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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.
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REIQ's Awards for Excellence 2015 finalists announced

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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.
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Rothelowman expand to Sydney

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

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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
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Queensland's 10 cheapest suburbs for houses and units

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

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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.
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Renovations restricted for Millers Point heritage sites

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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>
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Where can you find the cheapest homes in Victoria?

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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="">
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Apartments in 88 Kensington, Sydney now on the market

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

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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="">
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$105 million Adelaide development approved

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Oliver Wisniewski

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