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NSW nears 700,000 official landlords as Sydney vacancy rate hits six-year high

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Historic Juniper Hall in Paddington - once the Ormonde House Orphanage - is being cast aside by The National Trust of Australia.The colonial offering has been scheduled for September 18 auction, albeit on 99 year leasehold terms.
Its been listed through Laing + Simmons agent Michael Minogue inconjunction with Cushman &amp; Wakefield agent Tony Anderson.
The now commercial office property was built in the 1820s, reputedly the oldest surviving mansion in the eastern suburbs dating back to the days of Governor Macquarie. The Georgian house was built for the third wife of Robert Cooper, who owned one of the first distilleries in the colony. "It was a very difficult decision as we are in the business of conservation and all our properties are precious,'' Gerry Hayes, Director of Properties for the National Trust of Australia (NSW) told the Wentworth Courier. ``But it's the real world and like any corporate identity in hard financial times we are focused on making our assets work more efficiently. ``A lot of money is tied up in the property that could be better used to look after our other assets.'' The Trust secured Juniper Hall in 1984 with funds from different sources including community donations. It became a Bicentennial restoration project with State Government funds and the sponsorship of Amatil. Its purchase and restoration was also funded by the Paddington Society,, the Woollahra Committee, and Woollahra Council.
Its restoration was undertaken by achitect Clive Lucas who was given a RAIA merit award for conservation work.
The National Trust had believed that when it was restored, that Juniper Hall would be among its most successful buildings, but its been a problem property especially since the 1992 closure of the Museum of Australian Childhood.
The listing agent Michael Minogue has suggested that prior to feedback from its open for inspections it was too early to determine its value, and even its marketing is lacking direction, with suggestions it could suit "commercial office, business mixed use or grand residential manor."  
The Society for the Relief of Destitute Children opened Ormond House in Oxford Street, Paddington for the reception of needy children in 1852. The Benevolent Society set up the society and leased the property. Ormond House was purchased by the Government and the running of it continued to be undertaken by the society. The government funding was withdrawn around 1880. It's been suggested part of the building was used as the first Childrens' Court. It was sold in around 1925 by the government.</body></html>

National Trust lists problematic Juniper Hall Paddington property for auction

Pine Hill, the 1926 Frankston&nbsp;home of Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce, has been listed for mortgagee tender.

Bruce, who had the ignominy of being the only Australian prime minister until John Howard to lose his own seat at election, built the house at a&nbsp;£20,000 cost.

Pine Hill, aka Bruce Manor,&nbsp; was designed by the <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> firm of architects Prevost Synnot and Rewald, in association with Robert Bell Hamilton as a Mediterranean-inspired residence with paved courtyards, Cordova patterned roof tiles, a Juliet balcony and timber panelled interiors.

"It's a near complete example of the Mediterranean style –&nbsp;which, when built on this scale, was considered glamorous and exotic in the '20s and '30s," its Harcourts Frankston listing agent Aaron Froling says.

"Today it is still extra impressive," he adds.

<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/34-pinehill-drive-frankston/Property-Details-buy-residential-4347829" target="_blank">It has been listed</a> in conjunction with Hocking Stuart agent Adrian Foster, who are taking tenders until September 25. More than $900,000 is estimated by some market observers with $200,000 plus potentially needing to be spent on its refurbishment.

It comes with spacious rooms, high ceilings –&nbsp;many timber lined –&nbsp;and open fireplaces.

Wrapped around a central piazza, its ground floor includes an impressive entry leading to an open living room incorporating substantial formal and informal living areas.

There are between seven and 10 bedrooms and a library/study along with several bathrooms.

The property had out buildings used periodically as hostel accommodation for the aged.

Its sold at $895,000 in 2002, but its curtiliage has been reduced from 6,000 square metres to about 4,500 square metres, with 10-apartment subdivision that has been sold over the past three months.

The house also has an important association with The Lodge in <a href="/new-apartments/canberra-act">Canberra</a>, which was constructed in 1926; both were built in a similar architectural style and both were first lived in by the Bruces.

Bruce was prime minister of Australia from 1923 to 1929 as the Depression hit.

It's been listed by Korda Mentha.

Pine Hill, aka Stanley Melbourne Bruce's Mediterranean Frankston Manor, listed for mortgagee auction

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Geoff Harvey, the former musical director of The Midday Show, is another Berrima resident who's recently sold a property with cricket pitch.
Indeed Broomielaw at Berrima even came with rugby field.
It is a 40-hectare property in the Southern Highlands, which features mostly natural bushland dipping to a kilometre of Wingecarribee riverfront.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/broomielaw.jpg">
The four-bedroomed Broomielaw had been the retreat of Harvey and his wife, Katrina, for 33 years, and in more recent times the former Channel 9 music maestro and his wife operate a highly regarded bed and breakfast, Broomielaw Barn. 
Harvey's tastes were witnessed in the rugby field, cricket pitch and vineyard.
Angus Campbell-Jones at <a href="https://www.cjpbowral.com.au/properties-for-sale/rural/rural-detail/Broomielaw" target="_blank">Campbell-Jones Property  </a>secured $1.65 million earlier this year.
The town's other big sale was when the Australian cricket captain <a href="/news">Michael Clarke and wife, Kyly</a>, bought a very pretty private estate that comes complete with picket fenced oval and cricket pitch.
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Berrima's other cricket pitch sold too, by music maestro Geoff Harvey

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Les Flots Bleus, the clifftop Shelley Beach, Manly, property that set the suburb's then residential record in 2007, has been sold.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/home-economist-lists-record-setting-fairy-bower-manly-property-title-tattle/2012021553405" target="_blank">It was listed earlier this year </a>by home economist Jane Fitton-Williams, the relatively low-key cookery expert and author of Foolproof Food.
It was listed through Jake Rowe from McGrath, who had secured its $6.75 million sale in 2007.
Rowe says there has been an inspired “re-imagining” of the traditional three-storey period home since its sale.
He suggests the UK-bound Fitton-Williams has created a sumptuous world-class designer retreat.
It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
It stands with views over the Fairy Bower point surf break, Shelly Beach up towards Manly Beach and beyond to the central coast.
The 696-square-metre block comes with poolside entertainment space with kitchenette and bathroom.
Its deluxe kitchen comes with AGA stove, butler’s pantry and cool room.
Hailing from England, Fitton-Williams is a skilled AGA demonstrator who can be booked for one-on-one demonstrations of the iconic stove.
Its previous owner was InterStrat strategic marketing company founder Professor Linden Brown, who bought and built the house for $1.43 million in 1997 and then paid the leasehold renewal, which cost about $550,000.
Rowe, who was initially telling buyers that he expected $7 million plus for the listing, declined to give a sales price.
 
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Les Flots Bleus, the Manly home of the foolproof food empire, sells 

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Singer Shannon Noll has yet to sell his Condobolin cottage.
It was his first house bought in late 2002 – before he was catapulted into the charts following his Australian Idol success.
<img src="/images/stories/noll2.jpg">
The High Street house cost $150,000.
It now has a $198,000 asking price.
It was listed with $230,000 hopes late last year, then $220,000 hopes and didn't sell when scheduled for May auction.
Noll has not unsurprisingly stuck with his estate agent, the Ray White Parkes agent Kim Noll, but recently allowed another local agent, <a target="_blank" href="https://jnstraney.com.au/2012/08/24-high-street/">J N Straney &amp; Son Pty Ltd</a> a conjunctional agency.
It was in 2003 when the sleepy little in western NSW was nicknamed Shannonville.
The town of 3,000 on the Lachlan River was brought to life by the success of the local singer.
Shortly after his singing success captured the nation he moved to Sydney with fiancee Rochelle and their sons Blake, 16 months, and Cody, 3.</body></html>

Singer Shannon Noll chops his Condo cottage asking price

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Art dealer Sotheby’s Melbourne headquarters at 926 High Street, Armadale, was passed in at $4.8 million at its recent auction.
The property had been listed with an annual rental of $352,760, of which Sotheby’s pays around $300,000.
It had been tipped to fetch <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/sotheby-s-building-on-high-street-armadale-for-auction/2012080655870" target="_blank">more than $5 million</a> through Chris Kombi and David Bourke at Fitzroys. Its now listed at $5.25 million.
Sotheby’s Australia is moving into central Melbourne to two floors of a building that is currently under construction, Australian Financial Review reporter Terry Ingram wrote.
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Sotheby's Melbourne headquarters still for sale

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The former 1880s industrial-era plaster factory of antique dealers Edward and Peta Clarke in the Melbourne suburb of Windsor has been listed for sale.
Offers are due by September 12 through Kay &amp; Burton. The property last traded at $1.02 million in 2006 when bought in a liquidation sale.
The Thomas Street corner factory, with views towards the CBD, was subsequently converted into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in an ambitious renovation overseen by Chris Connell.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/thomas2.jpg">
The spacious home comes with antique French doors throughout and a reconstructed antique staircase by Christopher Morgeau.
The entrance leads into a large showroom plus living room, library/office and a garage with a lift servicing the three floors.
An antique staircase leads to level one consisting of a family room with large arched windows. A main bedroom includes walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. There is a separate bathroom, laundry and lift access to all the levels.
Upstairs on the third floor is an assorted collection of art and colour, with an open-plan kitchen overlooking the enormous balcony with panoramic views of Melbourne by night.
<a href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/29-thomas-street-windsor" target="_blank">The house  </a>has been tipped to fetch more than $3.5 million.
The antique dealer couple's previous renovation was another residential warehouse fit-out of the former Golden Crust Bakery in Armadale overseen by Jackson Clements Burrows.
The 915-square-metre Sutherland Road premises, built in 1915, was largely untouched when the Clarks bought it in the mid-1980s.
The fittings included oak doors, lanterns and bronze door fittings from Paris, plus a wrought-iron staircase reproduction.
The property, which includes an open and airy, three-bedroom house, a first-floor gallery space and the former stables with bedroom, ensuite and living area, was listed in 2006 through Kay &amp; Burton with $4 million-plus hopes.
Title Tattle recalls it fetched $4.55 million when bought by Mark Rowsthorn.
 
 
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Industrial-era Windsor factory abode listed with $3.5 million-plus hopes

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A Malaysian family has snapped up an inner-city Melbourne commercial property with redevelopment potential.
The five-level building at 11 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne, fetched $14 million.
The building, which is fully leased to IT group Dimension Data, sold through CBRE agents Mark Wizel and Justin Clarkson at an 8.1% yield on the current passing income.
Clarkson says the sale highlighted continued demand for commercial investment property in Victoria.
 “We are seeing strong levels of demand for well-leased and well-located passive investment grade assets in Victoria in the current market, with many groups shying away from assets that have significant vacancy risk or exposure to downward rental pressure,” Clarkson says.
However, Wizel adds the property’s medium-term potential for residential or mixed-use development was attractive for the private Malaysian family, who are securing their first Australian commercial property.
Inner-city Melbourne acquistions from buyers from Malaysia, Singapore and China has topped an estimated $680 million over the past 2 ½ years, Wizel says.
“Demand has remained strong even with the Australian dollar reaching $1.05 in recent times,” Wizel says
“The strong level of interest from Asian purchasers is due to the natural geographic links between Australia and key Asian countries as well as the affinity that many Asian investors have with Australia.”
Earlier this month, Richard Gu and his AXF Group, a subsidiary of the Shanghai family’s development firm, acquired Total House in Melbourne’s Chinatown for $40 million.
It is expected Gu will undertake a major CBD project  at Total House, a retail, car park and office complex. 
It has a 409-bay car park, eight retail tenancies and 4,000 square metres of office space.
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CBRE agents Mark Wizel and Josh Rutman acted for Gu.
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The property was sold by private investors MEK Nominees through Michael Gross of Gross Waddell.
Other sales have included SP Setia Australia’s $30 million purchase of 151-165 Franklin Street, the Fulton Lane residential towers development site, near the Queen Victoria Market.
The open-air 4,340-square-metre car park site, with two street frontages of Franklin and A'Beckett streets, was bought by Malaysia's largest property development company, SP Setia, from businessman Solomon Lew for just over $30 million.
CEL Australia paid $25 million for of 150 Queen Street. Its Singaporean developer Chip Eng Seng proposes a landmark apartment tower that would include 555 apartments that would replace a rundown office building with a 66-level residential tower.
Hengyi Australia bought 199 William Street in early 2011. The purchase of the Australian National Telecommunications Building located in Melbourne’s CBD marked the beginning of Shandong HYI (Group) Co. Ltd’s overseas investment.
Its now marketing the residential apartments through CBRE as The William, designed by Bruce Henderson Architects. Hengyi Australia is part of an international company behind China's $1 billion Weifang City shopping centre. 
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Malaysian family spend $14 million on Dorcas Street, South Melbourne development prospect

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The Uardry Merino stud and property has been sold to South Australia's Brinkworth family.
Tom and Patricia Brinkworth and family are considered among Australia’s biggest wool growers, reportedly owning 68 properties.
It comes just a year since the Black family announced plans <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/pedigree-riverina-merino-sheep-station-listed-for-a-pretty-shilling/2011081451150">last August</a> to sell the iconic 35,000-hectare NSW property. It last traded at the depth of the early 1970s wool recession.
The sheep farm near Hay produced “Hallmark”, the ram featured on the Australian shilling from 1938 to 1966.
Initial estimates suggested about $40 million was expected for the offering, although today's Weekly Times report does not give a selling price estimate. The Black family has owned Uardry – established in 1864 and home to the Shilling Ram – since the early 1970s. In announcing plans for the sale last year, Uardry managing director Graeme Black said his family's decision "to divest its interests was not made lightly''. In 2005, the Black family sold the 80,000-hectare Yanga Station at Balranald to the NSW government for a reported $30 million to $40 million.
Colliers International executive of rural and agribusiness Craig Young confirmed the October 30 scheduled settlement, saying it was good to see that an Australian family had purchased the Uardry property.
Mr Brinkworth and wife Patricia already control more than 1 million hectares – home to 350,000 sheep – across South Australia and NSW.
“It spreads our risk around a bit, and it’s a really good location with a bit of water,” Mr Brinkworth told The Australian Financial Review of the acquisition. Industry sources said it sold for about $30 million.
The sale was facilitated by the vendor advocate Bill Russell of Russell Harvey &amp; Co, the property advisory company.
The stud's <a href="https://www.uardry.com/about-uardry/history">full history featured on its website</a> starts when the first Europeans to take up land at Uardry were John Ray and Henry Angel. Ray arrived in 1840, Angel following four years later. Ray and Angel were cattle breeders and reaped the benefits of the 1850s goldrush by selling stock to hungry miners on the New South Wales and Victorian goldfields.
In 1864, Angel and Ray sold their properties and lease holding to the partnership of Thomas and William Wragge and John and James Hearn for 1,000 pounds. For the next 11 years, the Wragge and Hearn partnership ran the property changing the name to Wardry. Some time later, the name was changed to Uardry (Aboriginal for Yellow-Box tree) when a land surveyor showed the name clashed with another Wardry further north.
It was the Wragge and Hearn partnership that introduced merino sheep to Uardry in 1864. They bought 5,000 four-year old ewes from the Peppin Brothers of Wanganella.
Charles Mills, Andrew Neilson and William Smith became the new owners of Uardry in 1875. Charles Mills and Andrew Neilson were particularly skilled woolmen and through their guidance, Uardry began to develop as a stud of major significance.
Mills and Neilson together evolved the Uardry Merino as a distinct strain; big-framed, with bold fronts and good folds, the wool was long stapled, dense and of excellent quality. Tremendous importance was placed on the character and handle of the wool. The records show that for the first 45 years, no Australian-bred sheep were introduced to Uardry. According to Charles Mills’ diaries up to 1909, the only introduction in Uardry’s first 45 years of evolution were two early Rambouillets, one discarded early, the other used to breed up an American flock of 500 ewes some years later. A Saxon ram was introduced after the original Rambouillets. This important fact forms the basis for the prepotency of the Uardry stock.
<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-222" title="shearing" src="https://www.uardry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shearing.jpg" height="150" width="216">On the deaths of his partners, Charles Mills bought out their shares and with the assistance of his eldest son, Ainslie, continued to develop the stud further. When Ainslie died of appendicitis in 1908, his brother Neilson took up the reins and he worked closely with his father for 8 years, absorbing much of Charles Mills’ knowledge and experience.
Following Charles’ retirement in 1909, Neilson Mills introduced nine Boonoke rams. Another infusion of new blood during Neilson’s era was from Haddon Rig. The other purchase of significance was a pen of rams and some ewes from the Murgha stud dispersal of 1921. From this pen of rams purchased, one in particular stood out. He became the Grass-Fed Champion at Sydney in 1923 and eventually the Grand Champion Ram. He sired many top sheep and was the grandsire of Uardry 0.1 – the ram on the Australian Shilling coin.
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Uardry Merino stud sold to South Australia's Brinkworth family 

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.

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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.

[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."

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&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.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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