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With reports being released that the dream of homeownership is no longer a reality for many Australians - Landchecker is here to help.

The report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia states that the current planning restrictions and inconsistencies are contributing to the housing affordability problems we face.

The report stated that housing affordability is likely to be an issue for the next 40 years and the unfortunate reality is that this will mean more people enter retirement without ever owning their own home.

The paper makes recommendations such as relaxing planning restrictions and making them more consistent. Changing tenancy law to provide more clarity for long-term renters. A move towards making land tax annual rather than transaction taxes and taxing a larger proportion of capital gains.

How Landchecker can help curb planning restrictions is allowing you to view all restrictions and overlays that apply to the properties in your prefered suburb on our easy to use interactive map. Viewing restrictions upfront allows you to accurately pick areas that are best fit for your development needs.

Landchecker is a free easy to use tool which also provides live updates on any changes to council overlays being made to your saved searches, so you can keep up to date on restrictions.

Recently, Landchecker also launched Property Matchmaker which is a new tool connecting buyers and sellers with off-market opportunities, this allows people to make the most informed decisions possible when searching and buying their dream home.

Find out all the information about your property now at <a href="https://landchecker.com.au/">https://landchecker.com.au/</a>
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Home ownership continues to be tough - Landchecker makes sure you get it right

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Footscray is to host a new master planned mixed use development adjacent to the heart of Footscray.

Any prospective investor or owner occupier can now secure their space within Cowper Residences, which will be released for sale this month. With Footscray the epicentre of Melbourne's inner west, the wider region is currently subject to $26 billion worth of investment committed to infrastructure and associated projects.

Footscray built form progression is in lockstep with its social transformation. Only 4km from Melbourne's CBD, Footscray now boasts its own evolving cosmopolitan café and shopping precincts.

According to advisory Urbis, the young and fast-growing population in Melbourne's west is expected to more than double over the next 20 years. Over the past 10 years, the median price of apartments in the historical suburb has increased by 7.9 per cent per annum and has experienced the highest annual price growth compared to a selection of suburbs of similar distance to CBD.

In response, Cowper Residences has been positioned in order to attract interest from both astute investors and owner occupiers.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image136_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cowper Village offers a choice of living options"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image136_1.jpg?itok=5wB1S2T7" title="Cowper Village offers a choice of living options" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cowper Residences offers a choice of living options</figcaption></figure>It's Cowper Residences' unique location within the Footscray context that has led to the diverse range of living options within the project.

Nestled between established low rise housing and the Footscray CBD, Cowper Residences allows for a diversified built form and unfettered views toward Docklands, the CBD and beyond. The low to medium density site offers proximity to the city coupled with spacious, quality designs which offer contemporary living and balance with its surrounds.

The development’s first two precincts to market will allow purchasers to choose between sixteen terrace homes, ten SOHOs (Single Office/Home Offices) and 63 traditional apartments.

Cowper Village is the work of ClarkeHopkinsClarke, who have a rich history of creating vibrant, integrated living and community spaces. ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner Toby Lauchlan describes Cowper Residences from the architect's perspective:

<blockquote>
When we saw the site, we immediately recognised it as a standout in Footscray. Centrally located, it’s close to the station and all of the vibrant, lifestyle offerings of this colourful suburb, but rests on a quiet, tree-lined residential street giving it real sense of tranquility.

Cowper Residences has also been designed to capture city views which won’t be built out – a rarity this close to the CBD.

The mix of housing types throughout the precincts allowed us to really diversify the design, with each form appealing to the types of people who will want to reside there.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image135_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expansive views come with Cowper Village"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image135_0.jpg?itok=6xO_OqWX" title="Expansive views come with Cowper Village" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expansive views are par for Cowper Residences</figcaption></figure>A strong sense of place and community is at the heart of Cowper Residences, with each precinct interlinked by landscaped gardens and internal laneways. Amenities across the development include a café, gym and rooftop terrace and a communal courtyard.

Terrace homes have been designed higher and larger than the norm, with some offering city views; all have a high level of finishes and mix of materials. Each terrace includes two balconies and a private courtyard and are catered toward family living.

SOHOs maintain a loft-style configuration, complete with exposed brickwork and high ceilings. Expected to appeal to young professionals, the SOHOs provide an environment which enables flexible work patterns. 
The small-scale, low density apartment block offers investors and first home buyers the opportunity to enter the Footscray market within the confines of a boutique setting. Spanning six levels and featuring one and two bedroom apartments, the spacious apartments all maintain access to a rooftop terrace.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image137_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Second level views over established low rise living"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image137_2.jpg?itok=dKzu--Te" title="Second level views over established low rise living" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Second level views over established low rise living</figcaption></figure>Selling agent, F.R. Chee of CT Real Estate, says that while Footscray is still considered affordable, continued gentrification of the area indicates that this may quickly change.

<blockquote>
Currently Footscray is an affordable suburb undergoing the process of gentrification, similar to what we’ve seen in Brunswick and Collingwood where there is now a substantially higher median sale price.

Market growth is also being driven by the high proportion of students and young professionals moving to the area due to its affordability and proximity to the city. Almost 40 per cent of the suburb’s population is aged between 20-34 years.

Cowper Residences’ position and housing mix makes for a unique investment opportunity in one of Footscray’s most premium locations. We are expecting strong sales across the campaign.

With central Footscray set to be transformed, it truly presents one of the last great investment opportunities in Melbourne’s inner ring suburbs.
</blockquote>

Cowper Residences is currently taking registrations of interest, with prospective buyers urged to register their details on <a href="http://www.cowperresidences.com.au?utm_source=urban_melbourne&amp;utm_medium=article_link">www.cowperresidences.com.au</a> and act fast in order to take advantage of off-the-plan stamp duty concessions before 1 July 2017.
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Footscray's Cowper Residences set to cater for all buyers

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In light of the recent release of the Victorian State Government’s Better Apartments Design Standards, architects, designers, builders and the industry as a whole will look to reconfigure apartment design, in order to conform to new government regulations.

Among changes to standards, the guidelines dictate that apartments will have to provide for daylight access, outlook and privacy through building setbacks. A functional layout will see the dimension of bedrooms and living areas provide space and functional internal areas. Apartment room-depth-to-ceiling-height ratio of habitable rooms, such as living areas and bedrooms, must also provide adequate daylight according to the guidelines.

Architects and engineers will have to ensure that habitable rooms have adequate daylight from a window in an external wall. Functional and accessible internal as well as external apartment storage space is also a crucial feature of the new guidelines.

Noise impacts, energy efficiency, solar access to communal open space, natural ventilation, private and communal open space, landscaping, accessibility, safe building entries and circulation, waste and recycling facilities and integrated water management systems must all be considered in apartment design with the implementation of the new regulations.

On the implications of the Better Apartments Design Standards, Michele Pasca di Magliano at Zaha Hadid Architects commented that the regulations present a “difficult challenge with no easy fix”.

Magliano is the Project Director of 600 Collins Street, a $300 million mixed-use high-rise project, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects that will see the legendary Pritzer Laureate’s legacy live on in a stunning new structure.

“The 600 Collins planning application was granted in June 2016, before the Better Standards were introduced. In general standards aim to raise the average level but risk diminishing opportunities for innovation and we can't restrict architects to design by the book without really challenging the quality of the designs and architectural envelopes which become such an important presence”.

The 54-storey tower project will house 420 apartments.

The regulations may also impact the construction industry. George Argyrou, Managing director at the Melbourne-based construction firm Hickory, believes that the prefabricated building industry offers improved solutions to accommodate the new guidelines compared to traditional modular construction. Hickory has undertaken major construction works on Australia’s tallest prefabricated structure, the La Trobe Tower.

“The increased standards will change the way apartments are designed and improve liveability and sustainability.”

According to Argyrou, Hickory Building Systems offer greater flexibility than other modular systems, and enables innovative apartment design.

“The beauty of the HBS method is that there are no fixed module sizes or standardised design elements – everything is flexible and we build to the project’s specification, rather than trying to mould the project to meet ours. In this way we don’t anticipate that Hickory’s prefabricated projects will be overly affected by any design changes that are implemented across the industry, as we already build each project on a case-by-case basis.”

While the Better Apartments Design Standards may not impact prefabrication practices, other construction companies may have to readjust in the wake of the regulations.

“Hickory can’t speak for other prefab and modular builders, who through the nature of their systems often have to build to strict parameters and standard sizes. These suppliers may find that they need to adjust their designs and manufacturing practices to meet the new standards. With HBS, our system is a bespoke construction method that uses interchangeable, flexible componentry,” says Argyrou.

Both Magliano and Argyrou feature as speakers at the upcoming high-rise construction and design industry Summit, the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit</a>, which presents delegates and industry players with an invaluable opportunity to explore best practice solutions to apartment design with expert speaker input.

George Argyrou will discuss prefabricated construction processes in the ground-breaking La Trobe Tower project as well as why system flexibility and continuous innovation is imperative to implementing prefabrication on a larger scale.

Michele Pasca di Magliano will profile Zaha Hadid Architect’s spatial and urban approach to high-rise design at the Summit as well as examining skyscrapers as catalysts for social interaction.  

Urban.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Better Apartments at the Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit 2017

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As high-rise buildings continue to be designed at taller heights than ever before, skyscraper design must grapple with the efficiency, safety and sustainability of vertical transport systems. To address these challenges, new technologies are emerging and redefining the tall tower construction landscape with improved state-of-the-art vertical transportation solutions.

Vertical transportation technologies present a major revolutionising force in high-rise construction. A growing number of design possibilities are made available through the development of more refined, intelligent lift systems that can transform high-rise building functionality and sustainability.

Vertical transport giants Schindler, Kone and Thyssenkrupp are opening the doors to a wide plethora of design possibilities. The building industry will see a wholesale modernisation and expansion of design possibilities through increased architectural flexibility. The <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit</a> will profile the latest developments in high-rise transportation solutions in the tall building landscape with input from leading experts in the field.

Currently constructing one of the largest elevator projects ever awarded in Australia at Sydney’s Barangagroo, Schindler Australia will give insight into cutting-edge technology advancements happening in the vertical transportation space at the Summit. The Barangagroo development features the Schindler 7000 high-rise elevators and the Schindler 5500 modular passenger elevators. Both incorporate Schindler’s innovative PORT Technology Destination Control.

The PORT Technology optimises traffic flow by offering personalised service and control to passengers. It can be programmed to analyse, predict and meet individual needs whilst substantially minimising energy consumption in buildings thanks to a reduced number of elevator trips when in standby mode.

Kone’s composite material lightweight rope and Thyssenkrupp’s “rope-less” MULTI technology also advances progress in vertical transportation systems and increases feasible building heights.

The MULTI utilises linear motor technology to move multiple cars in a single shaft both vertically and horizontally. The increased availability and efficiency of elevators benefits passengers directly through reduced wait times and increased capacity. Building design radically improves through reduced transport weight and mass as well as the flexibility to travel both vertically and horizontally. To top it all off, a smaller carbon footprint renders these new transportation solutions sustainable.

Intelligent lift systems ease traffic and are a time saving and sustainable alternative to traditional vertical transportation in high-rise buildings which have long presented challenges in the development of new tall tower design.

Densely populated urban centres and city dwellers will benefit profoundly from new advancements in high-speed, high-rise vertical transportation, a crucial component of the future of skyscraper design.  

Urban.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit</a>, to be held on the 28th and 29th of March 2017 at the Melbourne Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre.
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Optimised traffic in high-rise through intelligent vertical transportation

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With the recent approval of the Victorian Government of a $43 million Richmond Vertical Secondary School project in Melbourne, construction of vertical schools is proliferating across the country.

Benefits of vertical schools range from the ability of students to access a greater variety of facilities and proximity near transport networks, as well as an increased capacity for a high concentration of students.

This comes off the back of the recognition of the South Melbourne Primary School project, currently underway on Ferrars Street, awarded the Future Project of the Year Award at the 2016 World Architecture Festival in Berlin.

The vertical government primary school is set to accommodate up to 525 students upon completion. The Fishermans Bend community will also see integrated community facilities on site including a community learning centre. It is the first vertical school in Victoria but mirrors trends taking off across the country.

Among other vertical campuses on the horizon around Australia, a vertical school has already been completed in Perth’s CBD and the NSW government has committed to four new vertical schools.

While vertical schools have long been a feature internationally, they challenge traditional models of learning and education in Australia. Looking towards the future of integration between learning environments and high-rise urban construction, the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a> will feature an in-depth exploration of the issue.

Education Specialist Peter Lippman will interrogate the issue of whether vertical schools are merely a passing trend or rather a representation of a greater paradigm shift in the Australian context.

With a career based in researching, writing about, designing and creating activity-based learning environments for the future, Mr Lippman is the founder of Places Created for Learning, an evidence-based design practice. PCL specialises in creating activity-based learning environments, consulting with schools and design firms nationally and internationally.

Mr Lippman will examine the key educational affordances and constraints for building vertical schools. Finally, the Summit will highlight key lessons learned historically and internationally from vertical high-rise schools.

Urban.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Vertical Schools to feature at Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017

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With the release of Infrastructure Victoria’s first ever 30-year infrastructure strategy, the state is set to discuss the draft’s proposed developments and projects before the review of the final strategy in parliament in late 2016.

The blueprint aims to address areas in need of improvement including congestion and housing. It also seeks to provide infrastructure to increase Victorian’s access to essential services such as jobs and education in order to build and sustain the state’s businesses, industries and communities.

The draft outlines a number of initiatives to be delivered over the next three decades to shape the best possible outcomes for the state in years to come. Initiatives range from construction projects to regulatory measures concerning transport pricing and affordable housing.

The 30-year strategy will allow the state to prepare for population change, reduce disadvantage, connect people to jobs and increase workplace participation to offset an ageing population. Moreover, it is expected to drive productivity, support the economy and look at strategies to produce and consume resources in an environmentally friendly manner.

As Australia faces rapid changes with an ever growing population and urban density on the rise, inevitable questions of living conditions, urban sprawl and property demand emerge.

Viable solutions to accommodate population growth and combat urban sprawl lie in the realm of the city’s building and construction future. Solutions include urban planning, green solutions, liveability, tall building design and high-rise engineering.

In March 2017 Melbourne will play host to the first ever Smart Skyscrapers Summit. Apartments.com.au is an official media partner to the premiere event, attracting tower construction experts from around the world who will come together to shape the future of the Australian skyline in years to come through smart, sustainable innovations.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mediabanner-topics.png" rel="gallery-all" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="535" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mediabanner-topics.png?itok=SdB5xy04" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>www.skyscrapersconference.com.au</figcaption></figure>​A riveting agenda is on the cards for Summit delegates who will hear from a wide selection of international and local professionals illuminating cutting edge advances and developments in skyscraper building and design. Looking to local case studies and those from abroad, speakers will pave the way for improvements in current practice within Australian high-rise construction.

A range of Australia’s tallest and most futuristic towers will be profiled at the Summit with the opportunity to hear from principal designers, architects, engineers and consultants involved in skyscraper projects across the country.

Australia 108, soon to be the tallest skyscraper in Australia and 323 La Trobe Street, Australia’s tallest prefabricated building, will be profiled at this immersive two-day event held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Apartments.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Melbourne to host the Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit in March 2017

Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

Staff Writer

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>&nbsp;has unveiled what it intends to deliver at its recently acquired Toowong site, its debut apartment development in Brisbane.

Immerse, founded by John Kearney who is also the founder of regarded construction company Greyburn, secured the prime Sylvan Road site <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-immerse-projects-moves-into-brisbane-apartment-market-with-toowong-site-acquisition">earlier this year</a>, in an area which has historical significance to Kearney who&nbsp;studied at the nearby University of Queensland.

"It feels like a full circle moment," Kearney told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/" target="">Apartments.com.au</a>.&nbsp;

“I spent many nights at the Regatta Hotel just down the road, as have most people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld" target="">Brisbane</a>. It’s one of the city’s most well-known hotels, and with several cafes, restaurants, and a CityCat stop nearby, it’s become an even more attractive place to live.”

He is planning a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/22-24-sylvan-road-toowong-qld-4066">15-storey project with 88 apartments</a> above an activated ground plane with a shop and hospitality spaces.

<img alt="Toowong podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c350436b-9d64-46cc-ab6f-defc009e1b65" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_0.png?VersionId=zt7A0_14M62TkZ61YHnGmEck9KM9HqDA" />

The architecture, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, presents a tower massing that responds to the area's evolving mid-rise context. The scheme incorporates podium and rooftop communal spaces, while the commercial elements aim to activate the Sylvan Road frontage and enhance the site's interface with the adjacent parkland.&nbsp;

Landscaping plans by Ivy May Landscape Architects include subtropical planting and deep soil zones to support stormwater management and visual integration.

Supporting documentation from Mewing Planning Consultants notes that "the proposed development will deliver a mixed-use outcome that enhances the vibrancy of the Sylvan Road corridor" and highlights its proximity to high-frequency public transport and community facilities.

<img alt="First look: Immerse Projects moves into Brisbane apartment market with Toowong site acquisition" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/22-24%20Sylvan%20%20Rd%20Toowong_Markups.jpg?VersionId=u4_IGzpYLPFfAZSsgCZynov3bm7umwJ." />

&nbsp;

There's been little new apartment development in Toowong in recent years. The most notable is Consolidated Properties two-tower Monarch Residences, which is approaching completion with nearly all of its 224 residences sold.

Kearney describes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066" target="">Toowong</a>&nbsp;as a suburb with real depth.

"The suburb attracts everyone, from students to retirees, and that's what makes it interesting."

Joel Robinson

First look: Immerse Projects reveals debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is down to its final three-bedroom apartments at Audrey, the developer’s parkside St Leonards South project, pairing the remaining homes with a limited-time offer.

The developer is extending a five per cent deposit and a $50,000 settlement rebate on selected apartments, aiming to help owner-occupiers secure one of the final homes ahead of move-in in early 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

Located on Canb​erra Avenue opposite Newlands Park, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/audrey-st-leonards-13-19-canberra-avenue-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Audrey</a> comprises 102 residences, including a mix of three-bedroom residences and a double-storey, five-bedroom terrace with two outdoor areas.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/north-shore-property-construction">North Shore Property Construction</a>, the project reflects Hyecorp’s focus on owner-occupier planning, with open-plan layouts, extensive storage integration, and a material palette built around stone, oak timber flooring and bespoke joinery. Many of the three-bedroom apartments capture views toward the city and Harbour Bridge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=207373]

Hyecorp’s internal design team, Jackson Teece, has emphasised a consistent level of specification across the building, including Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, brushed metal tapware and large-format stone detailing that conceals cabinetry.

The Tiffany Collection, crowning the development on Levels 12 to 15, features added luxury of fluted standalone baths, heated bathroom floors, custom walk-in robes and upgraded appliance packages across its spacious 155 to 159 sqm homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=301367]

Beyond the private residences, Audrey carries a strong amenity focus. Residents have access to an indoor lap pool and spa, personal training studio, private cinema, music room and private dining room.

A landscaped rooftop terrace with CBD views anchors the communal offering, complemented by an onsite café and an integrated daycare centre within the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198680]

The location continues to be a drawcard for buyers, with new retail additions at Mall 88, including Coles, alongside Woolworths and the established offerings of Forum Plaza. St Leonards Station and Crows Nest Metro is within easy reach, as are local health precincts such as the Royal North Shore Public and Private Hospitals. Nearby green spaces include Newlands Park, Gore Hill Oval and Naremburn Park, supporting strong day-to-day amenity for families and downsizers alike.

Hyecorp is expected to welcome residents to Hyecorp in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

Audrey St Leonards nears completion – settlement bonus now available

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a>&nbsp;has been given the green light to develop its flagship mixed-use project in the Crows Nest metro precinct.

The NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority approved the 40-storey tower, aligning with the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) agenda to deliver more homes in highly connected, high amenity locations.

The $600 million tower, at 378-398 Pacific Highway, will comprise 178 apartments with resident amenities, two levels of commercial offices, and a curated retail offering. Freecity will also dedicate a 10 percent Affordable Housing Contribution, supporting the Governments broader housing objectives.

<img alt="Freecity Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4de9b03b-e8aa-4929-b3f1-6747acbe6b73" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20Crows%20Nest%20Project.jpg?VersionId=oWwFWxGj_oUFEYX4j_qRFdSzcShLw3DG" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the tower will offer a diverse residential mix, from one-bedroom homes to expansive four-bedroom penthouses, all crafted to maximise light, views and liveability.

Lawrence Zheng, Co-Founder and Joint CEO of Freecity Group, said the approval represents a significant step forward for both Crows Nest and Freecity.

"We are proud to be delivering a landmark project that brings new homes, new amenity and new economic activity to one of Sydney’s most strategically connected locations,"&nbsp;Zheng said.

"With our $6 billion pipeline of 12 mixed-use projects, this development reinforces Freecity’s commitment to helping deliver the housing supply and transport-integrated precincts the Government is championing.”

Michael Romano, Executive Director of Development, said the companies focus is on "creating places that genuinely enhance how people live day to day - communities that balance accessibility, amenity and neighbourhood vibrancy.”

“This project reflects the future of urban living - design led, highly liveable and seamlessly connected to the city’s major transport, employment and education hubs. Being directly opposite the Crows Nest Metro means residents can access the best of Sydney with unrivalled convenience."

&nbsp;

Freecity secures approval for Crows Nest metro precinct tower

The Bedford by Mosaic marks the culmination of a near-decade journey for South East Queensland’s most active developer.

Mosaic Founder and CEO, Brook Monahan, said the company first identified the prime Prospect Street, Kangaroo Point site in 2016 as an A-grade opportunity they were eager to secure. They almost bought it at the time, before it was ultimately acquired by Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot.

The opportunity resurfaced late last year when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was offered for sale again.

Backed by years of history, feasibility research, and detailed product planning for the 3,195 sqm corner site, Mosaic was able to move swiftly. The Bedford by Mosaic is now proving a clear market success, unsurprising given the depth of work the developer had undertaken on the location and potential density mix well before they owned the land.

Active across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and with a development pipeline more than $2 billion, Mosaic has already sold 90 per cent of apartments in what has become the area’s most significant residential addition in more than a decade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

Designed by BDA Architecture, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom apartments, including the Masterpiece Series Skyhomes across the top two levels. These residences offer the largest floorplans and the best views over the river and city. Premium inclusions—such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature in every apartment, not just the top-tier offerings.

A defining feature of The Bedford is its integrated mixed-use component, set to deliver Kangaroo Point’s first Woolworths supermarket, along with a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

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Residents will also enjoy one of Brisbane’s most comprehensive amenity collections. Dubbed the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace, the wellness-focused spaces include a resort-style pool with sun deck, an indoor/outdoor gym, spa, sauna, steam room and cold plunge.

Additional amenities include a residents’ lounge and relaxation zones, a private dining room with kitchen, barbecue areas, landscaped gardens, an outdoor viewing deck capturing city and river views, and a bookable golf simulator.

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The remaining residences at The Bedford span the upper levels of the building and include two- and three-bedroom floorplans, which start from $1,645,000.

Mosaic's in-house building arm has already commenced construction on The Bedford. They estimate a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328121]

Monahan notes that Mosaic’s most successful projects often begin years before the first plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, initially making it onto their radar in 2018.

“We aren’t opportunistic,” Monahan says. “Every site purchase is well considered and thought out. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we are looking at now that we might not secure for several years.”

Mosaic is set to launch its new South Brisbane project&nbsp;in the next year, while its latest Gold Coast development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/josephine-by-mosaic-166-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Josephine</a>, is coming soon to Burleigh Heads.

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