<html><body>
The Kew property fronted since May by the popular restaurant St Katherine's, aka as St Kat's – and leased to MasterChef's George Calombaris and his business associate Shane Dalia – has been sold.
It fetched $4.31 million when offered through Jones Lang LaSalle in conjunction with Fitzroys.
The Cotham Road property was reportedly sold to an investor from China.
The investor will secure about $251,000 annual rent from the St Katherine's tenancy.
While Cotham Road is not considered a super-prime retail strip by analysts, the asset traded at a yield of 5.83%.
The two-storey, 635-square-metre building sits on a 515-square-metre block with long-term redevelopment potential.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

St Kat's, George Calombaris's Kew premises, gets Chinese landlord

<html><body>
Aquila Shoes has secured retail space on Little Collins Street, Melbourne, which will be its 27th Australian store.
It has leased a 150-square -metre store for a six-year term. The lease was negotiated by Savills Australia  state retail director Michael Di Carlo.
The lessor is a private Asian investor.
The gross annual rent that shoe manufacturer and distributor will pay is about $300,000 for the shop at 264-274 Little Collins Street.
The Melbourne brand was founded by Tony Longo in 1958.
It now employs the third generation of the family.
</body></html>

Aquila to open 27th Australian store on Little Collins Street

<html><body>
Dunblane, the Italianate home on a 4,726-square-metre holding with guest house at Sunbury, has been listed for October 11 auction with $3 million-plus hopes in one line through Lindsay Hill and Annette Travers at Bennison Mackinnon.
Dating back to its 1890s construction for local hotelier Peter Eadie, the country manor has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/38-40-jackson-street-sunbury/Property-Details-buy-residential-4389835">restored and renovated </a> to highlight its refined period rooms.
There have been just the three owners, it most recently selling to the Mason family in 1999 by Essendon real estate tycoon Graham Goodson.
The seven-bedroom, five-bathroom house has light-filled contemporary spaces along with a designer kitchen.
Its grounds have a heated pool, spa and a mod-grass flood-lit tennis court with pavilion – all within botanic gardens.
There's also a two-bedroom guest house which sits on its own title, and will be offered the first right to secure the 700 sq m offering.
"Dunblane is further distinguished by its status as the only Sunbury home of such significance to have served continuously as a family residence," said Lindsay Hill, the Mount Macedon agent.
</body></html>

Sunbury's 1890 mansion Dunblane listed

<html><body>
Veteran estate agent John McGrath has joined Twitter.
His 28th tweet caught Property Observer’s attention – McGrath commenting on a kitchen with bright white cupboards contrasting with the yellow splashback tiles. And the great yellow kickbacks too, he added.
He’s subsequently posted ?the must read: 10 Ways to Warm up Your Home for Selling.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/johnmcgrath100"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mcgtweet.jpg"></a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1484373&amp;l=245dc4d589&amp;id=265665123466132"><img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/yellowkitchen.jpg"></a>
</body></html>

John McGrath's bright outlook, yellow kitchen included: Tweet of the day

<html><body>
Olympian Matt Shirvington has listed his Mosman home for October 4 LJ Hooker auction.
The <a href="https://mnb.ljhooker.com.au/1S1FF6N">1897 Canrobert Street </a> house was bought by the Foxtel presenter and his wife, Jessica Pagent, for a bullish $2.5 million in 2008.
It was renovated in 2010 retaining its best traditional elements including pressed metal ceilings and leadlight windows.
</body></html>

Olympian track sprinter Matt Shirvington hopes for speedy sale for 1897 Mosman home

<html><body>
The median house price for the top 10% of Sydney's suburbs by value has declined by about 8% since it peaked in June 2010, according to Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist at Australian Property Monitors.
But confidence was slowly returning to this market, he said.
In the first six months of this year, 118 Sydney properties have been recorded as having been sold in Sydney for $5 million or above, with one sale at $20 million.
"With spring yet to fully unfold and the sharemarket seemingly on the rise, it's a good bet that 2012 will end as a recovery year for top-end property," Dr Wilson said.
In 2010, 348 Sydney properties were sold for $5 million or above, with six at $20 million or above.
Last year, 274 Sydney properties sold for $5 million or more, with just one going for more than $20 million, at $21.5 million.
Dr Wilson said Sydney's prestige market was showing signs of a revival, with recent healthy auction clearance rates emerging in the eastern suburbs, lower north shore and northern beaches.
Melbourne's "ultra-prestige" market was suffering a hangover from a "bubble" during the last boom in 2010, according to Dr Wilson.
"People who buy at this level tend to be risk-inclined and more adventurous in prosperous times and that inflates the value of top-end assets," he told Fairfax Media in the weekend press.
"But it becomes speculative and that can be unsustainable."
Only 14 homes have sold for prices above $5 million this year, down from a record 85 homes in 2010, according to APM.
The number of transactions is now at its lowest point since 2004.
</body></html>

Melbourne ultra prestige activity at eight year lows while Sydney prestige median off by 8%

<html><body>
Bridge Road Richmond's retail strip has recorded its highest vacancy rate in five years, amid a prounced trend towards more vacant shops across Melbourne.
Bridge Road's vacancy rate has risen from 2.9%  to 11.5% over the past two years. Just five years ago the discount fashion shopping mecca had the lowest vacancy rate of 11 suburban shopping strips.
Property Observer counted 25 "for lease" signs along Bridge Road between Punt Road and Church Street over the weekend.
There were many more closing down sale signs. Some tenants, including Flight Centre, were relocating along the strip, but most exiting the strip.
Overall, the prime retail suburban vacancy rate in Melbourne had climbed from 3.2% to 5.3% over the past two years. Church Street, Brighton, had the lowest vacancy rate followed by High Street Armadale and Acland Street St Kilda.
Knight Frank's retail survey, comprising 2,369 shops, found that the vacancy rate in Acland Street in St Kilda rose from zero to 3.7%.
Other results were: Burke Road, Camberwell, 2.8% to 7.2%; Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, 0.6% to 6.1%; Chapel Street, Prahran, 2.7% to 4.2%; Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds, 0.5% to 4.2%; Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, 1.8% to 4.4%, with the Malvern end increasing from 2.8% to 3.5%.
Despite the rise in vacanicies, Knight Frank research analyst Rodney Wong says yields remained relatively stable.
Recent sales in Glenferrie Road and Chapel Street had sold with initial yields ranging between 3.5% and 4.5%, indicating prime retail assets were still sought after, particularly by private investors.
Wong acknowledged consumer and retailer confidence remained subdued after the impact of the federal government's $2.8 billion household assistance package in May and June.
Sales of discretionary items of clothing and sales in department stores also fell, but turnover in cafes, restaurants and takeaway food outlets generally outperformed total retail sales.
Wong says the prime retail strips are still attracting global brands.
</body></html>

Melbourne shopping strip Bridge Road, Richmond, has highest vacancy rate in five years

<html><body>
The Commonwealth Bank Group has reached a resolution with the Australian Securities &amp; Investments Commission (ASIC) in relation to the Storm Financial matter.
It will make available up to an additional $136 million in compensation to its customers who invested through Emmanuel and Julie Cassimatis's Storm Financial.
It takes the total in CBA payments to customers to about $270 million. CBA's Storm Financial investors will get compensation of about 55% of their losses.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with ASIC on this matter as it is in the best interests of our customers to avoid lengthy and uncertain litigation,” David Cohen, the bank's group general counsel, said.
The agreement with ASIC was reached without any admission of liability by the bank, which will continue to defend the class action proceedings, which are before the Federal Court in Brisbane.
ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft welcomed the agreement, saying CBA's $136 million of additional compensation was intended to ensure that each CBA investor who takes part in the settlement will get compensation of approximately 55% of that part of their total loss allocated to CBA under the ASIC compensation model.
"Storm investors can be confident we would not have agreed to a settlement unless we thought the compensation was appropriate," he said.
Speaking at a hastily organised press conference this evening, Medcraft said the deal with the Commonwealth Bank would allow about 2,400 individuals to take part in the settlement
“Investors will get compensation of about 55% of their loss.
“It's one of the largest settlements every achieved for investors
“Its timely and fair. Rather than have lengthy court case – many of investors are elderly – it does not put them through the strain of a long court battle," said Medcraft at the press conference to announce the settlement.
He said the Commonwealth Bank had done the right thing and hoped the other lenders caught up in the dispute would continue doing the right thing in the future.
Payments will be made "fairly soon", though no exact timing has yet been made known.
He said subject to the court dismissing ASIC's claim against CBA, the agreement would bring to a close the legal action against CBA in ASIC's unregistered managed investment scheme proceedings, which were brought in the Federal Court of Australia in Brisbane in December 2010.
ASIC will continue the unregistered managed investment scheme proceedings against Storm, Bank of Queensland and Macquarie, which are scheduled to start on September 17.
ASIC estimates the total loss suffered by all investors who borrowed monies from banks to invest through Storm to be approximately $830 million.
ASIC has been investigating a range of issues relating to the affairs of Storm Financial Limited (receivers and managers appointed) (in liquidation) since December 2008.
 Storm investors can visit <a target="_blank" href="https://storm.asic.gov.au/">ASIC’s Storm investor website</a> if they have questions about the settlement.
</body></html>

Commonwealth Bank settles Storm Financial dispute with ASIC with compensation of about 55%

<html><body>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/knightsbridge.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
The Queensland hotel and pub owner Robert Fraser-Scott has lost control of his prestige Sovereign Island residence (pictured above). It's been listed for October 10 auction under instructions from Ernst &amp; Young through Ray White Surfers Paradise agent Shaun Kaddatz. The property has its own website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.2KnightsbridgeWest.com">www.2KnightsbridgeWest.com</a>.
Last November Fraser-Scott thought he'd sold his mega-mansion, albeit for less than half what it cost four years earlier. The Knightsbridge Parade West property sold under the hammer for $3.5 million last November, but the November buyer has since lost the deposit Set on 2,369 square metres, Westley Manor had been bought from builders Rob Smith and wife Susan Chudley-Smith for $7.36 million in April 2007, just before the global financial crisis. It has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a mooring able to take two 18-metre boats and two jet-skis, a 1,500-bottle wine cellar, drive-through underground parking for 12 vehicles and resort-style grounds. The mansion also features a two-sided wall aquarium between the living and media rooms.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august16mcivor]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">It's not the only luxury Gold Coast property boomeranging back onto the market. Stand by for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-surfers+paradise-111152495">next installment </a> of the Alex Povov-designed Gold Coast mansion listing (pictured above). It was sold by Queensland fund manager Mark McIvor to the NSW truckie Gary Fulton, who is now having another attempt at on-selling it. It failed to sell at August auction – passed in on a $5.5 million vendor bid by Coldwell Banker agent Alex Caraco, who now has its for November 3 auction.
McIvor, founder of failed fund manager Equititrust, lost the property to receivers, who sold it in January this year for $6.75 million. The sale, to New South Wales truckie Gary Fulton, raised eyebrows in the Gold Coast's depressed real estate market, as it was a sizable rise on the $4.55 million top bid at its unsuccessful 2011 auction.
In recent months <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/mark-mcivor-s-former-cronin-island-gold-coast-back-up-for-auction/2012072955758">the Commonwealth Bank sought to repossess the home,</a> launching Supreme Court action against Fulton company Vitago. But in August Caraco advised the local Gold Coast Bulletin that the court action against Vitago was "in abeyance'' and the truckie's company – not the bank – was currently selling the mansion. After the auction he suggested there had been genuine interest "from a gentleman from Melbourne, a lady in Hong Kong and a doctor in Sydney''. Caraco suggests some other interested parties are using the controversy attached to the property to try to get a bargain.
"The property is now going for auction for the second time, and we are saying the reserve has been lowered by $1 million," Caraco told Property Observer.
</body></html>

Queensland pub owner Robert Fraser-Scott's Paradise Point mansion receivership listing: Title Tattle

<html><body>
Interior designer Tina De Salis has secured $3.01 million for her Castlecrag home, which she's modernised since she purchased it for $2.59 million in 2009.
The 1960s home has five bedrooms. It sits on a 696-square-metre mostly level block on The Redoubt.
Mark O'Brien of Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag &amp; Northbridge had the listing with $3 million-plus hopes.
Edward de Salis and Tina de Salis, who is a partner in Tina &amp; Louise Interiors, bought the house from architect Ervin Mahrer, who built it in 1966.
It was built of solid brick with reinforced concrete, extensive use of Californian redwood, mudgee slate stone walls and polished brushbox flooring.
Property Observer had contrasting <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/with-dash-of-vivienne-westwood-wallpaper-designer-tina-de-salis-lists-castlecrag-mid-century-home-as-past-meets-present/2012082156141" target="_blank">then and now images </a>from the two sales campaigns.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/castlecrag1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/castlecrag2.jpg">
 
</body></html>

Modernised Castlecrag 1960s charmer fetches $3.01 million

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News