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Gold Coast's premium apartment sector will likely welcome another contender as a beachfront application looks to deliver premium oversized apartments to Surfers Paradise.

Only 50 apartments are earmarked within a 31 storey development on the intersection of Garfield Terrace and Thornton Street. Maintaining absolute beach frontage, the tower is set to capped by a tri-level five bedroom penthouse that sets the tone for the overall development.

Three sub penthouse apartments containing four bedrooms and 46 triple bedroom apartments round out the application's living options.

Blight Rayner are responsible for 59 Garfield Terrace's design, taking advantage of the site's high density residential zoning to yield the 98 metre tower across the relatively small 608 square metre site. Entity PM No.1 Pty Ltd is backing the application.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image48_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Absolute beach frontage. Image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="755" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_16.jpg?itok=uF6pAP6w" title="Absolute beach frontage. Image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Absolute beach frontage. Image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>Blight Rayner's design draws inspiration from its intended coastal setting:

<blockquote>
The architectural proposition is driven by the site’s natural beauty and coastal environment. Beaches are a natural phenomenon that are formed around rocky outcrops and made up of eroded materials that have been transported from elsewhere.

Our architectural approach to form and materials looks to this natural phenomenon to inform the proposition. To anchor the proposal, dark rocky walls form the base in which the elevated lobby sits.

The rocky outcrops are eroded to house landscape and become escapements for outlook. The tower structure is seen as a charcoal concrete which extrudes from the rocky base.
</blockquote>

These rocky walls frame the tower's communal areas, headlined by a gym and overt swimming pool which is seemingly perched above the beach. Spanning two levels, the podium also includes an elevated lobby that accounts for the main space at ground level.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image45_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level activation. Image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="298" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_11.jpg?itok=CvPVzGpV" title="Ground level activation. Image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level activation. Image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>Not far from the heart of Surfers Paradise and skyline defining towers such as Soul and Q1, 59 Garfield Terrace is part of an emerging sub precinct of beachfront towers.

Northcliffe Residences is nearby; upon completion it will include 75 apartments over 28 levels in another luxury project for developers Qingjian Group and CNQC. Also surrounding 59 Garfield Terrace are expected towers at 2945 Surfers Paradise Boulevard and 9-11 Thornton Street.

9-11 Thornton Street has been approval for 81 apartments across 30 storeys.
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silvermb

A new player seeks its place in the Gold Coast luxury apartment spotlight

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<a href="/developers/stockland">Stockland</a> is making good on a plan to realise a major mixed-use development in suburban <a href="/new-apartments/epping-nsw-2121">Sydney's Epping</a>, lodging plans last week that will pave the way for a substantial tower.

At the heart of the $181.5 million build is a new 29 storey building that would be dedicated to a residential aged care and independent seniors living units. The size and sophistication of aged care developments across the nation has advanced markedly in recent years, although Stockland's bid for <a href="/developments/epping-nsw-2121">29-33 Oxford Street</a> and 6-14 Cambridge Street is by far and away the nation's tallest.

Already a leading retirement living provider, Stockland in league with the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay intend to deliver the project which would stand on the grounds of Our Lady Help of Christians Church.

As such the project is multi-faceted in that offices, retail, a primary school and ancillary church uses are also included.

<h2>29-33 Oxford Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image41_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="255" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_13.jpg?itok=l4eHlKNK" title="Street level perspective. Image: Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a></figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Tower to stand 95.9 metres</li>
	<li>Included is a 132 bed residential care facility and 205 independent seniors living units</li>
	<li>2-3 storey primary school for 210 students with a second stream school planned, boosts student numbers to 420</li>
	<li>200 seat parish hall</li>
	<li>Landscaped public areas</li>
	<li>Basement provisions for 372 vehicles</li>
</ul>
<a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a> conceived the precinct design, and in their Urban Design report outlined the opportunity the sizeable site provides:

<blockquote>
This is an extraordinary proposal for an extraordinary site. Unlike adjacent developments, the proposal will provide great public benefit to the locality, including parish, education, cultural, residential and retail facilities.

The proposal has been designed for the long term and intends to consolidate the Parish’s contribution to the community for the next 100 years. The proposed housing in the vicinity of the Town Centre and Epping Station, will keep elderly residents engaged and connected to the community for a longer period of time.

Similarly, the proximity of the elderly to young children creates the potential for mutual benefit, while prolonging the health and happiness of our oldest citizens.
</blockquote>

Stockland first flagged its intentions for the site during May after announcing the tie up with the Catholic Church. At the time Stockland’s CEO of Retirement Living Stephen Bull noted:

<blockquote>
The site for the proposed new community is within walking distance to rail, which will soon be upgraded to Metro, and the Epping town centre.

We know seniors want to be part of a vibrant, thriving community close to public transport, shops, clubs, cafés and restaurants, and we want to provide options for people to remain living in the communities they know and love as they age, close to families, friends and services.
</blockquote>

The existing heritage-listed church will be preserved enhanced externally.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image37_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aged care among many purely residential towers. Image: Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_10.jpg?itok=CLVIUjkW" title="Aged care among many purely residential towers. Image: Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aged care among many purely residential towers. Image: Architectus</figcaption></figure>Stockland is already heavily vested in the national aged care sector with over 12,000 residents calling a Stockland retirement village their home.

Whilst the Epping application is noteworthy for its sheer height, it is not the only substantial development Stockland has on its agenda. The developer continues to push for a <a href="/news/stockland-pushes-for-the-pines-to-include-retirement-apartments">mass redevelopment of its Stockland the Pines shopping centre</a> in <a href="/new-apartments/doncaster-east-vic-3109">Melbourne's Doncaster East</a>; included there were 283 retirement living apartments although Manningham City Council stymied the application mid year.

Birtinya Vertical Village also counts itself in the Stockland stable. South of Sunshine Coast, the project is all but complete and features a string of multi-level retirement villages with supporting services.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image91_4_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stockland's Doncaster East bid. Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image91_4_0.jpg?itok=82tZnH32" title="Stockland's Doncaster East bid. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stockland's Doncaster East bid. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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Stockland moves on the nation's tallest integrated aged care development

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Apartments.com.au's Project Database continues to flourish on a national scale, with hundreds of new entries added in recent weeks.

One such locality garnering an increased presence in the database is that of the Moreton Bay Region, directly north of Brisbane. Spanning in excess of 2,000 square kilometres, the local government area is bolstering the growth of Apartments.com.au's Project Database, with predominantly apartment development applications becoming all the more common in recent times.

Popular seaside locations Scarborough and Redcliffe aside, adjoining Newport has stepped up with a significant development application in play. The August submission sees Rothelowman imprint their design nous upon Newport Marina, creating dual mixed-use 10 storey buildings for local property player Kindred Developments.

The 11,133 square metre waterfront site is in store for a hefty transformation under plans which would see luxury apartments, serviced apartments and a four star hotel component added above an activated ground plane.

Located in a distinctly low-rise area, the proposed development is guided by the vision that "Newport Marina will be a renowned destination with a landscape that embraces its marine character. Through a series of highly engaging waterfront spaces, it will be buzzing with activity as a new lifestyle hub."

Headline numbers for Newport Marina include 93 apartments, 24 serviced apartments and 120 hotel rooms, supplemented by function spaces, 980 square metres of retail space and provisions for 226 vehicles.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image19_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new face for Newport Marina. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_22.jpg?itok=bKL9FgSL" title="A new face for Newport Marina. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new face for Newport Marina. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Another recent application reflective of the growing scale of intended waterfront developments within the region is Redcliffe's 19-23 Redcliffe Parade. The July application by Makeni Investments &amp; Developments sought and received a permit extension for a 12 storey building with 163 apartments.

Developments at 115-131 Redcliffe Parade, 75 Redcliffe Parade and 79 Redcliffe Parade are also waiting in the wings after receiving permit extensions, and stand to add a combined 272 apartments.

Of the projects noted within the Apartments.com.au Project Database which fall within the Moreton Bay Region, 24 are found along the coastal stretch which encompasses Newport, Redcliffe and Scarborough. The popular locations sit approximately 35 kilometres north of Brisbane, give or take.

The trio of locations are also reflective of the wider Brisbane apartment market in that the majority of projects within the Apartments.com.au Project Database hold approval but have yet to proceed to sales. This suggests that when market conditions improve sufficiently that Moreton Bay Region will be primed to see a rash of apartment developments released for sale.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image23_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scarborough and Redcliffe apartment developments in waiting"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_14.jpg?itok=ujHTML4-" title="Scarborough and Redcliffe apartment developments in waiting" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scarborough and Redcliffe apartment developments in waiting</figcaption></figure>
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Moreton Bay Region assumes a greater presence within the Urban.com.au Project Database

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Another major commercial development is planned for a South Melbourne super site.

Marketed last year as <a href="https://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/CBRE_SouthMelbPortfolio_4pp_LS_27.pdf">Ensemble</a>, the 4,693 square metre development opportunity holds four street frontages and spanned ten separate titles. Directly opposite South Melbourne Market, 80-84 Cecil Street is formally at planning with the intent of seeing a $60 million build approved for the site.

Active Melbourne property entity Aviation Consolidated Holdings is backing the office proposal; the South Melbourne application joins a <a href="/new-apartments/26-34-buckley-street-footscray">substantial Footscray apartment project</a> under their charge.

14,845 square metres of net leasable area is planned within the Hassell-designed office complex, as part of a wider 34,935 square metre built form outcome. The remaining space within the development is dedicated to three basement levels, near on 800 square metres of retail space, end of trip facilities, building services and various communal/terrace spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image16_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Hassell's latest commercial design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_14.jpg?itok=oKkEtmXU" title="Aerial perspective of Hassell's latest commercial design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of Hassell's latest commercial design</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
80 Cecil Street provides an engaging commercial building for the ensemble site.

Located in an amenity rich site, this proposal seeks to provide a “human” office building in contrast to the corporate HQ’s of the CBD and Docklands. It acknowledges South Melbourne’s potential as a satellite commercial destination for creative industries and start-ups.

The proposal will become an important employment generator for South Melbourne, further enhancing the precinct’s mixed-use 24/7 community. The project delivers a flexible office environment suitable for one major tenant or multiple smaller tenancies. 
<cite>Hassell</cite>
</blockquote>

The intended built form is punctuated by a number of floorplate voids allowing for natural light penetration. The largest such void is in the centre of the building and reaches ground level, where a 'secret garden' has been included and splays out to a pedestrian link connecting to three separate street frontages.

Additionally Hassell and ARUP have rolled best practice Green Star and NABERS standards into the design. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image18_25.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site's tremendous size utilised to full effect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_25.jpg?itok=XEEQbjQ6" title="The site's tremendous size utilised to full effect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site's tremendous size utilised to full effect</figcaption></figure>The Cecil Street project is not alone in bringing a new large format commercial office dynamic to South Melbourne.

Also in the market are two additional projects carrying large footprints which are poised to add a combined 26,000 square metres to the South Melbourne marketplace. Hickory's <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">Market Lane</a> at 68 Clarke Street is at construction; dubbed the Non-office Office, the Elenberg Fraser-designed 'office of the future' will also double as the builder's new headquarters.

Encompassing 8,500 square metres of office space, the development features light filled floorplates, a 5 star NABERS rating, under floor servicing, green outdoor terraces and greenhouses on each level, plus edible gardens.

Also in the South Melbourne hunt is Deague Group. In their keep is a roughly 4,000 square metre site at <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">81-109 Moray Street</a> which holds approval for a 17,500 sq m office complex. Initially conceived by Rothelowman, the reworked design now sees external hanging greenery and 17,500 square metres of space.

Deague Group are expecting to begin works on the Moray Street site shortly.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image15aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hickory's Market Lane is under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15aa.jpg?itok=x9osThNM" title="Hickory's Market Lane is under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hickory's Market Lane is under construction</figcaption></figure>
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South Melbourne's super block joins the commercial race

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Consultancy Urbis has released their most recent data set on the overall health of Melbourne's apartment market.

Encompassing the second quarter of 2018, the report provides insight into prevailing trends and conditions that are having an impact upon the local apartment scene. Urbis asserts that Melbourne has gone against the national trend during the second quarter, showing positive signs after a pronounced lull.

The wider report analysed the sales results from 45 developments released for public sales, amounting to some 9,500 apartments.

More specifically, 1,929 new apartments were releases across Melbourne during the second quarter, with 309 sales recorded at an average price of $679,000. This result is an increase over the first quarter of 2018, albeit a minor increase.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image53_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Essentials by Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="155" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_7.jpg?itok=OpeIaJdc" title="Melbourne Essentials by Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Essentials by Urbis</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It’s good to see sales activity having stabilised following the slowdown from a year earlier.

The results from this quarter’s survey indicate around 14% of available stock having sold during the period. By the end of the quarter, our surveys indicate 80% of stock sold within projects actively selling apartments.
<cite>Mark Dawson, Director Property Economics and Research</cite>
</blockquote>

Urbis have also determined that the well diversified product offered for sale has contributed to Melbourne's price point of $679,000 which compares favourably to the national average of $713,000. Although certain apartment developments  are primarily aimed at the more affordable end of the housing ladder, high-end apartments have also pulled their weight during the reporting period.

Considered the most popular high-end offering, the increased amount of low-rise developments targeting wealthy buyers in the city's inner eastern suburbs has risen dramatically in recent years as developers shy away from investor-driven apartment developments.

The two bedroom, two bathroom apartment type entrenched itself as Melbourne's most popular, accounting for 43% of apartments sold across Melbourne during the second quarter.

<blockquote>
This has been a growing trend over the past few years as annual sales figures show.

A year ago, two bedroom, two bathroom product made up only 33% of sales. We expect this trend to continue, as they appeal to the owner occupier market as well as investors.

<cite>Mark Dawson, Director Property Economics and Research</cite>
</blockquote>

16 new apartment developments were launched during the second quarter, accounting for the aforementioned 1,929 new apartments which hit the market. Only 429 apartments were released for sale during the previous quarter.

On the flip apartment approvals continue to slide after reaching historically high levels over recent years; 2,278 apartments found approval during the second quarter. 

Consequently Urbis has also noted that issues may arise with the adequate delivery housing supply in key suburbs in the next 5 years.
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Urbis provides a synopsis on the state of Melbourne's apartment market

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Diversified Melbourne developer Meydan Group has launched its latest residential project which they expect will introduce a new standard of design and living to Southbank.

Already heavy with generic apartment developments in the immediate area, Meydan Group has launched 57 Haig which has been positioned as a new offering within the wider Southbank apartment market. Billed as a true vertical village, the Haig Street tower aims to provide a more neighbourly environment for its residents.

The 'stacked' village ethos has been created by long established Melbourne-based Bruce Henderson Architects in tandem with Meydan Group affiliate Wireframe Architecture.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image45_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="57 Haig Street's design is a collaborative effort"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_10.jpg?itok=lEH2LMcV" title="57 Haig Street's design is a collaborative effort" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>57 Haig Street's design is a collaborative effort</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We wanted to create a ‘stacked’ village square atmosphere.

Multiple communal spaces provide huge scope for connected community living. Step outside your apartment and you’ve got instant access to a gymnasium, a residents’ lounge to relax and socialise in, a 12-seat cinema, an open terrace with barbeque facilities – even a children’s playground.

Residents who like to work from home will also have access to a fully equipped business centre right inside the building, perfect for networking or hosting business meetings.
<cite>Geoff Dill, Wireframe Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

In the highly competitive Southbank market, 57 Haig's campaign will centre around the tower's communal benefits and the flexibility of the dwelling types offered at a competitive pricing point. The varied communal spaces are joined by hotel-style amenities across common areas.

Standing at 38 levels, 57 Haig was initially conceived by Bruce Henderson Architects, with Wireframe Architecture subsequently coming on to further align the project's intricate details to the expectations of Meydan Group.

57 Haig's people-centric design and progressive philosophy of communal living and social connection will see the project pitched at young professionals and families with children. This is a stark departure from the Southbank apartment market of recent years that has been pidgeonholed as an investor-driven sector.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image48_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An activated and transparent podium will bring activity to Haig Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_15.jpg?itok=ibUfbawy" title="An activated and transparent podium will bring activity to Haig Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An activated and transparent podium will bring activity to Haig Street</figcaption></figure>Southbank's latest addition includes a range of differently scaled apartments, from one-bedroom apartments to family-sized dwellings. Meydan Group's intention is to create a diverse social mix of residents within the building and to foster a dynamic community.   

The tower includes full-height double glazed windows that allow for maximum natural light for the apartments which are designed to include open plan living areas. In line with the diversity of apartment formats, pricing for 57 Haig's dwellings start from $390,000 and stretch to beyond $1,100,000 for family-sized three bedroom apartments.  

Works onsite are scheduled to begin during April 2019.
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Meydan Group launches Southbank's latest development billed as a vertical village

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Another piece of the substantial Melbourne hotel puzzle has fallen into place as King Street prepares to host the nation's maiden Quincy Hotel.

After a period of speculation, 33 King Street will formally host the outlet after developer BPM came to terms with multinational investment fund InterGlobe. Toga Far East will manage the Quincy Hotel-branded tower after InterGlobe picked up the approved site for $91.3 million.

Asia One initially backed the project with BPM coming on at a later stage. After guiding the 241-room development through to approval, BPM then sough to offload the permit.

Similarly structured to BPM's fellow hotel development at <a href="/new-apartments/9-11-exploration-lane-melbourne">9-11 Exploration Lane</a>, the King Street build will be developed by BPM although final ownership will rest elsewhere. Contractor Maxcon has been assigned to both the King Street and Exploration Lane builds.

Maxcon is expected to begin works onsite in the third quarter of 2018.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/2016-8-18-elenberg-king-street-c1-wxh_hero1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Another hotel for Melbourne. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="776" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2016-8-18-elenberg-king-street-c1-wxh_hero1.jpg?itok=PN6NQwaX" title="Another hotel for Melbourne. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Another hotel for Melbourne. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Given the risks associated with developing in the current lending environment, BPM sought a unique fund-through arrangement to remove any reliance on local financiers.

We have proven as a business that we can prevail during times of economic uncertainty through our agility alone. Our extensive global relationships, and our ability to innovate the development sector and its existing finance structures, allows the BPM business to see continued growth when many local developers become victims to the property cycle.
<cite>Managing Director of BPM, Jonothan Hallinan</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The appetite from international investors was substantial. The ability to partner with an experienced local developer like BPM was certainly seen to de-risk the project’s delivery, however it was the composition of the deal and its unique terms that made the opportunity so sought-after.

The structure of this contract is a first in the Australian market and is the result of several weeks of collaborative discussions.

To lead these discussions with international giants like InterGlobe and Toga Far East is demonstrative of BPM’s scalable business model and sound strategic delivery, which allows us to traverse multiple development sectors and work with a multitude of partners.
<cite>BPM’s Development Director, Tom Howgate</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Hotels still standing strong</h2>

The Quincy Hotel and Exploration Lane projects stand to add a further 371 hotel rooms to Melbourne already super strong pipeline. 

Major CBD and Southbank projects at construction which are solely, or in part dedicated to hotel accommodation include W Hotel at <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Vibe Hotel</a> Queen Street, <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Holiday Inn Express</a> City Road, <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Adina Southbank</a>, <a href="/buildings/west-end-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">Adina Apartment Hotel</a> at West End and the Ritz-Carlton at <a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West side Place</a>.

In another Australian first Melbourne is also set to host the nation's first St Regis hotel with local interior architecture practice CHADA announcing they will provide design input for the forthcoming development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/explporation-lane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9-11 Exploration Lane is also due for a construction start. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/explporation-lane.jpg?itok=91Rf8EWQ" title="9-11 Exploration Lane is also due for a construction start. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9-11 Exploration Lane is also due for a construction start. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne lands the nation's first Quincy Hotel

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Industry veteran and Director of Beller Group, Andrew Fawell has sized up the pending Spring property season, suggesting the wider sales market is in transition.

According to Fawell housing stock levels are approximately 25% down in both houses and apartments compared to the equivalent period last year, equating to a definite shortage of stock across Melbourne. This stock shortage coupled with tight lending criteria from banks and softening valuations due to a fluctuation of the market leads Fawell to believe that buyers will be facing tangible hurdles prior to a property purchase this Spring.

<blockquote>
We expect the coming spring property season will test the mettle of both buyer and vendor alike. Despite this affected condition, I believe that with pragmatic common sense and planning, this problematic market can offer real opportunity.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image41_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Beller Property Group's Andrew Fawell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="565" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_12.jpg?itok=HWmFITam" title="Beller Property Group's Andrew Fawell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Beller Property Group's Andrew Fawell</figcaption></figure>In light of the looming impediments, Fawell has tips for prospective buyers as they shape up for a tilt at property this Spring.

<h2>Two key factors</h2>

Know your lending criteria

"There is no doubt that the new bank lending criteria has changed and is changing every couple of months. I recommend that all purchasers seek a pre-approval and ensure that this is ‘stamped up’ every couple of months, as the lending environment is volatile and changing quickly.

"However, the good news is that the banks will bend over backwards for good borrowers.

"A good borrower is defined as having a sustained track record for servicing all debts, longevity in the workplace and has a solid deposit! Remember, banks look for ‘low risk’ borrowers".

Secure a correct valuation

"Because prices have softened, so have valuations. Yesterday’s value may not be the value of today. As prices and therefore valuations are on a downward trajectory, purchaser’s need to be especially prudent with price expectations so that they do not have to make up the shortfall.

"Essentially these are the two hoops that purchases need to jump through in this transitioning market, ‘pre-approval’ and ‘valuation’".

<h2>Advice on navigating the buying season</h2>

According to Andrew Fawell prospective buyers should consider these key moves in order to arm themselves with the best chance of success this Spring:

<ul>
<li>Look to secure finance with a second-tier lender as they are quite accommodating at the moment. Don’t rely purely on the first-tier lenders, it pays to shop around and much like a medical practitioner, get a second opinion.</li>
	<li>Align yourself with a good mortgage broker who knows how to get a deal through in a tricky market. Typically, these are people who have survived a couple of property cycles and know the tactics of navigation and negotiation.</li>
	<li>Ensure that you align yourself with a good broker who will advise you on what you can, and what you cannot afford.</li>
	<li>Align yourself with a real estate agent you can trust, who is honest and can tell you truthfully about market conditions, not just what you want to hear</li>
	<li>Don’t get too clever and try and pick the bottom of a market, the market can, and does turn very quickly, it is more important to buy and sell in the same market.</li>
	<li>Get cashed up and get pre-approval!</li>
</ul>
Fawell also notes that there are certain bright prospects in the months ahead; good deals will present themselves to bargain-savvy buyers willing to scale up to a more expensive property through a property exchange.

The provided example sees a $750,000 property being sold for $700,000, thus losing $50,000 but saving $100,000 on a $1.1 million property and buy it for $1 million. The net position in the change over including some stamp duty savings on the purchase of $55,000 which pays for the stamp duty on the change over.

<blockquote>
There are economies of scale now buying in the top end of the market. Look around, as now is the time to buy the property that you always wanted, but thought you could not afford.

In summary, the spring market is a transitioning market and will offer lots of opportunities for those who are prepared, researched and have the right relationships in place. And lastly, remember, that banks are in the business of "lending money"and this transition will settle down at some point and the banks will eventually open up their purse strings again.
</blockquote>

 

Lead image: The Hip Pocket
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Beller's Andrew Fawell on Melbourne's potentially volatile Spring property market

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The latest stage of developer Sekisui House's sprawling West Village apartment precinct in inner Brisbane has entered planning.

Earlier this week, plans for dual Plus Architecture-designed apartment towers were lodged. They are the latest proposed additions to the staged development which is permitted to add in excess of 1,200 apartments to the mixed-use precinct, located a mere 1.5 kilometres from Brisbane's CBD.

Covering 111 Boundary Street, the latest application forms Stage 2A of West Village. Expected are 163 apartments across both 15 level towers.

Apartments aside, the renewal project will ultimately also include 18,500 square metres of commercial space, retail arcades and extensive community and public realm uses.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image27_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level plan. Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_17.jpg?itok=JlQVjksW" title="Ground level plan. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level response. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Sekisui House and Plus Architecture have elected to discern both towers heavily by way of the apartment mix.

53 apartments are within the North Tower and 110 dwellings within the South Tower. The discrepancy in numbers can be attributed to the North Tower being positioned at the premium apartment offering; it is slated to include 14 triple and 16 quadruple bedroom apartments.

Conversely the South Tower will be skewed to smaller living spaces, including 18 single and 84 double bedroom apartments. Amenities across both towers include a cinema, dining room, pool and wine cellar.

Four sub-ground levels accommodating 221 car parking spaces will support the towers.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image25_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Model of the overall West Village precinct. Image: Hutchinson Builders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_14.jpg?itok=4NK9JPi7" title="Model of the overall West Village precinct. Image: Hutchinson Builders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Model of the overall West Village precinct. Image: Hutchinson Builders</figcaption></figure>The conversion of the former Peters Ice Cream complex is well under way with Hutchinson Builders approaching completion of the first of West Village's stages. 

In addition to 322 apartments, a varied ground plane programme is being created. Hayball, ACME &amp; Co and Netteltontribe banded together to create various aspects of the initial phase, which includes laneway-inspired retail tenancies and community spaces.

Earlier this year it was reported that <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/public-space-plans-for-west-village-lodged-20180110-p4yydv">green space within the planned precinct had expanded considerably</a>; the green spaces will be in addition to seven residential buildings of between 8 and 22 levels and a capped apartment number of 1250.

The 2.6-hectare site first reached Brisbane City Council's planning channels during April 2015.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/hb-r-westvillage-renders-4-lowres-jpg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level render. Image: Hutchinson Builders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hb-r-westvillage-renders-4-lowres-jpg.jpg?itok=-kpgwpMy" title="Ground level render. Image: Hutchinson Builders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level render. Image: Hutchinson Builders</figcaption></figure>
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Plus Architecture lands at Brisbane's West Village 

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The Queensland government has moved to initiate a wider redevelopment of the precinct adjoining The Gabba with the intent of better serving the expanding Woolloongabba population and the wider public.

On Sunday Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad outlined the vision for a new bridge connecting the sporting stadium with Cross River Rail's upcoming station in Woolloongabba. Expected to be completed during 2024, the Woolloongabba link in the wider Cross River Rail network will facilitate an overhaul of the 6.5-hectares adjoining The Gabba.

Mixed uses are earmarked for the precinct and are expected to come together within a precinct plan that will see input from stakeholders such as Brisbane City Council, Stadiums Queensland and the Department of Housing and Public Works.

The Queensland government's move on the wider precinct follows on from earlier reports during May that the stadium was in line to receive a substantial capital injection in order to bring the facility up to current standards.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image26_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The envisaged station with The Gabba to the rear"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_10.jpg?itok=MWegeBWr" title="The envisaged station with The Gabba to the rear" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The envisaged station with The Gabba to the rear</figcaption></figure><h2>What they Say</h2>

<blockquote>
When Cross River Rail is complete, Woolloongabba will be just minutes by train to the new Albert Street station in Brisbane’s CBD and close to the growing health, science and education precinct at Boggo Road.

Plans are for the whole city block, which includes the Landcentre, old South Brisbane Dental Hospital and Goprint sites, to be completely transformed over the next decade. It has the potential to attract up to $1.5 billion of private investment and that’s a really exciting opportunity for local industry.

The Gabba has been the scene of many great sporting triumphs and we know, through Cross River Rail, it will continue to be an integral part of Queensland culture for generations to come.
<cite>Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Gabba is ‘internationally renowned’ without a doubt, but it can be re-elevated to ‘world’s best’ if it was easier to get to - and transport connectivity is simply an expectation of modern spectators that has to be met.

Going forward, we are rolling up our sleeves in collaboration with all stakeholders to give fans a great experience – one that will rival the freshest stadiums in the nation. In possibly the best outcome of this precinct, the opportunity to leverage both the Gabba and the Station could deliver up to 300 new affordable homes designated for key and essential services workers including nurses, teachers, police and fire officers and hospitality and tourism workers.
<cite>Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Sport, Mick de Brenni</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image34_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Majella's intended tower with The Gabba in the background"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_16.jpg?itok=Ev_T_Jd2" title="Majella's intended tower with The Gabba in the background" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Majella's intended tower with The Gabba in sight</figcaption></figure>Whilst the infrastructure improvements are chiefly aimed at servicing the flow of people to and from the stadium, the overall precinct development will further add to Woolloongabba's rapid transformation.

Numerous projects have or are in the process of being delivered in the suburb which is a mere 2.4 kilometres from Brisbane's CBD. The Apartments.com.au Project Database shows a variety of developments earmarked for Woolloongabba, including apartment and hotel uses, through to projects such as 52-64 Annerley Road which is dedicated to high-rise office space and aged care living.

Residential use though remains the prime driver of change within Woolloongabba. Projects such as the 22 storey <a href="/buildings/silk-one-woolloongabba-825-847-stanley-street-woolloongabba">Silk One</a> launched to market earlier this year whilst others such as <a href="/buildings/the-drapery-64-logan-road-woolloongabba">The Drapery</a> and <a href="/buildings/south-city-square-148-logan-road-woolloongabba">South City Square</a> are well into construction.

The tallest and arguably the most recognisable tower earmarked for Woolloongabba has stumbled at planning though, with developer Majella withdrawing from planning their 27 storey development that would have included 262 apartments and located minutes from The Gabba.
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The Gabba's redevelopment at the heart of a wider precinct regeneration 

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Joel Robinson

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

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Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

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SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

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Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

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According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

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The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

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Mark Baljak

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