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Islay House, Woodend's most recognised heritage landmark, has been sold by its mortgagee-in-possession, the National Australia Bank on its third marketing attempt.

It sold for more than its advertised $550,000 reserve price through <a href="https://realestate.macedonrangesweekly.com.au/overview/4166447/125-high-street-woodend-3442/" target="_blank">Keating Real Estate </a>after its asking price was cut from its previous $694,000 expectations.

It sat among the rustic regional Victoria property portfolio of the bankrupted Tess Lawrence, the former Flinders and Spencer Street newspaper firebrand who despite the sales continues her stoush with her lender.

<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/spraypaint.png" width="470">

Source:<a href="https://www.independentaustralia.net" target="_blank"> Independent Australia</a>

Lawrence earlier this year <a href="https://www.independentaustralia.net/2012/business/property/tess-lawrence-battles-nab-over-historic-islay-house/" target="_blank">spray-painted the Woodend property in the lead-up to its initial mortgagee auction in protest </a>to what she claimed was an unfair repossession following a “preposterous concoction of debt” and inadequate notification of the proceedings against her. After its second scheduled auction date the agents noted the property had drawn over 670 enquiries, with about 375 inspections and 37 requests for contracts from prospective purchasers prior to the unsuccessful auction.

An affidavit of bank officer James Wyatt sworn September 2011 gave the quantum of <a href="https://www.scvcases.com.au/MyPDF%20Library/%5b2011%5d%20VSC%20556.pdf">NAB’s total money claim </a> against Lawrence as $3,413,316.

It dated back to an originating 2001 flexiplus mortgage facility National Bank choice package of $434,000, which by 2006 was re-written to have a $3,084,000 limit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31257]

The NAB lent across five properties, which had been accumulated over a nine-year period from 1992, costing $1.28 million.

Islay House, the landmark 1860s High Street, Woodend property, which Lawrence had planned to restore as the subject of a reality TV series, sits on what was the highway running from Melbourne to the goldfields. Set on 2,300 square metres it last traded at $360,000 in 2001.

"Before Woodend was by-passed Islay House was probably the most recognised house between Melbourne and Mildura," its marketing said.

<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/loughmoe.jpg" width="470">

The other Lawrence properties were on Leggatt Street, Daylesford, her home at Herbert Street, Northcote, and two properties on Bannerman Street, Bendigo, including <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-bendigo-110226017" target="_blank">Loughmoe House</a> (pictured above), the 1870s grand colonial residence designed by period architect Robert Alexander Love for William Purcell. The solid stone Bendigo hilltop estate also known as Carlisle, Selb Villa and Leigh Lodge, sits on 1,012-square-metre holding that sold last month through Tweed Sutherland First National Bendigo. Its price is undisclosed. It cost Lawrence $265,000 in 1999.

Her neighbouring 1,038-square-metre Bannerman Street property was sold for $305,000 mid-year to Ellis and Angela Nuttal. It had previously traded at $365,000 in 1998. There is a subdivision application currently before Bendigo Council.

<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/legatt.jpg" width="470">

The Daylesford country cottage in the lake precinct sold at an undisclosed price earlier this month through Hocking Stuart Daylesford. The<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/29-leggatt-street-daylesford/Property-Details-sold-residential-4268435" target="_blank"> timber two-bedroom cottage</a> (pictured above and below) with french doors and a Juliet balcony was set in an established garden of 800 square metres. It cost $140,500 in 1994.

<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/legatt2.jpg" width="470">

There was also her principle place of residence on <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/9-herbert-street-northcote/Property-Details-buy-residential-4314781" target="_blank">9 Herbert Street, Northcote, </a> from which she was evicted in July this year. It last traded in 1992 at $165,000. It was for sale with offers, to be made in a sealed envelope and delivered to Brace Estate Agents by 5pm, due yesterday. It was often used as a safe house for victims of domestic violence.

Channel 7's<a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/today-tonight/article/-/12940385/mortgage-stress-desperation/"> Today Tonight </a> reported she hasn't made repayments since November 2007.

In August 2008, NAB served Lawrence with a default notice when the stated sum of $2,727,594.55 was due.

Her bankruptcy trustee is Anthony Cant. Fighting what she's called her "bogus bankruptcy" earlier this year she reported she was compiling evidence for appeals in the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Federal Court of Victoria regarding the bank action and the bankruptcy sequestration arising from the March 2009 McKean Park judgment of $10,793 in the Magistrates’ Court in Victoria against the debtor. However her Federal Court application for an extension of time to appeal from the November 2011 sequestration order made by Justice North in the Federal Court was dismissed in April.

<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/tess.jpg" style="margin: 4px; float: left;">

Lawrence has been a high-profile broadcaster and journalist advocate and in recent times a specialist in ethical media services and crisis management and consultant in media strategy.

Lawrence was at the forefront of women's liberation journalism – credited as the first female feature writer to sit equally in the male-dominated newsroom at the Melbourne Herald in the mid-1970s. Her scoops over the decades included her 1987 interview with Robert Trimbole's mistress, Ann-Marie Presland, on the ABC's 7.30 Report.

She is currently contributing editor at large at <a href="https://www.independentaustralia.net/" target="_blank">Independent Australia</a>, a progressive web journal focusing on politics, democracy, the environment, Australian history and Australian identity.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Islay House, the 1860s Woodend relic, sells in Tess Lawrence mortgagee disposal

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A Georgian harbour at Charlestown in Cornwall that has been under private ownership for almost 20 years is on the market with a price tag of £4 million, tweets The UK's Daily Telegraph. 
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TeleProperty"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/teletweet.jpg"></a>
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Your own Cornwall English harbour for £4 million: Tweet of the day

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The superannuation fund Rest Industry has emerged as a front-runner to buy the Parramatta office, Eclipse.
Its been <a href="https://www.eclipsetower.com.au/">developed</a> by Leighton Properties and Grosvenor Funds Management. No price guidance has been given with estimates between $170 million and $200 million, in the reports by The Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian Financial Review.
The Station Street tower is due to be <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/parramattas-tallest-tower-eclipse-80-leased-as-construction-nearing-completion/2012031153785">completed later this year </a> and is about 80% leased. Adding about 25,660 square metres of A-grade stock to the Parramatta CBD, its been pre-leased to Deloitte, QBE and Landcom.
CBRE acted exclusively with Grosvenor Australia and Leighton Properties to help secure 17,000 square metres of pre-commitment deals to allow its construction to begin in early 2011. Only four mid-level floors remain for lease.
Rest is among the largest super funds by membership, with more than 1.9 million members and $20 billion of funds under management.
Eclipse Tower, the first major commercial building project to be undertaken in Parramatta in the wake of global financial crisis, was designed by Fitzpatrick &amp; Partners.
Its being constructed at a time when Parramatta’s vacancy rate sits at 8.7%, according to the latest Property Council of Australia figures, although A-grade space availability has been showing a tightening trend.
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REST Super has its eyes on Parramatta's Eclipse Tower 

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A newly designed Andrew Tzannes home in Cammeray has been listed for sale with $3 million-plus hopes.
The two-level, four-bedroom, four-bathroom abode has sleek interiors with about 330 square metres of space internally.
Its master bedroom suite comes with terracing.
Justin Ferguson at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justinferguson.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2147425&amp;realestate=9_Alan_Street_CAMMERAY_NSW_2062&amp;menuItemID=">Justin Ferguson Property Specialists </a>has the Alan Street listing which comes with striking bitumen shingled mansard roofing. Interiors were done by Julia Ferguson Interiors.
The 467-square-metre block cost $1.5 million in 2010 when bought by Russell Barwick, the ESPN sports broadcaster and his wife, the onetime account director with Clemenger Communications, Suzanne Ferguson.
Andrew Tzannes is the design director at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.s-tz.com.au/projects/single-dwelling/item/64-alan">Smith &amp; Tzannes</a>. Prior to Smith &amp; Tzannes Andrew had 10 years of experience with the renowned architects Alexander Tzannes and Associates.
The house was one of the first developments done in Cammeray under the new complying development regulations. 
<a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=YmguXBS4GJI%3D&amp;tabid=104">https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=YmguXBS4GJI%3D&amp;tabid=104</a>
 
 
a
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Andrew Tzannes Cammeray design home listed by ESPN sports presenter Russell Barwick

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept28seaforth]}
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
The prestige mansion mortgagee losses are getting bigger. A Seaforth house (pictured above) last traded at $5.08 million in early 2008 has been sold for $3.05 million after auction this week.  That's a $2.03 million loss or 40% price drop. It's by far the most severe realised loss reported amid the prestige property downturn that lingers well after its global financial crisis-induced downturn in 2008. The Fang family initially listed it themselves in early 2010 with hopes of getting their money back on the imposing five-bedroom Old Sydney Road mansion.
The 1,435-square-metre property with harbour views, indoor swimming pool, spa and tennis court had been listed through Raine &amp; Horne agent Stewart Robertson with its mortgagee status obvious to intending buyers. It had most recently been to unsuccessful June auction with $3.6 million hopes and to October 2011 auction when it had $4.5 million expectations. Hitherto most of the misery at the prestige end has been the gap between vendor expectation and the sometime voluntarily accepted sale price, but now its appears the banks have lost patience and mortgagee sale momentum is going to cast a pall over the prestige market, which could be best summarised as suffering a lengthy paralysis.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/normandie.jpg" width="470">
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
Myriam Borg, founder of Cre8 Australia, has bought the Dural French-inspired castle Normandie (pictured above), highlighting the crumbling prices in the prestige castle market. Forget the battering ram, ballista, mangonel or trebuchet, as it was the mortgagees-in-possession who sold it off at $2.95 million. The vendors had wanted more than $6.25 million ever since listing it in 2009. Built in 1985 by Bronte Douglass, the founder of Douglass Pathology and his wife, Darlene, the imposing sandstone residence had four bedroom suites, a grand reception hall and a billiard room. In the 2.2-hectare grounds are sweeping lawns, ornamental trees, a tennis court and swimming pool. A title search of the property revealed a mortgage to St George Bank and the National Australia Bank and two caveats and a writ by American Express.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/wollaroyrd.jpg" width="470">
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
At Woollahra the $5 million weekend sale (pictured above) again highlights the increasingly common trend of sales at well below initial vendor expectations under bank instructions. It had been listed in April with $6.5 million-plus hopes through the same McGrath agent who secured $5 million at its weekend 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. The latest buyer has been identified as Shelley Griffin, the widow of businessman Phil Griffin. Phil Griffin was a right hand man of Allco Finance head David Coe. Shelley Griffin attended the weekend auction joining  the auction with a bid of $4.65 million with just the one other bidder was active at that point.
 
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<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
As banks no longer let sleeping dogs lie, all these mortgagee sale prices will impact now on all vendors at the top end. They will have to consider revised pricing given valuers and lender are certain to. The revised pricing is already emerging as Carinya, one of the upper north shore's finest estates, now comes with $8 million price estimates, having been listed is listed for sale just six months ago with overly ambitious $10 million price hopes. It's the home of the former executive chairman of Photon Group Tim Hughes, and his wife, Jackie. Carinya sits on a 5100-square-metre  Telegraph Road, Pymble block. Its a grand Federation residence in English-style gardens with level lawns, and even an orchard and netted vegetable patch. Ofcourse it comes with championship-sized tennis court, pool and barbecue cabana. The Hugheses bought the estate from businessman Nick Politis for $4.69 million in 1999 when Tim was at Reg Grundy's RG Capital.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/march16castles]}
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
Shoe designer Gary Castles is another – relisting his radiant Whale Beach property (pictured above) with revised pricing for its scheduled for October 25 auction. His Malo Road property of the past three decades was initially listed for sale in March with $7 million hopes. It’s a-four bedroom house on a hillside 1,160-square-metre block that has an approved dual occupancy. There’s also approval for another level to the main residence that includes the addition of a three-car garage. David Edwards and Peter Robinson from LJ Hooker Palm Beach have the listing with $5 million-plus hopes.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/vaucluserd.jpg" width="470">
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">And make no mistakes vendors are now voluntarily realising the severity of the price revision sweeping Sydney from the harbour to the leafier acreages. At Vaucluse there's been a $1,025,000 discount to its last sale price. The 15% price fall was on Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse, at a property (pictured above) last traded at $6,875,000 in 2006 when bought by businesswoman Deborah Ricci. Presiding over majestic views of the City, Opera House, Bridge and Harbour, it was described as a "Sleeping Beauty" by its selling agent D'Leanne Lewis at Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay. But in actuality it's far from a property fairytale.</body></html>

Top end Sydney price revision underway as bank accepts 40% mortgagee loss: Title Tattle

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Arts philanthropists Simon and Catriona Mordant have sold their Darling Point penthouse after seven months on the market.

<a href="https://doublebay.ljhooker.com.au/K3AF93">The apartment </a> had been for sale with $6 million plus hopes through Bill Malouf, of LJ Hooker Double Bay, who wouldn't comment on its eventual price.
Title Tattle suggested it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/arts-guru-simon-mordant-lists-redundant-darling-point-penthouse-title-tattle/2012020853311">could fetch around $6.5 million </a> on its February listing.
The year's highest-priced apartment in Darling Point has been the <a href="https://www.rs.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-darling+point-109737366">Salacia, Yarranabbe Road penthouse </a> of the hotelier Solomon family to Neil Sutton of the Suttons motor family, who already lives in the complex.
This week another whole-floor penthouse sold for $5.7 million <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/gowing-s-retford-hall-darling-point-penthouse-gone/2012091056493">after being listed by the Gowing retailing family.</a>
Title Tattle understands the 18th-floor Retford Hall penthouse has been sold to another resident within the Thornton Street block who could potentially ambitiously connect the apartments.
The Mordant apartment, unemcumbered by any mortgage, had last traded for $5.25 million in 2002.
It was a 349-square-metre penthouse that spanned two levels in a Darling Point Road building designed by architects Peddle Thorp and Walker.
The Mordants listed the property in February following their $10.8 million purchase last year of a garden harbourfront Point Piper apartment in the Elk Developments project.
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Arts philanthropists Simon and Catriona Mordant sell Darling Point penthouse after seven months on the market

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Seven Gables, a 1902 English Revival-style Chatswood house, has been relisted for sale with reduced $2.2 million-plus hopes.
Set on 1,391 square metres, it last sold in 2005 at $1,800,120.
And before that at a record $1.7 million when bought by the Cambridge family in 2002, some 22 years after it set an earlier suburb record of $200,000.
It's been listed for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/rhcw/properties/226003">October 6 auction </a> through Hugh Macfarlan at Raine &amp; Horne Chatswood/Willoughby.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chatswood-1902-house-seven-gables-listed-with-%2424-million-plus-hopes/2012070355395">The Mowbray Road house</a> was originally built on 2,500 square metres for the German accountant Albert Borchard and his wife, Phoebe, who sold after building another new house in Wollstonecraft in 1910 to flour miller Daniel Cadwallader for £2,000.
Borchard had migrated to Australia in 1884 and travelled across NSW to do the books for a number of country stores, and was regarded as the king accountant of Sydney when he died in 1926.
He’d nostalgically named his new house Heidelberg, after the town where he grew up.
During World War I, Cadwallader changed the house's name from Heidelberg to Werribeen.
The name changed later to Seven Gables, arising from its distinctive hipped roof.
The lot dates back to the initial 65-hectare 1940 Crown grant made to James Blackett and Richard Read and then its 4.8-hectare sale to a local farmer, Frederick Holland, in April 1902.
It was named Oakfield Estate, with its smaller building parcels hived off at a time that the road was a dirt thoroughfare.
A fire gutted the roof of the property three years ago, which triggered its lengthy restoration.
Seven Gables was classified by the National Trust in 1983.
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Seven Gables, a 1902 English Revival-style Chatswood house, relisted with reduced hopes

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Eblana, the 1880s East Melbourne residence built as the residence for Thomas Jackson of Young and Jackson's Hotel fame, has been listed for sale.
The boom-period Italianate-style terrace dwelling with a grand entry approached by a flight of substantial bluestone steps is zoned Business 5 under the Melbourne Planning Scheme, allowing its varied use including office or residential.
It is to be sold with vacant possession through Marcus Quinn and Langton McHarg at<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-east+melbourne-500430463"> Knight Frank, </a>who are expecting around $4 million when expressions of interest close October 4.
Jackson’s name first appears in connection with Jolimont Road in Sands &amp; McDougall’s Melbourne and suburban directory in 1879.
In 1879 he had just vacant land on Jolimont Road.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/09/jackson.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/jacksonthumb.jpg"></a>
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/09/jackson2.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/jackson2thumb.jpg"></a>
By 1881 he was living in one of three six-bedroom brick houses that he then owned, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://prov.vic.gov.au/publications/provenance/thomas-joshua-jackson">the records </a>of the Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV), authored by Peter Fielding.
In December 1882, Jackson’s architect, James Gall, placed an advertisement in the newspapers calling for tenders to erect a villa residence.
Jackson called the house Eblana, believed at that time to be the Latin spelling for Dublin.
It was a comfortable two-storey home, complete with tiled balcony and hall, vaulted timber ceilings, leadlight windows, and horse stables with access from Jolimont Lane. 
From its rear balcony Jackson could look out across the East Melbourne Cricket Ground to his hotel at the corner of Flinders and Swanton streets.
Jackson later added a single-storey extension, in which he installed a billiard table. The house sits on a 510 square metre block.
Following the death of her husband in 1901, Sarah Jackson remained at Eblana.
After her death on Christmas Day, 1924, aged 84,  Sarah Jackson was buried with Thomas Jackson and her son James in Kew Cemetery.
In October 1925, Eblana was sold – described as a magnificent brick residence – to the Commonwealth of Australia, with it used as the head office of the Post Master General.
The then neglected house was bought by travel agency entrepreneurs Peter and Nancy Fielding, who restored Jackson’s house extensively, after paying $837,500 in 1997.
It had traded at $640,000 in a 1993 Westpac mortgagee auction.
It had traded at $1.1 million in 1990.
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Eblana, the 1880s East Melbourne house of publican Thomas Jackson, listed

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Altona, the prominent Point Piper harbourfront home, has for the first time had its asking price officially revealed at a record-setting $US56.9 million (A$54.5 million).
The home of entreprenuer Deke Miskin and his wife, Eve, has been on and off the market for some two years.
It's now with several agents, including Coldwell Banker, which has the price listed on its website.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/altona1.jpg">
In July 2007 a $55 million offer by the shopping centre scion David Lowy and his wife, Margo, for Altona was rejected by the Miskins, who subsequently indicated $60 million would trigger a sale.
The Lowys first inspected the property shortly after the actor Russell Crowe inspected the Wunulla Road property. The latest asking price is almost double the then record price of $28.5 million which was secured when sold by Fiona Handbury in 2002. 
Sydney's priciest sale sits with Villa Veneto, the five-storey Italianate villa sold by recruitment entrepreneur Andrew Banks and his wife, Andrea, in August 2010 for a reported $53 million to dentist David Penn and his wife, Linda.
The<a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/HPBF93" target="_blank"> LJ Hooker Double Bay</a> agent Bill Malouf, another Altona marketing agent, describes the property as Australia's most iconic residence on his website, but without giving any price indication.
"Altona is a unique private estate with a world class deep waterfront family lifestyle," Malouf says.
"Wrapped in harbour views and northerly sunlight, this magnificent home has Sydney Harbour Bridge as a glorious centre-piece.
"Indisputably one of a kind, the grand Italianate residence was expertly designed by Dods &amp; Zuccon Architects, with luxurious interiors by Andrew Parr of SJB," Malouf notes.
Bill Bridges at <a href="https://www.ballardproperty.com.au/Buying/Search/residentialresult/residentialdetail.aspx?id=WOOLLAHRA%202011040&amp;wlid=06e3e8fa-49c9-417e-a1c1-48d5ef721f3c" target="_blank">Ballard Property Group </a>credits the interiors to Thomas Hamel on his website listing.
It is listed on the <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-point-piper-nsw-2027/164653/?searchID=22075991" target="_blank">McGrath</a> website as price on request through Andrew Livingston and James Agostini.
Altona's name dates from its early 1900s owner, Altona James, the wife of judge Augustus Gus James.
The property has terraces overlooking lawns, a heated pool, private jetty and sauna. It also has a rooftop deck. The price includes a vacant block suitable for a tennis court. 
The US pricing gives it some fluidity as <a href="https://radicalterrace.com/post/31271325869/56-wunulla-road-altona-point-piper">RadicalTerrace</a> noted its price overnight as $US56.2 million.
"How international," the blogger noted.
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Altona, the Point Piper harbourfront, officially listed at $US56.9 million

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Laura Dundovic, ambassador for Myer and the former Miss Universe Australia, has bought her first property.
The 25-year-old paid $537,000 for a top-floor Mosman apartment. It previously sold at $455,000 in 2009.
The Dating in the Dark host inspected more than 60 properties and apparently missed out on several to her liking.
The fourth-floor views include the harbour bridge from both the lounge and her bedroom in the 1960s block. There are also water glimses.
It came with undercover carpace.
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Laura Dundovic, the former Miss Universe Australia, spends $537,000 for her first home - a top-floor Mosman apartment

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."

[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

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