<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has nominated over 50 finalists in their Awards for Excellence, with winners to be named at a gala event on 5 February at Brisbane City Hall.
Winners from the individual and agency categories will advance through to the National Awards for Excellence, to be held in Perth next year.
REIQ CEO, Antonia Mercorella said: “This year’s finalists are drawn from Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Hervey Bay and Townsville, with entries coming from right across the state.”
“They’re being recognised not only for their exceptional achievements but also for their commitment to integrity in the profession.”
Finalists for the 2015 REIQ Auctioneer of the Year and the Best Real Estate Report wil be announced in the coming weeks.
Below is the full list of finalists:
Large Residential Agency of the Year
• Calibre Real Estate, Red Hill, Brisbane
• Place Estate Agents, Brisbane
• Dowling and Neylan, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
• Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Medium Residential Agency of the Year
• Denovans Real Estate, Mitchelton, Brisbane
• Bowmaker Realty, Northlakes, Brisbane
• Brad Bell Real Estate, Wishart, Brisbane
• Jeff Jones Real Estate, Stones Corner, Brisbane
• Explore Property, Townsville
Small Residential Agency of the Year
• Dixon Family Estate Agents, Toowong, Brisbane
• Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• MTR Property Group, Forest Lake, Brisbane
• Property Pursuit Pty Ltd, Paddington, Brisbane
• Jam Property, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Commercial Agency of the Year
• Place Projects Pty Ltd
• CBRE
• Century 21 Commercial Hervey Bay
Residential Salesperson of the Year
• Cameron Crouch, Ray White Graceville, Brisbane
• Shannon Harvey, Place Estate Agents, Bulimba, Brisbane
• Brett Andreassen, Doug Disher Real Estate, Toowong, Brisbane
• Daniel Argent, Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• Anne Fidler, Belle Property, Paddington, Brisbane
• Jodie Hedley-Ward, Next Property Group, Buderim, Sunshine Coast
• Mark McGill, Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
• Robbie Neller, Ray White Peregian, Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast
• Melanie Butcher, Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Damien Keyes, Keyes &amp; Co. Property, Townsville
Residential Property Manager of the Year
• Sarah McMillen, Bees Nees City Realty, South Brisbane
• Ranita Patel, Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• Katie Knight, RE/Max Success, Toowoomba
• Loretta Morgan, Jam Property, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
• Maaike Hillegers, Dowling Neylan, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
Business Broker of the Year
• Ian Salter, Benchmark Business &amp; Commercial Sales, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
• Lincoln Bridge, Benchmark Business &amp; Commercial Sales, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
Commercial Salesperson of the Year
• Peter Court, CBRE, Brisbane
Commercial Property Manager of the Year
• Lauren Battams, NAI Harcourts Gold Coast, Hope Island
• Julie Magennis, CBRE, Brisbane
Buyers’ Agent of the Year
• Zoran Solano, Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency, East Brisbane
• Simon Pressley, Propertyology, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
• Karen Young, Property Zest, Chermside West, Brisbane
• Tony Coughran, VFM Property Advisors, Paradise Point, Gold Coast
Corporate Support Person of the Year
• Melitta McDonald, Propertyology, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
• Amy Wolter, Place Estate Agents, East Brisbane, Brisbane
• Kathy Cuthbert, Place Projects Pty Ltd, East Brisbane
• Greg Tate, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Brisbane Southside, Rocklea, Brisbane
• Penny Choyce, Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
Rookie of the Year
• Nathaniel Smith, Bees Nees City Realty, South Brisbane
• Susan Brant, Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
• Andrew Birkett, NAI Harcourts Gold Coast, Hope Island
Community Service Award
• Harcourts Queensland, Eagle Farm, Brisbane
• LJ Hooker Nerang, Gold Coast
• LJ Hooker Ormeau, Gold Coast
• Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Matthew Mandl, Virgo Patterson Realty, Hermit Park, Townsville
Source: REIQ.
</body></html>

owisniewski-RiYLqnXfKH

REIQ's Awards for Excellence 2015 finalists announced

<html><body>
Architecture group Rothelowman are expanding their services across the east coast, opening new offices in Sydney.
The group specialises in highrise developments and are hoping to tap into a new market after the recent multi-residential boom in New South Wales and ACT.
Three years ago they opened offices in Queensland after the state's extended property slump. The Brisbane offices make upwards of 25% of the practice's income.
Last year RotheLowman designed 10,000 apartments in Melbourne. Managing principal Kim Lowman believes Sydney is primed to take on just as much development.
“Sydney is undergoing a development boom similar to the one experienced in Melbourne during the last five to 10 years,” says Lowman. 
Lowman anticipates Sydney offices will produce 30% to 40% of the firm’s revenue in less than three years. He predicts a sharp growth in Sydney’s property development after a recent slow period. Factors such as a prolonged post-Olympics and post-global financial crisis property slump “have led to pent-up demand for multi-residential development in Sydney.”
According to the Housing Industry Association, New South Wales building approvals for units in four plus storey buildings are currently at an historic high, despite a 36% drop in the September 2014 quarter. 
Rothelowman were granted approval of a $30 million dollar mixed-use, multi-residential development in Burwood and expect several other New South Wales projects to be approved in the coming months.
Newly appointed principal of Rothelowman in New South Wales and the ACT Ben Pomroy says the long-term trend of housing construction delivery of 18,000 dwellings per annum in New South Wales is consistently falling short of baseline demand of 22,000 to 25,000 dwellings per annum.
</body></html>

Rothelowman expand to Sydney

<html><body>
Proposed changes to NSW's planning system are a step in the right direction, but there is still more to be done, according to the Urban Taskforce.
Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson says: “Far more (improvement) is needed across the whole planning system.”
Johnson believes there are three major changes that can ideally improve the system.
“Firstly we need to have a much simpler planning system.
“Secondly we need to get rid of the street by street battles that are occurring in NSW by having code accessible projects. There is not nearly enough code accessible projects in NSW compared to Victoria and Queensland.
“The third thing is a revision of how approvals are occurring in NSW. There are 43 small councils in Sydney which think in very local ways and therefore are not supportive of change and new development.”
Johnson also said compared to other states, the NSW planning system is falling behind in promoting growth and dwelling approvals may be affected, with fears of the current high ratings declining.
“I detect that the planning systems in Queensland and Victoria are more supportive of growth but in NSW they are somewhat anti growth,” he said.
“While NSW is currently doing well in terms of dwelling approvals, this may not continue unless the planning system is made simpler.”
In the September 2014 quarter NSW approval ratings were down 6.7% on last year, according to ABS Building Approvals.
Pru Goward, NSW Minister of Planning believes these projects currently take too long to process.
“It is unreasonable for communities and industry to wait years for projects to be determined...we expect councils to assess development applications without delay, so we (the government) should hold ourselves to the same standards,” Goward said.
</body></html>

Three changes that could improve NSW's planning system: Urban Taskforce

<html><body>
More and more people are turning to Queensland for their next investment opportunity.
National Australia Bank has also suggested that <a href="/expert-insights/investing/brisbane-and-sydney-to-lead-2015-but-growth-to-lag-nab">Brisbane, along with Sydney, is set to lead in 2015, albeit with moderate growth</a>.
Property Observer looked at CoreLogic RP Data’s latest median house price statistics to find out where Queensland’s cheapest homes are.
<h3>Queensland Houses </h3>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Fairymead</a> - $65,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Monto</a> - $100,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mount Morgan</a> - $106,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Proston</a> - $113,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Eidsvold</a> - $118,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Charleville</a> - $136,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Murgon</a> - $145,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dysart</a> - $150,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Blackall</a> - $155,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Depot Hill</a> - $158,000</li>
</ol>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data.
Unit figures are on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
According to RP Data, Queensland’s median unit price is $346,000 which is ahead of only Tasmania and South Australia.
The average time on the market for a Queensland unit is 112 days.
Here are CoreLogic RP Data’s 10 suburbs with the cheapest median unit price.
Queensland Units
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Manoora</a> - $143,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Smithfield</a> - $160,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Logan Central</a> - $168,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Holloways Beach</a> - $174,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Beenleigh</a> - $175,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Garbutt</a> - $176,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bellbird Park</a> - $179,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hermit Park</a> - $180,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Woodridge</a> - $180,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Waterford West</a> - $190,000</li>
</ol>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
</body></html>

Queensland's 10 cheapest suburbs for houses and units

<html><body>
A petition on Change.org to toughen regulations on foreign investment in Australia has reached 30,000 signatures.
Just over a month ago <a href="/news/petition-to-toughen-firb-regulations-at-almost-6-000-signatures">signatures hit 6,000</a> and since then it has continued to gain popularity, putting further pressure on the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) to tighten their rules.
With supporting information from Today Tonight and The Australian, Simon Hosking, <a href="https://www.change.org/p/the-executive-members-toughen-the-regulations-for-foreign-investment-in-australia" target="_blank">the man who launched the petition</a>, noted that he is unable to purchase property in China, Japan and many emerging economies, yet foreign buyers are able to purchase in Australia.
“Foreigners are laughing at us. Australians and our companies are not able to buy any property in China, as an example. Why foreigners should then be allowed to flout our flimsy FIRB rules in an almost unregulated way, threatening the viability of local buyers by forcing up prices,” Hosking said.
The petition, which will be sent to the executive members of the FIRB, asks for the introduction of more thorough testing of foreign buyers and their purchases, closer scrutiny of each purchase for irregularities and the toughening of regulations surrounding foreign investment in Australian properties.
Hosking says that the issue has been largely ignored by politicians, but noted that media interest and rising house prices have increased pressure on MPs to make a change. 
Comments from those that had signed the petition expressed major concerns.
“I would not just be concerned about these illegal purchases in the cities. Foreign ownership of our arable farming land is increasing at an alarming rate also. Our food source is in danger of being controlled by foreign interests. Only limited and controlled foreign investment is good for Australia,” says Lorraine Apap.
“Only let Australian citizen purchase properties in Australia otherwise our children will never be able to purchase their own home,” writes Marilyn Hansen.
“If it’s impossible to buy property as a foreigner in China or Japan...or any other country, then it should also be the case for that would be foreign buyer. I say that the corruption going on within the real estate industry is an outrage. In china you would be shot for this... on the other hand, the people doing the shooting are probably doing the buying,” says Murray King.
To counter these issues a $1,500 foreign investor fee has been proposed by the Abbott government, leaving local investors even more unhappy.
“This is cruel joke on all Australian families," said Hosking.
"My research indicates clearly, foreign investors are paying sometimes $100, 000 to $400,000 above the reserve price. So a $1,500 application fee is hardly going to stop them from buying; is it?
"Hong Kong foreign investors pay 15% stamp duty. This type of impost implemented here, would provide a valuable revenue source and create a level playing field.
"At the moment foreign investors are getting a free ride and a free entry; at the locals' expense.”
</body></html>

Online petition to toughen foreign investor rules hits 30,000 signatures

<html><body>
Sydney’s historic inner suburb, Millers Point, will receive greater protection after proposed amendments to the City of Sydney’s planning controls.
The new Local Environment Plan (LEP) restricts changes to the existing height and floor spaces for Millers Point Heritage Conservation Area properties.
Minor increases to these dimensions will be allowed if the changes are consistent with heritage recommendations.
These changes to the LEP mean historic buildings will be protected as new owners move into the area.
With 293 total potential sales of government-owned and heritage-listed properties in Millers Point, the NSW Heritage Council called for a review of the area’s planning controls.
Lord Mayor Clive Moore says, “We are trying to provide consistency and certainty for future home owners in Millers Point, while protecting the area’s irreplaceable history”.
“This proposal helps protect these buildings as they move into private ownership, and has the strong support of the Central Sydney Planning Committee,” Moore says.
The City will be holding a 28 day public exhibition period if public exhibition is approved by the NSW Minister for Planning, Pru Goward. This will give a chance to the community to voice their opinions on the proposal.
Millers Point was Australia’s first public housing site, developed between 1810 and 1930 for the maritime industry workers, better known as wharfies. Since the 1980’s, the NSW Government has used Millers Point for social housing, and the iconic suburb has been able to keep its character intact throughout the years.
</body></html>

Renovations restricted for Millers Point heritage sites

<html><body>
It seems when buying property in Victoria, the further you are from Melbourne, the cheaper it gets.
According to RP Data, there are 13 suburbs in Victoria that had median house prices under $100,000 over the last 12 months and they are all in the north and north-west parts of the state.
Victorian House Median Prices
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Sea Lake</a> - $70,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kaniva</a> - $73,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Minyip </a>- $75,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Rainbow</a> - $77,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ouyen</a> - $78,000</li>
<li>H<a href="/news">opetoun</a> - $80,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Jeparit</a> - $82,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Nyah West</a> - $85,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Coleraine</a> - $88,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dimboola </a>- $89,000</li>
</ol>
Similarly, the cheapest units are found 100s of kilometres from Victoria’s major metropolitan areas. But these units aren’t just in small rural towns. According to RP Data, some of Victoria’s cheapest units are found in the large rural hubs of Victoria, in places such as Horsham, Mildura and Moe.
Victorian Unit Median Prices
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Newborough </a>- $133,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Moe</a> - $145,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Morwell </a>- $149,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mildura</a> - $159,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Alfredton</a> - $180,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Maryborough </a>- $182,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Wodonga </a>- $185,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bairnsdale</a> - $188,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Horsham</a> - $188,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Yarrawonga</a> - $193,000</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Where can you find the cheapest homes in Victoria?

<html><body>
A 10 level apartment building is set be developed in Sydney’s inner suburb of Kensington with completion predicted to be in June 2016.
Apartments are on sale now. Prices range from $522,000 for studio apartments to $2,450,000 for three bedroom penthouses.
The building will have 113 units and boast a gym, a pool and a fresh food supermarket. 
<img src="/images/2014/11/20/kensington-nov-20-one.jpg" alt="">
88 Kensington is on ANZAC parade, close to Sydney’s beaches and within 5 kilometres of the CBD. The apartments also have close access to busses and are within walking distance of the University of New South Wales, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Centennial Park. 
It has been designed by the Bureau of Urban Architecture and developed by Luxcon Development Pty.
CPM Realty says that 88 Kensington represents an opportunity for those looking to maintain an inner city lifestyle without the intensity of central Sydney living. 
<img src="/images/2014/11/20/kensington-nov-20-three.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Apartments in 88 Kensington, Sydney now on the market

<html><body>
There was a 3.1% increase in total dwelling approvals nationwide for the 2014 September quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The rise in residential building approvals has now lasted over two years, although the peak in monthly approvals appears to have been reached earlier in the year, first in July 2014 with 195,565 approvals and then again in August 2014 with 197,887 approvals. After these peaks, national levels of dwelling approvals are beginning to show signs of moderating.
A ‘changing of the guard’ is currently taking place. NSW and WA used to lead the course but it is now Victoria, Queensland and South Australia (on a smaller scale) who are emerging as the key drivers of national approval growth grates. However, this may not mean national rates will rise again.
Detached house approvals
<ul>
<li>There was a 60.2% of total approvals compared with the decade average of 64.7%</li>
<li>Approvals are now tracking sideways</li>
<li>Victoria, NSW and Queensland are the main drivers of growth in this area of approvals</li>
<li>Shown the strongest potential for growth but it is unclear whether this will be able to occur within the current cycle</li>
</ul>
 Semi-detached and townhouse approvals
<ul>
<li>13.0% rate compared with the decade average of 13.7%</li>
<li>Victoria and NSW account for just over half of Australia’s semi-detached and townhouse approvals, the annual increase in these states during the September quarter were 10% and 28.8%, respectively. These were not strong enough to counter the decrease that other states experienced. This drop was particularly evident in Queensland, where this category of approvals decreased by 27.7%.</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in one or two storey buildings
<ul>
<li>3.3% share, compared with the decade average of 3.0%</li>
<li>Had sharp declines but there has been a turnaround</li>
<li>The only declines were seen in South Australia and the Northern Territory</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in three storey building
<ul>
<li>3.6% share, compared with the decade average of 2.7%</li>
<li>After rates stagnated in late 2013 and early 2014 there is now signs strong growth</li>
<li>Levels historically elevated in WA and Victoria</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in four plus storey buildings
<ul>
<li>19.9% share compared with decade average of 15.9%</li>
<li>Approvals began to drop after they had been at their highest rate ever recorded. </li>
<li>Previous signs of decline still evident, but overall levels still historically elevated</li>
<li>Declines driven by NSW and Victoria</li>
</ul>
<h3>NSW</h3>
During September 2014 quarter NSW was down 6.7% on total approvals compared to this time last year. It was the only major driver of approval rates to experience a decline.
Three storey dwellings and four plus storey dwellings dropped 39.1% and 36% respectively. Annual detached house approvals were up 21%.
<h3>VIC</h3>
Victoria had an 8.3% rise in total approvals for the September 2014 quarter compared to the 2013 quarter. Annual detached house approvals were up 12.7% whilst one or two storey dwelling approvals were up 67% on last year. Three storey units had an increase of 88%.  
<h3>WA</h3>
In the September 2014 quarter WA experienced an increase in approvals by 13%. This was an unusual result for WA.
One to two storey dwelling approvals were up 37.8% on last year.
Three storey units saw a rise from 18 in the September 2013 quarter to 241 in the 2014 quarter. Outside of WA the key drivers of the annual rise in September 2014 quarter was Queensland where these approvals more than doubled.
<h3>SA</h3>
South Australia only experienced rises in detached housing and four plus storey approvals yet there was still a 6.7% increase in total approvals for the September 2014 quarter.  
One or two storey approvals declined from 62 in September 2013 quarter to 45 in September 2014 quarter.
<h3>QLD</h3>
There was a 6.4% increase in approvals for the September 2014 quarter.
Annual detached house approvals were up 12.5%.
For one to two storey buildings Queensland recorded the strongest annual growth (91%) however this reflects a weak base. Deeper inspection shows current levels in Queensland are just shy of historical norms.
<h3>ACT</h3>
The ACT experienced a decrease in approvals of 31.5%.
One or two storey buildings declined from 24 in 2013 September quarter to 21 in the 2014 quarter.
Three storey unit approvals rose 79% this quarter.
<h3>NT</h3>
Northern Territory had a decrease in approvals of 12.5%
The NT was the only state to have a decline in detached dwellings in the September quarter with a 12.5% decrease. These approvals fell from a historically high level during mid-2013.
<h3>TAS</h3>
In the September 2014 quarter Tasmania had an annual increase of 15.5%.
While the size of the Tasmanian market is not large enough to be a major driver of the total situation, annual growth for detached housing was still very strong during the quarter, up by 19.4%.
</body></html>

Dwelling approvals up 3.1% in September: State by state round-up

<html><body>
The Development Assessment Commission has given approval for a $105 million apartment building to go up in Adelaide’s West End.
The building, developed by Star Fish Developments, will feature exterior hanging gardens made up of over 3,000 plants. A 22 metre vertical garden will also be planted as a major design element of the building.
Bohem will consist of 220 apartments ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms. There will also be a podium level rooftop garden with a pool, gym and barbeque area. Apartments are expected to be on the market by March 2015.
Apartment floor plans and pricing structures won’t be finalised until early next year. The current median unit price for Adelaide is $383,750.
Bohem has been designed by architects Woods Bagot, led by Principal Gavin Kain and South Australian architect Enzo Caroscio.
Star Fish Developments Managing Director, Damon Nagel says,”Adelaide’s West End is a fusion of cultures and styles and this is reflected in Bohem’s deign which brings together various design elements, scaled heights and setbacks, and exterior finishes and materials”.  
Approval for the building came after Star Fish Developments joint venture with Asian Pacific Group on the Vue apartments. Star Fish Developments now have $370 million worth of projects in progress across South Australia and Western Australia. 
<img src="/images/2014/11/20/WB_WRIGHT_view%201_FINAL_v6-lr.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

$105 million Adelaide development approved

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Oliver Wisniewski

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News