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Changes in consumer spending patterns since 2007 appear to have hurt retailers, such as department stores, apparel and discretionary retailing, according to Savills research.
The Australian Sub Regional Shopping Centres report says consumer spending has impacted tenants in regional and some sub regional shopping centres though some sub regional shopping centres have been immune from this.
The ABS turnover statistics in the accompanying table show strong growth over a long period in most of the retail categories found at a sub regional shopping centre. Supermarkets have been enjoying strong turnover growth as have their associated liquor stores.
Discount department stores dealing in electronics, household goods including furniture and discount clothing have also enjoyed strong turnover growth. Associated specialty stores such as a chemist, a take away food store, a bakery, a newsagent and other local service providers such as a dry cleaner may be found in the tenancy mix.
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The structural issues facing retail are more formidable but not insurmountable. Savills expects the retail sector to evolve to take advantage of the structural issues rather than be over-run by them.
The ageing of the population will continue to create challenges for retailers as they jockey for the dollars of retirees. Retirees can be expected to prefer services over goods and will not necessarily continue to dwell in their traditional catchment areas.
Internet retailing has already changed the face of retailing for certain categories of goods and will no doubt continue to evolve and challenge more categories over time. New business models are establishing themselves.  
 
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Consumer spending habits and their impact on sub-regional shopping centres

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The first residents have started moving into Radius Apartments in Brisbane’s Woolloongabba, with the newly completed development also starting to operate as serviced accommodation.
The mixed-use project by Majella Property Developments at 44 O’Keefe Street comprises 91 apartments with a mix of 35 one-bedroom and 56 two-bedroom units. It is also being operated by Oaks Hotels &amp; Resorts as Oaks Woolloongabba.
Majella chief executive officer Sebastian Monsour said the larger size of the apartments and the overall quality appealed to buyers.
“On average, the apartments are larger than those in other new residential developments selling for similar prices within Brisbane city and fringe suburbs. This has proven very popular with potential buyers as they consider it better value for money,” Monsour said.
The one-bedroom apartments range in size from 79 sqm to 98 sqm, while two-bedroom apartments ranging from 99 sqm to 133 sqm. Apartment pricing ranged from $357,000 to $569,000.
Two commercial tenancies have also sold in the commercial space.
Majella Group founder Professor Frank Monsour said, “Brisbane City Council’s Urban Renewal Brisbane program has ensured that Woolloongabba has undergone unprecedented revitalisation.”
The launch of Oaks Woolloongabba was the tenth Brisbane property for Oaks Hotels &amp; Resorts with a room inventory of more than 1,400 rooms.
Radius was constructed by Queensland’s Tomkins Commercial &amp; Industrial Builders.
<img src="/images/2016/09/19/WOLRooftop.jpg" alt="" width="749" height="499">
The complex is built on Woolloongabba’s highest point at 44 O’Keefe Street and offers views of the city.
Designed by Elizabeth Anderson of Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects, Radius Apartments features a rooftop sky deck with city views, a 20-metre swimming pool, gardens and barbecue facilities.
Majella Property Developments will soon be lodging its development application for the proposed redevelopment of the heritage-listed Broadway Hotel site at Woolloongabba featuring 280 apartments and a three-level commercial and retail podium.
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New apartment project in Brisbane's Woolloongabba welcomes first residents

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The Colombian Hotel, an eastern Sydney partygoer favourite, has sold for an undisclosed sum after a marketing campaign by Ray White Hotels which drew more than 80 enquiries.
The three-level hotel, a former Westpac Bank before its conversion into the popular Colombian Hotel by McHugh Holdings, enjoys great street presence by virtue of its Oxford St and Crown St corner location. It is open from 9 pm to 6 am and features poker machines and drag shows.
The selling agents were Ray White Hotels’ Andrew Jolliffe and Gerry Quinlan. Jolliffe, who in the past 12 months has sold the neighbouring Woollahra Hotel, Dolphin Hotel, Four in Hand Hotel, Light Brigade Hotel and Paddington's Royal Hotel, said he was not surprised by either the price achieved or competitive nature of the sale process. 
"In a low interest rate cycle, the opportunity to invest in hard yielding A grade property assets complete with upside triggers available to improve already impressive cash flow themes, is seldom available" advised Jolliffe. 
Interest in the highly publicized sale of the hotel drew enquiry from around the globe, said Quinlan. "We were inundated from the moment we made public the proposed sale of the hotel, with enquiry ranging from well known national hoteliers and hotel groups; to local and international property developers,” said Quinlan. 
Property Observer had previously carried the story about the hotel being listed for sale.
"The investment thesis for this opportunity was compelling, with scale, position, opportunity and profitability all central components.” 
Neither Jolliffe or Quinlan commented on the price paid or the buyer’s identity, but it's emerged Sam Arnaout's Iris Capital paid in excess of $15 million for the imposing three-storey former Westpac building on the corner of Oxford and Crown Streets in the heart of Sydney's gay nightclub scene.
The Colombian, including its hotel licence and gaming entitlements, was put up for sale by publican David McHugh in July. It last sold for $6.7 million in 2011
 Read more: <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/hotels-and-leisure/iris-capital-snaps-up-colombian-hotel-in-heart-of-sydneys-gay-nightlife-strip-20160915-grgusy#ixzz4KgmwLFCj">https://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/hotels-and-leisure/iris-capital-snaps-up-colombian-hotel-in-heart-of-sydneys-gay-nightlife-strip-20160915-grgusy#ixzz4KgmwLFCj</a>  Follow us: <a href="https://ec.tynt.com/b/rw?id=cCUjAS_ECr5iWLacwqm_6l&amp;u=FinancialReview" target="_blank">@FinancialReview on Twitter</a> | <a href="https://ec.tynt.com/b/rf?id=cCUjAS_ECr5iWLacwqm_6l&amp;u=financialreview" target="_blank">financialreview on Facebook</a>
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Sydney's Colombian Hotel changes hands after hot marketing campaign

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A project west of Melbourne in Bacchus Marsh that promises “next generation, economical housing design”, has been launched.
Developer Kataland’s Underbank, a development site on 166 hectares, seeks to differentiate itself from traditional master-planned communities through designs that are in harmony with the natural landscape of the area.
The $250 million dollar project will be located in Melbourne’s Western Growth Corridor, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, which will eventually accommodate a population of 277,000 people and 164,000 jobs.
Kataland director Jason Yeap said Underbank breaks away from traditional master-planned communities because it is planned to be in harmony with the natural landscape.
“Most master-planned communities look the same – they’re flat and featureless. When I first saw the Underbank site, I was struck by the rich landscape. There’s a natural bowl formation with a valley floor surrounded by hills, established trees, native shrubs and landscaped waterways.”
“With Underbank, it was integral to preserve the site’s existing natural assets, and instead of cutting into the land, we created new home designs that work with the land, not against it.”
Located three kilometres west from Bacchus Marsh, Underbank is expected to become home to around 4,000 people in 1,500 houses, with its own town centre, parklands, plus community and recreational facilities.
Construction on the Underbank sites has already commenced, and stage one has been released, with land starting at $129,000 for a 420 sqm block.
While buyers can choose their own builder, Underbank, will also offer future residents access to designs by architect Louis Chiodo that feature modular light-filled living environments.
<img src="/images/2016/09/16/Underbank2.jpg" alt="">
Yeap said supporting the growing community in the charming town of Bacchus Marsh was vital.
“People aren’t just moving to Bacchus Marsh because of affordability – there’s a long string of prestigious schools like Bacchus Marsh Grammar, and it’s only 50 km from Melbourne’s CBD,” said Yeap.
“We have been working with council and the local community to future proof the region so that growth is sustainable and the bustling town remains liveable.”
Underbank will be maintaining and restoring the flora and historical significance of the former stud farm, once home to Australian legendary racehorse Phar Lap. It will restore the horse stables into a community hub for markets and activities.
Other features of Underbank’s planning include walking trails and bike paths through the parklands. There will also be several pocket parks dotted through the site with playgrounds, fitness stations, picnic shelters and BBQ facilities.
Infrastructure upgrades, including the Hallets Way upgrade and pedestrian links to Bacchus Marsh Road, will improve connectivity in-and-about Bacchus Marsh, according to the media release.
“As a developer, our goal is to be visionary; to be a leader, not a follower,” said Yeap. “With Underbank, we’re excited to bring a new era of master planned communities which respects the land and supports growth for current and future generations.”
 
 
 
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Developer Kataland launches eco-friendly housing site Underbank west of Melbourne

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Parramatta council has released an updated concept design for its $2 billion revamp of Parramatta Square CBD, which it says are based on feedback from residents and stakeholders. 
The new plans, now on public display, include an interactive ‘digital carpet’, grassed terraces, smart shading structures, a grove of historic Cabbage Tree Palms, and billabong- like water features. 
That feedback and further design ideas have helped shape the Enhanced Concept Design that is now available for public comment. The first draft was released in October 2015. 
The concept design was created by 42 – a design team including award-winning firms James Mather Delaney Design (JMD), Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL), Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG) and Gehl Architects, Denmark. 
“In the 12 months since releasing the Draft Concept Design, Council has had much more information to incorporate, including community feedback and key milestones in Parramatta Square making it possible to provide a more meaningful approach that took all buildings in the space into account,” City of Parramatta Council administrator Amanda Chadwick said. 
“The community have told us they want flexible places to meet and relax, the provision of public art, and spaces for entertainment and events.”
<img src="/images/2016/09/15/Parramatta2.jpg" alt="">
Chadwick said the council has finalised international design competitions for five buildings on Parramatta Square and also adopted a Technology Masterplan for the precinct.
The forecast $36.5 million budget for the public domain will be funded by the development of Parramatta Square, at no cost to ratepayers.
Residents can view the Parramatta Square Public Domain Enhanced Concept Design at the City of Parramatta Council Library, branch libraries and at the Customer Service Desk at 126 Church Street, Parramatta. 
A Parramatta Square community event will be held at Parramatta Town Hall on Friday, 7 October from 10 am to 2 pm, where the Parramatta Square Public Domain Enhanced Concept Design will be available for viewing. It can also be viewed at council libraries or online at <a href="https://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">www.parracity.nsw.gov.au</a>.
 
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Local council lays out new design for $2 billion Parramatta Square revamp

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Melbourne’s much-loved Gumbuya Park has been snapped up by the founders of Carsales.com and Jayco Caravans for $4.65 million with plans to inject more funds for a revamp. 
The investor consortium, comprising Gerry Ryan of Jayco Caravans and Wal Pisciotta of Carsales.com.au, acquired the park which is home to more than 300 animals.
The family-owned park features dingoes, cockatoos, wombats, koalas, emus and various native Australian birds. Spread on an area of 166.26 hectares, Gumbuya Park also offers rides and attractions such as paddle boats, mini cars, waterslides, pony rides, a mini golf course and toboggans. 
CBRE’s David Minty, Stephen Adgemis, Duncan McCulloch and James Beer managed the sale on behalf of the family that owns the park.
Gumbuya Park has been operating since 1978.
Minty said the incoming owners planned to inject new life into the park, which is located on the Princes Highway just outside Pakenham. 
“The buyers will look to introduce new attractions and some accommodation, helping bring the park back to its former glory” Minty said. 
“A change of hands of this iconic park will ensure it remains one of Melbourne’s most popular, small-scale amusement parks, frequented by both local residents and interstate visitors.”  
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Investor group takes reins of Melbourne’s much-loved Gumbuya Park  

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A local developer has purchased a site in western Sydney for close to $20 million from the Blacktown City Council with plans to develop apartments and shops.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-blacktown-501947190" target="_blank">5-19 George Street, Blacktown</a> property comprises 4,644 square metres of land and is currently used for a car park and car rental business.
More than 270 apartments are planned at the mixed-use zoned site. A draft concept scheme, prepared by Cox Architecture for the property, comprises a mixed-use development with 271 apartments, 6,320 square metres of retail and commercial space and underground parking.
Blacktown City Council is the largest municipality in NSW and has an estimated population of 308,000 people which is forecast to grow to 500,000 by 2036.
The deal was brokered by Savills’ Robert Lowe, Neil Cooke and Stuart Cox.
"This was a development opportunity with everything going for it including mixed-use zoning, three street frontages, a virtually clean site with short term income, and a superb gateway location within Sydney's hottest growth area," said Lowe.
The site is adjacent to the Blacktown CBD.
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Blacktown City Council sells mixed-use site for $20 million 

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An office building in Queensland’s Logan City with major tenant as the city council has sold for $3.85 million.
‘The Exchange’ at 106 City Road, Beenleigh was put up for sale via expressions of interest earlier this year. 
The deal was brokered by Tania Moore and Mark Witheriff of Knight Frank along with RM Realty.  
The seven-level office building is a “landmark asset” in the Beenleigh CBD, according to the property’s description.
Located on the eastern side of City Road, it is a short freeway-drive to Brisbane or the Gold Coast. 
The building has a net passing income $290,136 pa. 
The net lettable area is 1,695 sqm.
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Building leased to council in Queensland's Logan City fetches $3.85 million

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An online tool, Landchecker, that promises to do all the due diligence for property buyers saving them precious time, was launched this month. 
Launched earlier in September by founders of Melbourne architecture agency Ewert Leaf and property developer Moda Corp, <a href="https://www.landchecker.com.au" target="_blank">Landchecker</a> collects all relevant information about a property so people can easily perform due diligence before they invest and also keep property records up-to-date. 
“People are often unaware of the planning controls that affect their home so this tool enables them to quickly check their land for any underlying constraints or opportunities,” Landchecker founder and Ewert Leaf co-director Will Leaf said. The tool took 18 months to develop.
“As architects and developers, we found we were assessing data through several different websites which became time consuming and frustrating. Landchecker aggregates this information on a single platform.” 
For a given address, Landchecker will prepare a property report and the relevant planning controls, such as zones, overlays, schools, bushfire and flood-prone areas and places of cultural sensitivity. It costs $5.99.
The founding team includes Toby Ewert, Ed Farquharson, technical partner Simon Holland, chief technical officer Tim Asquith and general manager Jim Leaf.
<img src="/images/2016/09/13/Landchecker.jpg" alt="">
“Homebuyers often don’t understand where to find this information and currently it is found through several different websites,” Leaf said. “We are helping people to access it quickly in a user-friendly, legible manner.” 
“Landchecker will ensure people are better prepared when they meet with agents or legal representatives because they will be able to ask the right questions – for example, what impact does this heritage overlay have on the value of this property or its potential for redevelopment?’” he said. 
A property professional or investor can access a real-time map and also get permit data, which will also show applications pending and approved. 
Leaf said Landchecker could change the parameters of transparency in property.
“In a society where transparency is becoming a critical part of business, we think it will become popular with financial institutions and mortgage brokers as a means of creating loyalty with customers. Would you bank with someone who didn’t tell you that your house was in a flooding overlay if they had the capacity to do so?”
 
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Want to save time on property buying? Log onto Landchecker

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Perth's leasing market is tight, with tenants seeking lower costs and space with “capacity provision” for earnings upside, according to property experts at Raine &amp; Horne. 
Anthony Vulinovich, director at Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA, recently told the West Australian that the Perth leasing market "was tight".
He cited the example of the former Gliderol Garage Doors facility at <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/properties/48-luisini-road-wangara-6065-western-australia-3c2e9351-253e-4b22-9ea7-838630c2850f">48 Luisini Road, Wangara</a>, built in 2013.
It is a 3,337 square metre building on a 7,200 square metre site. It has a two-level office and a large factory.
“The acquisition (of Gliderol by DuluxGroup) has left a large vacancy and created a bargain sublease opportunity on a freestanding office-warehouse facility, asking overall just $75/sqm plus outgoings plus GST,” said Anthony.
The sublease would run until 2020.
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Tight leasing market creating opportunities in Perth: Raine & Horne

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Prateek Chatterjee

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