, who lives in Woodville Park with his wife and two children, and is a keen supporter of AFL team, Port Power, was appointed a parliamentary secretary in 2009.
In December 2011, Mark was appointed to Cabinet as Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform.
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Mark Butler the new Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness

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The hillside Vaucluse residence of John Porter, the Austar chief before its merger with Foxtel last year, and his wife, Susan Mougey, has been listed for sale with $11 million plus hopes.
The Vogue Living-featured house was designed by the Harvard-trained US architect Tom Rivard three year ago. Rivard describes it as an extensive renovation and reconstruction of an expanded family home for a family of six plus their cat.
"As befits the site and occupants, the project is a village, and a hilltop one at that," he suggested, noting the site, along with the previous house, was “phenomenologically excavated.”
The interior design was undertaken by Briony Fitzgerald, sister of Channel 9 boss David Gyngell, and whose late father Bruce Gyngell pioneered Australian television, while her mother, Ann Gyngell, was a leading Sydney interior decorator.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-vaucluse-112991307" target="_blank">The five-bedroom, four-level residence</a> is set in gardens with a pool and Hollywood-style cabana designed by William Dangar.
Another Hillside Avenue residence sold to the Yang family from Hong Kong for $21.5 million in 2011, the year's highest house price.
The couple paid $1.89 million in 1999 for the 658-square-metre <a href="/news">Vaucluse </a>block.
It's been listed through Alan Waitsman at LJ Hooker Double Bay.
Rivard's design team included Team Georg Ackerman, Poune Parsanejad and Alina McConnochie.
"Along with expressing a vast range of living patterns that change from day to day (and hour to hour), the family is both highly cohesive as well as being composed of six unique individuals.
"The cat adopts traits of each, save for the father’s ability to whip up dinner for six at short notice," <a href="https://www.rivard.com.au/" target="_blank">Rivard wrote</a>.
''The 279 Post-It notes (in six colours) tagged in the 20th Century Art Book left no doubt as to either the individuality or the expressiveness of the clients – save for the cat, who neither speaks nor cares much for art," he added.
John Porter is now chairman of advertising and marketing company Photon Group which changed its name to Enero Group last year. Prior to joining Austar, John Porter spent ten years in various senior management capacities for Time Warner Cable, a subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc.  He has more than 30 years of management experience in the US and Australian subscription television industries.
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John Porter lists Vaucluse mansion inspired by 279 Post-It notes

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The familiar contestant couples returning tonight to the all-star realty renovation television series The Block pretty much knew what they had signed up for.
After all twists and turns have been the staple of all five prior series since its stellar 2003 launch.
But one Fairfax Media reporter invited to the set midway through filming the latest renovation series noted the contestant couples were in various states of meltdowns.
"Several were close to breaking point," the Fairfax Media report said.
It was because one  couple appeared to have quietly installed "an extension" while rebuilding their 1910s cottage on Tasman Street in hillside <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bondi</a>.
"One couple, who we won't name here, appeared to have developed a slight advantage by quietly building an internal extension," it's been reported by The Age television reporters Paul Kalina and Andrew Murfett, the soon to depart Green Guide editor.
"Its reveal will certainly be a bombshell moment," the article suggested.
Property Observer - who has not been inside - understands it's a possible third bedroom. All the three other contestant couples stuck with the two-bedroom plan.
(Spoiler alert – couple named at bottom of story).
"It's very teary, very cranky, very competitive," acknowledges the series host Scott Cam in his pre-launch publicity spiel.
The contestants  Phil and Amity (season one), Mark and Duncan (season three), Josh and Jenna (season four) and Dan and Dani (season five) get a second chance to take out the big prize as the series returns to its Bondi roots while restoring four heritage cottages.
"I started out as a young bloke cutting my teeth on heritage houses and I swore I would never, ever do it again," host Scott Cam says.
"[Each house] needs to feel like a brand new house, just like in 1910."
Phil and Amity
Phil and Amity appeared in the initial 2003 series at Bondi Beach – taking home a $60,000 profit, despite coming fourth.
Mark and Duncan
Mark and Duncan in 2010, who came to be known as the Two Fat Tradies, struggled with styling in 2010. Like Phil and Amity, they also finished fourth, splitting $47,000 between them after the Vaucluse renovation.
Josh and Jenna
Josh and Jenna, when they appeared in the Richmond cottage series in 2011, were the youngest couple to ever appear in the series. They still hold the record for the most Room Reveal wins in The Block's 10-year history.
Dan and Dani
Dan and Dani are fresh from their appearance in the 2012 South Melbourne terrace house renovation series.
SPOILER ALERT
Host Scott Cam sent interesting signals in his pre-launch pressers when he reckoned Phil and Amity might be "out of their depth", young Melburnians Dan, Dani, Josh and Jenna are "as competitive as ever," and tradies Mark and Duncan are "a bit out-there."
Property Observer actually understands it's Phil and Amity with the third bedroom option, which might overcome any decor failings in attracting greater buyer interest than the traditional two bedders of their three rivals.
Additionally, Phil and Amity appear to have the best cottage in the row of four, i.e., the one with the most northern sunshine.
<img alt="blockfeb41" src="/images/stories/2013/02/blockfeb41.png" height="351" width="470">
When Property Observer joined the ever-growing crowds out front taking a look at the four offerings, the Adelaide-based couple were in residence with their children.
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Extra bedroom advantage set to rock The Block All Stars to its Bondi foundations

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The Century 21 estate agency franchise has returned to the Super Bowl commercial arena.
Their television ad suggests estate agents are more helpful than doctors, at least when you're having a housing emergency. Like a groom not overly excited about moving in with his in-laws.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.century21.com/superbowl">The 2013 Super Bowl commercial </a>has some fun with the old “monster-in-law” stereotype set at a wedding in a church, with the couple getting ready to say I do.
<div>
{qtube vid:=2vxYW0lL9rM}
The bride’s mother tells the groom, “we’re going to be one big happy family” – i.e., that soon they will all soon be living under the one roof.
It causes the groom to faint.
“Is there a Century 21 agent in the house?” the bride asks desperately.
Luckily there is, and with the aid of his smartphone he can find the couple their starter home.
The pitch is Smarter. Bolder. Faster for the franchisor of one of the world's largest real estate sales organisations.
The ad, created by Red Tettemer + Partners in Philadelphia, is scheduled to air in the first commercial pod of the second half.
There are three other similarly themed spots, with plots based around having a baby, sending a child to college, and winning the lottery.
"Our agents are at the heart of our business, and their customers rely on them during critical times in their lives," said Bev Thorne, the chief marketing officer of Century 21.
"These commercials celebrate our agents' dedication to customer service in a fun, creative way and will keep the Century 21 agent top-of-mind with consumers in advance of the spring home buying and selling season."
Adweek.com indicates that Century 21 made its Super Bowl debut last year, when it introduced the "Smarter. Bolder. Faster" positioning.
</div>
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Century 21 Super Bowl ad a marriage of property and cheekiness

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Offshore buyers are increasingly active in the underpinning of Mosman's property revival.
The latest sale is $9 million on Burran Avenue on <a href="/news">Balmoral </a>slopes to mainland Chinese buyers. The house (pictured above) was described as "an inspirational Susan Rothwell design with views that range from Manly, North Head, Dover Heights, Middle Head, Grotto Point and Balmoral Beach."
<a href="https://www.randw.com.au/405631/" target="_blank">"It's the ultimate lifestyle statement," </a>the marketing said.
Another recent sale was $12.8 million. Last year Property Observer revealed <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chinese-buyers-playing-property-pick-a-box-but-record-mosman-price-unlikely/2012030653723" target="_blank">it was a Chinese buyer who topped recent Mosman 2012 sales</a>, spending $20 million on retired car dealer Laurie Sutton’s 5154-square-metre Bay Street Mosman holding – the suburb's largest harbourfront estate. It was bought by Ying Li.
The brothers Richard and Robert Simeon, from Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman, have been dealing with increasing numbers of Chinese buyers agents since 2009 when it comes to the marketing of prestige <a href="/news">Mosman</a> property.
Prestige agents have noted the stars have well and truly aligned for Asian buyers wanting to invest in Australian residential projects.
The most recent development has been the introduction of “golden ticket” visas aimed at fast-tracking wealthy Asian investors’ entrance into Australia with a provisional four-year visa followed by the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.
The new Significant Investor Stream Visa (as it is officially known) requires an investment of at least $5 million in state or territory bonds; an ASIC-regulated managed investment fund; or a direct investment in an Australian company, which would include investments in commercial property backing a business such as a hotel or lodge.
The visa allows immigrants to skip skilled migration requirements such as being proficient in English and requires immigrants spend a minimum of just 40 days a year in Australia over the four-year visa period.
There is also no upper age limit, and the main applicant does not have to meet the business points test.
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Chinese buyer surge in Mosman prestige sales 

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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