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Mintaro, the 1882 Monegeetta, Sunbury district mansion, has been listed for November auction. It's a smaller replica of Melbourne's Government House, which was built by a Captain Robert Gardiner to a design by architect James Gall.
The 9.9-hectare estate is an executor's sale, which will conclude 78 years of family ownership by the Rae family.
"A once undeniably grand and gracious country residence is now in need of total restoration with outstanding future use potential," its listing agent John Keating of Keatings Real Estate said.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mintaro3.jpg">
The property is 56 kilometres from the Melbourne GPO at Monegeetta on the Melbourne Lancefield Road.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.keatings.com.au/view-property/?OID=4545899">John Keating </a> has advised potential buyers of its $3 million reserve price in the advertising material for the Victorian Period Italiante-style mansion.
"Buyers love the transparency of declared reserve auctions and if the reserve is set at a realistic amount, the publication of the reserve price acts like a buyer-enquiry magnet," he suggests.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mintaro2.jpg">
It has been listed by the executors of the estate of Derek Rea.
When the house was entered on the register of the National Estate in 1978, the accompanying notes indicated that it was in a "superb state of intactness and is being meticulously restored."
It's close to land owned by the Department of Defence for its Land Engineering Agency (LEA).
Photos of the house in 2007 on <a href="https://www.walkingmelbourne.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&amp;t=4419&amp;start=20">Walking Melbourne </a> show it surrounded by dozens of derelict cars prior to its yard clearance sale. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mintaro.jpg">
Picture courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.walkingmelbourne.com/">Walking Melbourne</a>
Robert Gardiner was born in Scotland in 1812. He and his first wife, Susan Foley, had five children. He first came to Tasmania, where he was involved in the whaling industry. He was one of the earliest European settlers in the Berwick area, having taken up a pastoral lease in 1837.
The front room of the property is painted with his initials on the ceiling.
The walls are painted with friezes of whaling, pastoral and gold mining, which is reputedly how he made his money.
Robert Gardiner, who was the great grandfather of ballet dancer Sir Robert Helpmann, died in South Yarra in 1889.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sunbury's Mintaro – a mini Government House – listed with $3 million hopes

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Only 13% of Australians approve of the sale of Cubbie Station cotton farm to a Chinese-led consortium, research by pollster UMR shows.
It found 63% of Australians are opposed to the sale of the southern Queensland property to overseas interests.
Some 24% are unsure.
The strongest disapproval came from Queensland and NSW, with pollster David Utting telling The Australian that disapproval was highest among older Australians, people in regional areas, those with trade or TAFE qualifications and middle income earners.
Nationals Senate leader Barnaby Joyce told The Australian he was not surprised by the poll results.
"There is always a sense that more precious than gold, more precious than silver, more precious than manmade constructions are the agricultural assets which are responsible for how we feed ourselves and how we see ourselves," he said.
Assuming the sale goes ahead, the 93,000 hectares will be 80% owned by Chinese textile manufacturer Shandong RuYi, and 20% by the Australian owned Lempriere. There is a Treasury FIRB requirement for the Chinese to divest some of<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/cubbie-station-set-to-sell-to-chinese-led-syndicate-that-must-shed-some-of-its-equity-within-three-years/2012083156346"> their equity within three years</a>. 
 
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Cubbie Station sale to Chinese supported by just 13%

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Duncan and Sally Mount have sold Cedar Springs, their Possum Creek, Byron Bay hinterland estate.
The entrepreneur and his former model wife bought the then 132-hectare holding from actors Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in 2006 for $8.1 million.
The house was built with a dash of Hollywood splendour as the Australian base for the California-based, actors who met on the set of the 1986 international box office success Crocodile Dundee.
Built in the late 1980s, the vast home was completed in time for their 1990 wedding.
The Mounts sold before its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cedar-springs-the-paul-hogan-built-byron-bay-hinterland-house-listed-for-auction-by-duncan-and-sally-mount/2012073155795">scheduled weekend auction</a>.
It sold through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.uniqueestates.com.au/Recent-Sales-Detail.aspx?id=ue40&amp;wlid=98891b8f-fddd-4426-9a1b-d7e8115c3ace">Nicollette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates </a>, who was telling buyers that $6.5 million would secure the property pre-auction.
Cedar Springs is eight minutes to the village of Bangalow; 15 minutes to Byron Bay, 20 minutes to Ballina Airport and 45 minutes to Coolangatta International Airport.
The Mounts sold two 40-hectare building lots during their six-year ownership.
It was initially listed in May 2009. Set on 46 hectares, the property comes with a long bitumen driveway from its main gate through rainforest trees to the grand home, which displays the craftsmanship of the Italian artisans who lived on site for over a year.
It comes with a formal lounge with a large open fire and a dining room that seats 16 overlooking an English courtyard garden.
There's a spacious conservatory/informal dining area which overlooks the pool. The house is set on the banks of the Wilson River. The property also borders Possum Creek.
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Former Hoges' Byron hinterland house sells

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When it came to architecture, Sir Roy Grounds is regarded a a leader of the Australian modern movement.

It's been suggested Grounds' industrially grained aesthetic lent a timeless quality to public and private spaces, the latter certainly evident at the recently listed six-hectare property Dunraven at <a href="/news">Table Top</a> in NSW.
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Dunraven has been described as monumental but also inviting.
It was designed in the 1970s for the former MP Sir David Fairbairn, with original features including straw ceilings, exposed beams and cement-block walls.
It's now been listed by the fourth owners, Barry and Helen Clifton, who were the first to carry out any major renovations, including its kitchen upgrade.
</div>
The property is 15 kilometres north-west of Albury on a ridge with views of Albury's night lights to the west and Hume Weir to the east.
The 537-square-metre house comes with full-length six-metre-high windows and sliding doors. There are six bedrooms – two with ensuites. There are also formal sitting and dining rooms and a home office.
The Cliftons bought the lifestyle property four years ago.
It's been listed by Brian Phegan at <a href="https://www.brianphegan.com.au/" target="_blank">Brian Phegan Real Estate Albury </a>with $1 million-plus hopes. Offers are due by November 16.
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Dunraven, the Sir Roy Grounds-designed Table Top property, listed

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The church hall in Surry Hills where Australia's first television show was broadcast has been sold for $2.53 million plus GST through Ben Collier at McGrath Estate Agents.
St David's Hall was sold by Industrie Clothing founders Nick and Susie Kelly inpartnership with Boris Tosic, whose plan for a motor bike shop ran into resistance from neighbours.
They bought it for $2.53 million inclusive of GST in December 2011.
The Victorian Gothic-style church hall was one of two locations where Channel 9's first TV broadcast took place on September 16, 1956.
"The hall played a significant role in the history of Australian media," Brendan Horgan, a former media historian with the National Film and Sound Archive told News Ltd.
"Sir Frank Packer left instructions that Channel 9 had to be the first station in Australia to air, but the Willoughby premises were still under construction so they created a makeshift studio at St David's."
Bruce Gyngell said those now-famous words "Welcome to television" were broadcast from a small edit room in the Willoughby basement then the broadcast cut back to St David's in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Surry Hills</a>, where the opening night extravaganza took place.
It was broadcast from microwave links on top of the hall back to Willoughby.
The vacant church hall sits on 415 square metres. It was sold in late 2011 by the remaining member of a syndicate that had bought it in 1991 from adman John Singleton for $800,000. 
The historic church hall was converted to townhouses in 1980 by architect Malcolm Carver, but after its renovation, the double street-fronted property remained in commercial use.</body></html>

Historic Surry Hills hall resells at same price, plus or minus GST

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Kippilaw, the Breadalbane homestead well known to anyone with an interest in NSW colonial history, has been listed for sale. 
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept27outkipp]}
Meares &amp; Associates, the rural property specialists,  are expecting a $6 million-plus sale for the Goulburn district holding.
Its history stretches back 180 years to when James Chisolm and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to the NSW southern tablelands district, taking up a grant of 1,280 acres (518 hectares) given to her as a marriage portion from Governor Ralph Darling , a custom begun by Governor Lachlan Macquarie for settlers on their marriage.
Elizabeth named their 1837 Georgian residence after her birthplace in Scotland, Kippilaw, near Melrose Abbey.
Its meaning comes from "Kippi" which is Pictish for "little", and "law", which is Saxon for "hill". The homestead became a meeting place and party house for visiting friends. Mary Durack, in her seminal Australian pioneering history Kings In Grass Castles, devoted several pages to the generosity of the Chisolms at Kippilaw.
The restored house, with views of the Wollondilly River and gardens in the Italian manner, has been listed through Meares &amp; Associates agent Chris Meares.
He oversaw the last sale when in 1997 Janet and Graham Webb sold the farm to businessman Robert Rich and wife Helen in 1997 for about $2.6 million.
Kippilaw is a viable working farm with 400 acres (about 160 hectares) of quality breeding and fattening country, which have been well fertilised and pasture improved over the years. It grazes and fattens 160 cattle on the pastured acres, supplemented by winter grazing crops.
“Kippilaw has always been regarded as one of the outstanding rural holdings in southern New South Wales,"  Meares says.
“While markets may be fickle in present times it is the quality assets which remain hard to find and therefore difficult to procure.
"The sale of Kippilaw is an example of one of the prize holdings within a 2¼ hour radius of Sydney being offered for sale this year,” he says.
Kippilaw's interior photos, next page
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The Kippilaw homestead is a two-storey, six-bedroom stone house comprising four separate wings with a central courtyard.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept27inkippilaw]}
It was built from locally convict quarried stone with crafted cedar joinery.
It comes with the Old Kippilaw School House.
The Kippilaw gardens comes with oak trees line as old as the house that line the driveway.
It's described as an easy care garden with its in-ground computerised irrigation system from the Wollondilly River and backup bore.
The gardens comes with tennis court and nearby in ground swimming pool with small pool house.
There's the sunken garden built by one of the Chisholm boys during WWI and the historic rose garden, supplemented by carpets of daffodils, jonquils, iris, peonies and roses with a spectacular wisteria and rose archway.
It also includes a separate self?contained two bedroom apartment and the 1810 caretaker’s cottage.</body></html>

Kippilaw, 180-year-old NSW colonial homestead, listed

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Mike Quigley, boss of the federal government's national broadband network, has sold his Mosman mansion at an undisclosed price.
Kallista, the Federation home, sold pre-auction through Belle agent Sally Navra-Osborne, who had $3.7 million plus hopes given comparable recent sales.
Not much of a return, as Quigley paid $3.6 million with his wife, Vicki, for the five-bedroom Mosman property in early 2007.
They then spent $300,000 plus in renovations.
Kallista comes with wide verandas and sandstone walls framed by picturesque gardens.
It has views across Sirius Cove towards the eastern suburbs from its 936-square-metre corner location.
The house comes with a custom-fitted study and cellar.
The Quigleys are downsizing potentially to a city apartment while keeping their south coast retreat, a 1.2-hectare Berry property that cost $2,095,000 in 2010.
Another nearby property sold earlier this month at $3,675,000 under the hammer.
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NBN boss Mike Quigley sells, but for little return

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The NSW National Trust has secured a $4,551,000 sale of Paddington's Juniper Hall to the well-known Moran healthcare family, who own a portfolio of heritage properties.
They plan to turn the historic Oxford Street premises into an art gallery. "We are delighted that Juniper Hall will be restored by the Moran family, a family who have a dedicated passion for heritage and the arts,'' Brian Scarsbrick CEO of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) said. "Their track record for restoring heritage properties is impeccable," The Wentworth Courier reported. Family matriarch Greta Moran is a distant relative of Sarah Cooper, who was the wife of the entrepreneur Robert Cooper, who built the two-storey Georgian house Juniper Hall. The Oxford Street premises dates back to 1824, believed to be the oldest surviving mansion from the days of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The Moran family are renowned for restoring historic homes across Sydney, including Redleaf in Wahroonga, Blandford in Leura, the Gothic home Swifts at Darling Point and the more contemporary Liner House in Bridge Street, Sydney.
The family intend to turn the ground floor into a gallery to house the Moran Prizes, which are sponsored and administered by the Moran Arts Foundation. The original four rooms on this level would be permanently opened to the general public. They are likely to have the first floor and attic converted into a private residence for one of the family members. Local controversy surrounded the sale local residents petitioning to keep the National Trust property in public hands. But the sale was of a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/national-trust-list-problematic-juniper-hall-paddington-property-for-auction/2012082456229"> 99-year leasehold title, </a>with the family assuming the responsibility for its restoration.
“The marketing campaign succeeded in generating a significant response from a broad variety of uses,” said Tony Anderson of Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
“As such, the property was the subject of competitive bidding and the price achieved represents fair market value,” he said.
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Sydney's Moran family takes the prize as National Trust offloads Juniper Hall for $4.5 million

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Sydney sales dominated the week's top 10 RP Data sales list but the highest priced sale was at a $1,025 million discount to its last sale price in pricey Vaucluse.
The 15% price fall ranks among the most severe realised loss reported in the prestige property downturn that lingers well after its global financial crisis induced downturn in 2008.
The Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse property had last traded at $6,875,000 in 2006 when bought by businesswoman Deborah Ricci.
"Presiding over majestic views of the City, Opera House, Bridge &amp; Harbour, this "Sleeping Beauty" is discreetly elevated, almost hidden from the road and enjoys quiet privacy," its selling agent D'Leanne Lewis at Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay said. The second placed Woollahra sale ranks among the more common trend of sales at well below initial vendor expectations. It had been listed in April with $6.5 million plus hopes through the same agent who secured $5 million at its wekeend auction. Glen Rhoda, the circa-1863 Gothic-style residence on Wallaroy Road last traded for $6.15 million in 2004 when sold to the Tassone family by the INXS drummer Jon Farriss who had bought it for $2.4 million in 1991 from film producer Margaret Fink, who'd lived there since 1968 when she purchased it for $74,000.
Meanwhile Melbourne agents endeavour to keep prestige sale prices somewhat under wraps.
There were two Melbourne sales - in Hawthorn and Brighton - which ought have been on the list but had prices withheld including <a href="/news">Rathgar at Hawthorn </a>which reputedly sold for $5 million plus. It had actually been listed for by invitation only auction with $5 million plus hopes.  
1. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/29-vaucluse-road-vaucluse-nsw-2030/myrp-490?propertyId=7146386">29 Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse, NSW, 2030</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 19 by Laing + Simmons Double Bay for $5.85 million
2. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/71-wallaroy-road-woollahra-nsw-2025/myrp-490?propertyId=7743249">71 Wallaroy Road, Woollahra, NSW, 2025</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 22 by McGrath Estate Agents for $5 million
3. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/101-raglan-street-mosman-nsw-2088/myrp-490?propertyId=4501660">101 Raglan Street, Mosman, NSW, 2088</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 22 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman/Neutral Bay for $3.675 million
4. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/41-dorking-road-cabarita-nsw-2137/myrp-490?propertyId=1665485">41 Dorking Road, Cabarita, NSW, 2137</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 22 by Haus Real Estate Strathfield for $2.9 million
5. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/24-wallis-parade-north-bondi-nsw-2026/myrp-490?propertyId=4960670">24 Wallis Parade, Bondi Beach, NSW, 2026</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 20 by Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay for $2.715 million
6. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/5-33-sutherland-crescent-darling-point-nsw-2027/myrp-490?propertyId=2064421">5/33 Sutherland Crescent, Darling Point, NSW, 2027</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold at auction on September 20 by Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay for $2.7 million
7. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/9-ebsworth-road-rose-bay-nsw-2029/myrp-490?propertyId=5916924">9 Ebsworth Road, Rose Bay, NSW, 2029</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 18 by L J Levi Real Estate for $2.675 million
8. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/25-parlington-street-canterbury-vic-3126/myrp-490?propertyId=10258012">25 Parlington Street, Canterbury, VIC, 3126</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 22 by Kay &amp; Burton Hawthorn for $2.522 million
9. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/61-james-cook-island-sylvania-waters-nsw-2224/myrp-490?propertyId=6645581">61 James Cook Island, Sylvania Waters, NSW, 2224</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on September 22 by Ray White Sylvania Waters for $2.4 million
10. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/16-earl-street-randwick-nsw-2031/myrp-490?propertyId=5751260">16 Earl Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031</a>, three-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on September 22 by GoodyerDonnelley Real Estate for $2.1 million 
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Two $1 million plus mansion losses head RP Data top 10 sales 

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Nearly 50% of China's top 1,000 wealthiest citizens have faced financial losses this year, with the average wealth falling 9% to $US860 million, according to China's rich list by the Hurun Report.
Some 37 of China's richest have lost as much as half of their wealth. The fallout of Beijing's efforts to curb real-estate speculation knocked out property as the largest source for wealth for China's richest, replaced by manufacturing, a first since Hurun's records began in 1999.
The number of dollar billionaires dropped from 271 to 251, according to the Shanghai-based group that follows wealth trends in the country as reported in the Wall Street Journal.
The threshold to make the top 1,000 fell by 9% to $290 million as stock-price declines and shifts in the solar, textile and retail sectors contributed to the decline.
The softening economy overall is making booming growth more difficult in China, said Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun's chairman and chief researcher.
China's newly crowned richest man is Zong Qinghou, last year's No. 2, who garnered $12.6 billion by building closely held beverage empire Hangzhou Wahaha Group.
Zong's wealth increase from $10.7 billion to gain the top spot from Sany Heavy Industry Co. owner Liang Wengen, who ranked fifth at $7.3 billion.
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Chinese property tycoons lose their top billing as manufacturing billioniares dominate rich list

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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