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Although more than $8 million was initially hoped for, a $7.77 million Brighton waterfront auction result has buoyed top-end market sentiment.
Especially as there were three bidders at the chilly onsite Marshall White auction once auctioneer John Bongiorno indicated it was on the market at $7.2 million. Another five had registered, but didn't get to bid.
"There is a market for correctly priced property," John Borgiorno said post-auction acknowledging the need for agents to have appropriate pricing expectations.
It was in 2005 when John established the then Melbourne residential record for a sale under the hammer on The Esplanade, Brighton which sold for $7.61 million.
Buyers’ agent Mal James described the weekend offering as “the best of the best of Brighton waterfront position-wise – opposite the dog beach”.
James calculated that the price reflected close to $10,000 per square metre for the 600-square-metre waterfront portion and the rear 600 square metres at $3,000 per square metres.
“The biggest auction for the year and the biggest I can remember for some time,” James said of the invitation-only auction.
The four bedroom house, on a 1,261-square-metre cul-de-sac block with 18 metre foreshore frontage, was part of a deceased estate, having been held in the same family for 25 years. It was listed through Barb Gregory at Marshall White.
The owner is expected to build a new house on the Seacombe Grove block.
"This is an open and fair market," Mal James noted.
"The market sure ain't dead for the well priced good stuff," he added. 
Melbourne’s overall clearance rate eased to 59% from 586 reported auctions with some 86 results yet to be tallied. There was a 61% success rate in the prior weekend, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. The clearance rate had been over 60% for three consecutive weekends, the first time that had been achieved for 14 months.
On the weekend Brighton and Brighton East auctions resulted in eight sales and eight passed in.
Sydney agents secured a 56.6% clearance rate, which was lower than the 58.1% of the previous weekend, according to Australian Property Monitors.
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Brighton waterfront $7.77 million sale buoys Melbourne’s top-end market

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<img src="/images/stories/finlayson.jpg" width="470">
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Brent Scrimshaw, the vice-president and ceo of Nike Inc <place ns1:ns1:w:st="on">Europe, has listed his Malvern house (pictured above) through </place>Marshall White. With scope to update, the house with three bedroom plus study is tipped to fetch more than $1.1 million at its June 2 auction through Marshall White agent John Manton. Scrimshaw is living in <place ns2:ns2:w:st="on">Europe</place> with his family.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/may8winterhouse]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
The Misner family have relisted their redundant Wilsons Creek property (pictured above) for sale with revised $3.15 million hopes. Located 25 kilometres from Byron Bay, the house was built for Louise Moores, the heiress to the Littlewoods Pools fortune, about 12 years ago. It was sold by the now British-based Moores in 2002 for $1.4 million. The Misner family, headed by audio engineering schools' proprietor Tom Misner, tried to sell it in late 2006 for $3.45 million. In 2009 it had $3.4 million hopes for the Swiss ski lodge-style house with a flood-free creek frontage and a swimming hole 50 metres from the house. It is a six-bedroom, six-bathroom house with a commercial kitchen and a yoga-meditation room set on about three hectares. The Wilsons Creek Road house construction reputedly cost about $2 million. It has been listed through Nicolette van Wijngaarden from Unique Estates. Misner, who was last featured in the 2004 BRW Rich List with a worth of $280 million, lives on a six-hectare hinterland property at Coopers Shoot.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/kooeloah.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
Kooeloah, the Broken Head, Byron Bay retreat (pictured) has been listed for sale. With its name meaning 'home of the dolphins', it’s a tranquil haven away from the fast lane overlooking Seven Mile Beach from its lagoon and lap pools complete with two bales. The multi-level Balinese-style main residence, which comes with three more villas over its 4.2-hectare holding, has been listed through McGrath agent Paul Nicholls inconjunction with Byron Bay Property Sales. All up eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, which is why Title Tattle’s serious online rival, RadicalTerrace.com.au, suggests Kooeloah comes with $15 million hopes. Its not far from the $6.3 million vacant land acquisition by the Staley family. Local architect Christine Vadez designed the Balinese-style design, which was built by Ian Heanes for Suinee Wong Lomas, a retired film and television producer, and Eric Lomas, the retired chief executive of Singapore’s The Yellow River Network, after they bought the northern NSW property in 1989.
<img src="/images/stories/illawarrard.jpg" width="470">
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Rick and Richelle Marks, who are the owners of Rub-a-Dub car wash, have listed their contemporary Hawthorn house (pictured above). The open-plan house is described as?minimalist but comfortable by its Woodards agent Rodney Morley. The?kitchen and dining areas are finished in granite and marble. There are three bedrooms, two marble bathrooms and a media room; the master bedroom on the first floor has a parents’ retreat The Illawarra Avenue house was  designed by architect Andrew Norbury of Metier3. It is listed at $3.6?million.
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Kooeloah, Byron Bay's $15 million Balienese listing: Title Tattle

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Sophie and Dale's South Melbourne terrace offering in The Block 2012 series is the subject to date of a whisper marketing campaign.
There’s also been a blog website set up, <a href="https://bestontheblock.com.au">bestontheblock.com.au</a>, to assist anyone curious about the design work of the couple, who quickly secured a following after their creative bedhead installation.
Its Kay &amp; Burton listing agent Alex Schiavo is yet to publicly market the property through regular print or internet advertising avenues, but has apparently already shown a string of interested parties having identified them as likely buyers of 401 Dorcas Street from the estate agency database.
<img src="/images/stories/sophiedalebedhead.jpg">
There was also a mid-week caravan of K&amp;B agents at the terrace – when they met up with the highly qualified tradespeople who worked on the terrace to seek confirmation about all the features, fixtures and fittings of the terrace.
Only four of the nine room renovations have been revealed in the terraces, which were completed some months ago.
<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-lessons-from-the-block-and-other-property-reality-television-shows" target="_blank">For lessons property investors can learn from property reality TV, download our free eBook.</a>
 
 
 
 
 
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Sophie and Dale’s Dorcas Street terrace challenges Brad and Lara’s for title of 'the best on The Block'

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Tregoyd, the seven-bedroom 1890s Mosman mansion, has been listed for $5,500 weekly rental.
It last sold to the Paris-based O’Brien family for $3.25 million in 1999 when they became its fourth owner.
The residence was part of the 1.1-hectare estate sold for $11 million in 1996 by Pioneer Concrete founder Sir Tristan Antico, who was quite the gentleman when he showed Title Tattle through the house before its sale. It was where Sir Tristan and Lady Antico raised their seven children.
Antico, who died at 81 in 2005, arrived at Sydney's overseas terminal in 1930, aged seven, with just three words of English – "yes, no and toilet". He swam, well into his 70s, each morning at Balmoral Beach, just below Tregoyd. It was his love of horses – through Bernborough Breeding and Racing Ltd – that bought him fiscal problems when in the early 1990s horse prices dropped by 50% or more. His personal losses were considerable so in 1991 he sold almost all of his Pioneer shares but remained in the honorary capacity of president until the Pioneer he had built in 1950 with a few wheelbarrows and shovels and an Oldsmobile was consumed by Lord Hanson's group in 2000 for around $4 billion.
The National Trust-listed mansion was built for Sir William Cullen, the Chief Justice of NSW. Author Ethel Turner, of Seven Little Australians fame, spent much of her time at Tregoyd visiting Lady Cullen and finding inspiration in the gardens and views overlooking Balmoral Beach.
Tregoyd's second owner was Mosman Daily newspaper founder Arthur Walker, who bought the Raglan Street property in 1917. Walker sold to Sir Tristan and Lady Antico for £11,000 in 1953.
Despite hard-fought opposition from locals, the estate was carved into a luxury residential compound with 11 pavillion-style houses designed by Allen Jack &amp; Cottier architect Keith Cottier.
The 120-year-old residence sits on a 2,800-square-metre curtilage.
The townhouse project was undertaken by the Malaysian-backed Dealruby group, known for its $180 million high-rise apartment towers at Moore Park Gardens in South Dowling Street, Redfern.
It’s listed through Ray White Neutral Bay/Mosman leasing agent Nick Yates.
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Mosman 1890s mansion Tregoyd listed for $5,500 weekly rental

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The Town and Country Hotel at St Peter's Sydney, immortalised in the Duncan song by Slim Dusty, was passed in at $2.21 million at its auction today.
Bidding on the hotel on Unwin's Bridge Road opened at $1.8 million through auctioneer Damien Cooley.
It's listed through Gerry Quinlan at Manetti Quinlan hotel brokers, who was seeking $2.5 million on initial marketing. It comes with 15 poker machines and potential redevelopment possibilities. The song was actually written by Pat Alexander seven years before it topped the charts in 1981 for two weeks.
The auction bids featured in the TGC Sydney Property Twitter updates from the auction room.
<img src="/images/stories/towncountrytwitter1.jpg">
Alexander wrote the song had come out of an experience while selling life insurance.
"I love to have a beer with Duncan, I love to have a beer with Dunc. We drink in moderation, and we never, never ever get rolling drunk. We drink at the Town and Country, where the atmosphere is great. I love to have a beer with Duncan 'cause Duncan's me mate."
Alexander sent one of his discs to Slim Dusty's post office box address and it was his wife, Joy McKean, who happened to play Duncan, and liked it.
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Slim Dusty 'Duncan' hotel passed in

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Melbourne bookmaker Mark Read and wife Shari are having another go at selling their Sunshine Coast acreage retreat at Cooroy Mountain.
It’s been listed for June 22 auction through Ray White Rural agents Peter Douglas and Barry Quinn.
Read, who’s been involved in the sports betting industry for about four decades, once run his business out of the property.
The 10-year-old, double-story Queenslander homestead has 1,340 square metres of space across 16 rooms.
The 44-hectare cattle stud property, known as Beauty Falls, sits in the foothills of Cooroy Mountain in the Noosa hinterland.
Horse lovers will be attracted by its Olympic dressage arena, 18 seven-metre stables with four full-size horse boxes, separate tack room, wash bay and a 75-square-metre holding yard and water.
With 15 paddocks and a three-bedroom cottage, the farm improvements include a set of 125-head steel yards, loading ramp, veterinary handling crush, calf cradle and floodlights.
In the last marketing campaign around $4,875,000 was sought. There were $7 million-plus hopes on its initial 2009 listing.
The latest marketing includes commentary from Read that the property had “been on the market far too long”.
“I cannot expect even replacement cost in the current market, but in my game you do not win on every race.
“The auction will judge its value,” he said.
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Bookie Mark Read tries again to sell Cooroy Mountain horse retreat on the Sunshine Coast

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One of the four <city>Richmond</city> properties on the hit Channel 9 renovation series The Block 2011 is back on the rental market, but with a lower rental asking price.
It was the dearest home sold at last year's auction – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/take-two-auction-frenzy-as-only-one-offering-left-on-the-block/2011082351266">the three-bedroom <street>37 Cameron Street</street> Edwardian cottage, which Josh and Jenna sold for $1 million.</a>
<img src="/images/stories/cameronimpression.jpg"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/friday-form-guide-yields-of-up-to-7.5-on-the-block/2011081851199">Before last September's auction buyers were given guidance</a> that the property could be expected to fetch between $1,200 and $1,300 per week in rent and came with price hopes of $900,000 to $990,000.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/block-richmond-properties-hit-the-rental-market-with-yields-of-up-to-6.3/2011092851717">It was initially for lease</a> with a weekly $1,250 asking rent last September.
Its is now available for rent at $1,100 a week.
It’s listed for rent through Woodwards Carnegie.
Its initial asking rent post-auction reflected a 6.3% gross yield.
<a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-lessons-from-the-block-and-other-property-reality-television-shows">For lessons property investors can learn from property reality TV, download our free eBook.</a>
 
 
 
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Top-selling Block 2011 Richmond property reduces asking rent: Title Tattle 

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Mirvac's 46-townhouse development Laureate in Albert Park, set in gardens designed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.e-ga.com.au/">Eckersley Garden Architecture</a>, has won the HIA's 2012 townhouse/villa development of the year. 
<img src="/images/stories/laureate1.jpg">
The $90 million project was completed in early 2011 on its 8,144-square-metre site opposite the <place><placename>Gasworks</placename><placename>Arts</placename><placetype>Park</placetype></place>. 
They were marketed as a modern twist on the Victorian terrace. 
Set among textured and patterned plants, vines and trees, the site is bordered by Pickles, Graham, Foot and Dank Streets. 
<img src="/images/stories/laureate2.jpg">
Spanning three and four levels, the townhouses ranged in size from 164 square metres internal space to 320 square metres plus. 
Some 85% of the townhouses were sold off the plan. 
Mirvac is currently advertising its last townhouse priced at $1,799,000. 
There are other on sale listings including one at $1,899,000 for a four-bedroom townhouse through RT Edgar.
 
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Mirvac’s Albert Park townhouse development Laureate wins laurels at HIA awards

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Property developer Bruce Tilley has listed his <street>Hedges Avenue</street>, <place><placename>Mermaid</placename><placetype>Beach</placetype></place> house. It's a tall house on a narrow block. The Inarc Design house was finished in 2008 to specifications that it be a high-quality residence with rock-star quality, according to its listing in the architecture gallery on the <a href="https://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&amp;entryno=2009046593" target="_blank">Australian Institute of Architects website.</a>
It was noted on completion that the client had a "no pockets in a shroud philosophy" and set the budget as required to enable the desired result.
Ross Spencer and Daniel Dziadyk worked on the project, which was built by Vitto Ulliana. The interiors were undertaken by Sue Hiscox, with Tony Dowthwaite responsible for its lighting.
The McGrath selling agent Rob <city>London</city> says it’s a landmark on the Gold Coast's premier beachfront street. He suggests the four-level residence blends powerful architecture with a sleek interior ambience from its dramatic black granite foyer inwards towards the beach level entertaining area with billiards and bar, along with eco fireplace in its beachfront lounge.
It comes with an opulent master bedroom with dressing room and spa ensuite and one king bedroom suite per level. Its oak flooring was recycled from a French chateau.
There's a basement six-car garage with turntable.
Tilley, who recently turned 60, is the managing director of the First State Group, which was founded in 1992 and mostly specialises in the construction of commercial, residential and industrial property.
Offers close July 11. The 405-square-metre block cost $1.4 million in 2000.
 
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No-expenses-spared Mermaid Beach property hits the market  

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The striking Wharf Road, Gladesville residence Avondale has sold for $5,325,000, the highest sale of the week.
The 2,141-square metre estate was sold under the hammer by auctioneer Christopher Mourd of Cooley Auctions on Saturday, May 19. There were seven registered bidders, with three putting in bids. Savills listing agents Adam Ross and Shayne Harris had been seeking more than $4.8 million.
The house dates back to 1888, with renovations undertaken in 1993 and 2009. It’s an ornate Victorian residence built by solicitor Edwin Sandys Lumsdaine, the husband of Banjo Paterson's sister, Rose Florence Paterson. A son of Reverend William Lumsdaine, he was also a religious, having a small chapel built within the house, which is now used as a study. The grounds have the original stables, which have been converted to a self-contained guest house overlooking a 16-metre swimming pool. There's also an 1830s sandstone cottage, Rockend, which was the home of Banjo Paterson's grandmother and as a young man, the iconic bush poet lived there with her.
With ornate original details throughout, the two-storey residence has elegant formal sitting and dining rooms, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a modern marble kitchen.
<img src="/images/stories/albertcres.jpg">
The week’s second most expensive sale was a five-bedroom Fitzroy North house (pictured above), sold by Nelson Alexander Real Estate for $4.2 million. Its auction was extremely heated, according Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon.
“A huge crowd of around 300 people looked on as two punters with deep pockets went toe to toe for almost half an hour and placing around 200 bids,” Armstrong says.
 
1. 76 Wharf Road, Gladesville, NSW, 2111, five-bedroom house sold at auction on May 19 by Savills NSW for $5,325,000
2. 39 Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North, VIC, 3068, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on May 19 by Nelson Alexander Real Estate Fitzroy for $4.2 million
3. 5 Adaluma Avenue, Buddina, Queensland, 4575, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on May 17 by Elite Lifestyle Properties for $3,112,500
4. 9 Beauchamp Avenue, Chatswood, NSW, 2067, five-bedroom house, sold before auction on May 19 by Century 21 Cordeau Marshall Lindfield for $2.7 million
5. 6 Rivers Street, Bellevue Hill, NSW, 2023, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on May 15 by Laing + Simmons Double Bay for $2.6 million
6. 1 Ryries Parade, Cremorne, NSW, 2090, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on May 19 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.6 million
7. 39 Bay Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186, five-bedroom house, sold before auction on May 19 by Hodges Brighton for $2.4 million
8. 31 Rubens Grove, Canterbury, VIC, 3126, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on May 19 by Marshall White Albert Park/Armadale/Brighton/Hawthorn for $2.3 million
9. 15 Evans Road, Kew, VIC, 3101, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on May 19 by Jellis Craig Real Estate Hawthorn for $2.27 million
10. 32 Duke Street, Bulimba, Queensland, 4171, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on May 17 by Place Estate Agents for $2.12 million
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Gladesville residence Avondale leads week’s top sales: RP Data

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.

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The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

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For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

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As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

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Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

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

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[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."

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&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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&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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