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<p><span>Some $101 million in off the plan sales were secured at Penrith in western Sydney on the weekend.</span></p>
<p><span>The sales were in <a href="https://thorntoncentral.com.au/" target="_blank"><span>the Thornton Central project</span></a> where a further 191 apartments were sold. </span></p>
<p><span>Construction commenced last month on the DKo project.</span></p>
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<p><span>The $62.5 initial stage of Thornton went to the market in late 2014 with all 151 apartments set over four buildings selling out very quickly through Home and Land Direct, an independent boutique real estate agency that specialises in residential property development, land and home sales and new apartments in Western Sydney. </span></p>
<p><span>The $101 million stage will be built over one five-storey and two nine-storey buildings.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"We had strong interest from first-home buyers as expected, because the pricing is below the stamp duty threshold and attracts the first-home buyers grant," First Point Projects' executive director Mark Hovey said.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The developer, First Points Projects and St Hilliers First Point are developing the Thornton project with a mid-2016 completion schedule. </span></p>
<p><span>Thornton apartments start at $395,000 for a one-bedroom, from $495,000 for two bedrooms and around $640,000 plus for a three-bedroom unit.</span></p>
<p><span>The 500-plus apartment and 5,500 sqm commercial precinct adjacent to Penrith train station is the first multi-level residential apartment precinct to be built in the heart of Penrith.</span></p>
<p><span>The precinct is part of the wider Thornton community, masterplanned by UrbanGrowth NSW.</span></p>
<p><span>St Hilliers executive chairman, Tim Casey, said there was an increasing demand for quality residential developments throughout Western Sydney.</span></p>
<p><span>“An apartment precinct in the Penrith city centre is unprecedented. This is a game changer and reshapes how people will live.</span></p>
<p><span>“The proposed retail precinct with its cafés, restaurants, a gymnasium, a supermarket, hotel and medical centre will give residents inner city living at their doorstep.</span></p>
<p><span>“The new community of around 5,000 residents will have high quality residential, commercial and retail amenity adjacent to the train station with recreational features, a water canal, village green and other open spaces,” said Mr Casey.</span></p>
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Penrith's Thornton Central secures further off the plan apartment sales

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<p><span>The car space - Lot 83 at 106 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay - sold at Ray White auction yesterday at $158,000.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Conveniently located on the entry level of the Riviera residential complex, it was a rare opportunity to purchase a car space within the highly coveted Elizabeth Bay 'Loop'.</span></p>
<p><span>Ray White agents Ian Campbell and Penny Timothy had four bidders <a href="https://raywhiteelizabethbay.com.au/nsw/elizabeth-bay/1335228/" target="_blank"><span>on the open air 13.4 square metre space</span></a>.</span></p>
<p><span>It last sold back in November 2004 at $65,000, with bidding starting at $70,000 last night.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
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<div>Two of the bidders dropped out around $120,000.</div>
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<div>Car space sales the same street address included $85,000 in early 2008 and $100,000 in 2012.</div>
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The Loop, Elizabeth Bay sees $158,000 car space auction

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<p>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from auctions in Sydney for Saturday August 1. The clearance rate was 79%.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</p>
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APM's Sydney auction results for August 1

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<p><span>Potential investors looking to spend $500,000 in West Australia have plenty of options in the town of Esperance, with the possibility buying two homes in the suburb of Sinclair with change.</span></p>
<p><a href="/news">Esperance</a>, located in the south east of Western Australia, is known for tourism, agriculture and fishing.</p>
<p><span>Castletown is another suburb with potential, according to the Herron Todd White July 2015 Month in Review, with a modern finished home available for under $500,000 returning $400 to $450 in rent per week.</span></p>
<p><span>The best return on investment for $500,000 may be found in Nulsen, with the possibility of netting three homes with a rental of $250 apiece per week on average.</span></p>
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Property investment options abound in Esperance: HTW

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<p><span>The majority of respondents to a recent survey believe rental rates will rise within the next 12 months, with most saying it will move less than 5%.</span></p>
<p><span>The CoreLogic RP Data Nine Rewards </span><span>Consumer housing market sentiment survey found 51% of people surveyed expect rental rates to rise over the coming year, with 9% expecting a slide.</span></p>
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<p><span>According to the report rents are increasing at their slowest pace on record, with three capital cities recording falls in the last six months.</span></p>
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Rents to climb?, albeit slowest on record: CoreLogic RP Data

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<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">These are the top variable investor loan rates available right now, including minimum loan amounts and maximum LVRs, according to banking comparison website Mozo.</span></div>
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<strong>Commonwealth Bank</strong> is applying a premium to its fixed rates for investors - 30bp for 1 and 4 years, 40bp for 2 and 3 years, and 10bp for 5 years. </div>
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<strong>Bankwest</strong> has capped LVR's at 80% for investors across most products. Rates are higher for investors on its 2 year fixed rate and the 3 year introductory rate on its Super Start Home Loan. </div>
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<strong>NAB</strong> is limiting the maximum LVR on investor loans to 90%. </div>
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<strong>St.George/BankSA/Bank of Melbourne</strong> has a discount on its Basic Home Loan of 34bp for owner occupiers and its 2 year fixed rates are 20bp lower for owner occupiers. </div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2nd TIER LENDERS</span></strong></div>
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<strong>ING Direct </strong>increased fixed rates for investors by 20bp and removed discounts for investors with larger loan amounts and lower LVR's on its Orange Advantage and Mortgage Simplifier variable rate loans. The interest only option is now only available on loans with LVR's less than 80%. </div>
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<strong>ME Bank</strong> now applies a premium for investor loans of 15bp to the variable rates on its Flexible Home Loan Member Package. </div>
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<strong>AMP </strong>has ceased accepting applications for investor loans and adjusted the rates and tier levels on its Professional Package. Variable rates now start at 4.12% for loans over $750,000. ANZ's Simplicity PLUS loan is no longer available for investors and there's a premium on the bank's fixed rates of 40bp for 1 and 4 years, 60bp for 2 and 3 years, and 30bp for 5 years. </div>
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<strong>Suncorp</strong> is charging a premium to investors on its variable Home Package Plus which varies depending on loan amount and LVR, and has imposed a maximum LVR for investors of 90%. For LVR's less than 80% the rate for owner occupiers borrowing more than $750,000 stayed at 4.15%, but increased by 9bp for owner occupiers borrowing less than that, while increasing by 29bp for investor loans under $750,000 and increasing by 24bp for investor loans over that amount. For LVR's 80 to 90% the rate was cut to 4.34% for all owner occupiers but for investors the rate stays at 4.49% for under $750,000 and 4.44% for more than that.</div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NON-MAJOR LENDERS</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Freedomlend</strong> has increased rates for investors by 10bp and capped LVR's at 80%. </div>
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<strong>Heritage Bank</strong> increased variable rates for investors by 30bp across most products and there's now a 10bp premium for its fixed rates. </div>
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<strong>Homestar </strong>increased rates for investors by 10bp and now has a maximum LVR of 85%. </div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BUILDING SOCIETIES, CREDIT UNIONS &amp; MUTUALS</span></strong></div>
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<strong>CUA</strong> has dropped the maximum LVR on its Fresh Start loan from 80% to 70% for investors, and launched two new products (Fresh Start Access and Fresh Start Basic) that are priced 30bp higher for investors. </div>
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<strong>Newcastle Permanent Building Society</strong> will lend up to 80% LVR for investor loans and applies a $550 application fee. </div>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.3em;">UBank</strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> will apply a 29bp premium to investor and interest only loans from 10th August.</span>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.3em;">Westpac</strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> has capped LVR's for investor loans at 80%, and is charging an extra 15bp for investors during the 2 year introductory rate period on its Flexi First Option Home Loan.</span>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.3em;">ANZ</strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">'s Simplicity PLUS loan is no longer available for investors and there's a premium on the bank's fixed rates of 40bp for 1 and 4 years, 60bp for 2 and 3 years, and 30bp for 5 years.</span>
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<br><p><span>FOR INFORMATION ON PROPERTY LOANS, RATES AND MORE, VISIT MOZO.COM.AU OR <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/42368-get-loan-savvy-expert-tips-for-a-first-time-investment-or-refinancing-loan-in-a-free-ebook" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> FOR THE</span><span> FREE <em>PROPERTY OBSERVER</em> EBOOK, <em>GET LOAN-SAVVY – TIPS FOR A FIRST TIME, INVESTMENT OR REFINANCING LOAN</em>, WHICH HELPS YOU DECIDE ON A HOME LOAN THAT MEETS YOUR REQUIREMENTS.</span></p>
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Top variable investor loan rates: Mozo

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<p>Gold Coast property developers Wanda Ridong have opened a display site for potential investors in the beachfront Jewel residential and hotel development.</p>
<p>The site, named the Jewel Immersive Experience Centre, features fittings and interactive models of the proposed development for potential investors to get a feel of the apartments and style of the building.</p>
<p><span>Andrew Bampton, Jewel director of sales and marketing said </span><span>the centre allows visitors to see, touch and absorb the Jewel construction and environment from the inside out.</span></p>
<p><span>“An interactive model of Jewel’s three stunning crystalline towers allows visitors to use the experience centre to explore each and every apartment in the development," Mr Bampton said.  </span></p>
<p><span>"You can examine the floor plans, call up artists impressions of the interiors, and even take in the view in each direction from each level. </span></p>
<p><span>“While there are elements of a traditional sales centre, such as the fully equipped kitchens or bedrooms, this immersive experience is much more than simply a display showroom."</span></p>
<p><span>The Jewel development is built on 130 metres of Gold Coast beachfront and is expected to be completed in 2018 and will hopefully become Australia’s largest hotel and residential complex.</span></p>
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Jewel's Gold Coast interactive display site opens

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<p><span>Saturday was the horse's birthday.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Our resident horse checked out six suitable equestrian property offerings.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-razorback-120081721" target="_blank"><span>230 Donalds Range Road Razorback NSW 2571</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Offers Over $1,620,000, but recently under contract.</span></p>
<p><span>"With ten paddocks supported and enforced by post and rail fencing, I can roam around the 5.56 acre country estate with ease and comfort while you enjoy the amazing scenery of Razorback Mountain. I'm also able to settle in at the various stables available on site, complete with a round yard and vet crush. The property has everything I could need! And everything you need to!"</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-tennyson-120116921" target="_blank"><span>394 Tennyson Road Tennyson NSW 2754</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Guide over $1,250,000</span></p>
<p><span>"I'd love to hang up my saddle at the beautiful Tennyson estate. Immediately greeted by beautiful landscaped gardens and a tree lined driveway, 394 Tennyson Road holds the equestrian facilities that every horse dreams about. With quality fencing to make sure I feel secure, custom designed horse yards and paddocks to graze in and a wash bay to clean myself off, this is the ideal place to settle down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the country. It even has 6 separate horse walker facilities and a specialised swimming area for horses to train and exercise, an amazing inclusion for the thoroughbreds among us."</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-berridale-7735703" target="_blank"><span>Kosciuszko Road Berridale NSW 2628</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">$287,000</span></p>
<p><span>"Only a short gallop away from the state of the art equestrian facility in the region "JE Resort", this 382 acre property has spectacular views that can be appreciated by both man and animal alike. This is the perfect Snowy Mountains getaway resort locale where I can graze to my heart's content and the natural layers of woodlands make me feel right at home. We can all go for a trail ride through the mountains, enjoying the beauty of rural NSW and also make use of the resort's lessons, clinics and indulgences."</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-glengowrie-120092973" target="_blank"><span>90A Morphett Road, Glengowrie SA 5044</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">$1m - $1.1m</span></p>
<p><span>"The professional equestrian facility is part of South Australian racing royalty and it could be the perfect home for the  both of us. Metres away from the 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is the state's finest training stables fully outfitted with both the necessities I need and the luxuries I desire. The well maintained complex comfortably holds up to 20 of us, complete with a feeding shed and silo, tack room and workshop. To top it off, the prime location is right by the Morphettville Racecourse , an institution for thoroughbred racing in SA and an instantly recognisable landmark in the racing community. This is the training property we need if we're serious about the racing game."</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-qld-vale+view-7754645" target="_blank">44 Berry Road, Vale View QLD 4352</a></span></p>
<p><span>At Auction</span></p>
<p><span>" 15.86 acres of pure equestrian delight. The new stable complex at the residence consists of 3 large housing areas to keep us content. Each stable holds individual passages to the day yards and an even larger day yard adjacent for some proper exercise. The stables also have a built in feed and tack room that doubles as a storage bay for the riding equipment and gear. The dressage arena was also professionally designed and constructed with a horse enthusiast in mind, emphasising the property was created for a professional rider and to make sure us horses were spoiled rotten! We can be the envy of your equestrian associates and it's perfect for regular personal use and event preparation and training."  </span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lara-120060853" target="_blank">75 Minyip Road Lara Vic 3212</a></span></p>
<p><span>$589,000-$619,000</span></p>
<p><span>"This lifestyle house is all about looking after all members of the family... including the ones on four legs. Well established for horses, the property houses eight paddocks, one of which is currently being used as a grass arena for us to stretch our legs comfortably. The machinery shed features 3 stables and plenty of room for our food and hay. It also has an extensive tack room for our equipment as well as a designated feeding area with power and water available for use. The property is a minutes drive from the Elcho equestrian centre and a very easy commute into the city, so we're essentially surrounded by the conveniences we'd both like!</span></p>
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Equestrian properties that horses would neigh for

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<p>Latest figures from HSBC's global research team expect the Reserve Bank to keep rates on hold next week in order to further stabilise growth and keep a lid on asset prices.</p>
<p>Recent moves by APRA to slow investor lending will begin to take effect in the next few months, according to Paul Bloxham, chief economist of HSBC, with<span> concerns the benefits of cutting rates further could be outweighed by the costs. </span></p>
<p>"The prudential regulator is now requiring banks to hold more capital and, to this end, has announced that mortgage risk weightings will be increased for the major banks from approximately 16% currently to at least 25% by 1 July 2016," Mr Bloxham said. </p>
<p>"The banks are responding to the APRA’s increased scrutiny by toughening up requirements for investor mortgages. Actions taken so far have included lifting interest rates on investor loans, imposing limits onmaximum loan-to-value and increasing servicing requirements."</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"We expect the cash rate to be held steady at 2.00% next week and for the RBA to repeat its emphasis on the need for the AUD to fall to assist the ongoing rebalancing of growth."</span></p>
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RBA expected to hold rates: HSBC's Paul Bloxham

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<p><span>GUEST OBSERVATION</span></p>
<p><span>A new study has shown that high frequency vibrations can cause bricks to self-assemble into a larger 3D object, a finding that may one day help do away with the need for factory assembly lines.</span></p>
<p><span>The findings, published today in the journal Scientific Reports, signal a key advancement in programmable self-assembly, which was previously thought to only be possible using one dimensional or two dimensional objects.</span></p>
<p><span>The research team, led by Dr Ido Bachelet from the Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, used an algorithim from the Computational Geometry Algorithm Library (<a href="https://www.cgal.org/"><span>CGAL</span></a>) as part of a design that allowed 18 tetrahedral bricks to self-assemble into a larger 3D cylinder.</span></p>
<p><span>“Assembly rules are encoded by topographic cues imprinted on brick faces while attraction between bricks is provided by embedded magnets,” the researchers said in their paper. “The bricks can then be mixed in a container and agitated, leading to properly assembled objects at high yields and zero errors.</span></p>
<p><span>“Improved designs inspired by our system could lead to successful implementation of self-assembly at the macro-scale, allowing rapid, on-demand fabrication of objects without the need for assembly lines.”</span></p>
<p><span>Natural self-assembly</span></p>
<p><span>The ability for life to self-assemble is something that continues to puzzle scientists: proteins, viruses, living cells and multi-cellular organisms are all examples of systems in which parts are bonded to each other through attraction to form a structure or pattern.</span></p>
<p><span>Hamza Bendemra, a Research Engineer at the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study, said the research of 3D printed assemblies is remarkable.</span></p>
<p><span>“The algorithm was inspired by the molecular assembly of the DNA,” he said. But he added that more research was needed to address challenges of time, space and safety for the model to be more efficient at forming and remaining together.</span></p>
<p><span>“In the study, a two-brick assembly took less than a minute to self-assemble. However, an 18-piece assembly required over two hours to perform the same feat."</span></p>
<p><span>“The components are subject to high vibrations and collide over and over again until they fit in the right combination. It would be a challenge to implement such a method with materials with low strength and poor impact tolerance without causing damage.”</span></p>
<p><span>The future of construction?</span></p>
<p><span>Bernard Meade, Head of Research Compute Services at the University of Melbourne, said that while the initial research is limited to building small objects, future demonstrations combining other techniques, such as embedded electronics, could make the rapid construction of larger devices viable.</span></p>
<p><span>“For example, ordering a smart phone with specific components, automatically assembled and shrink-wrapped with a protective coating, might take only a few minutes –- and no longer require thousands of phones to be pre-made. Perhaps furniture scale production might be possible in future – imagine flatpack IKEA – but I think it would be hard to get to something the size of a house.”</span></p>
<p><span>The next step in developing this study for construction and manufacturing industries is to use both magnetic forces and adhesives to ensure the assembly stays in place.</span></p>
<p><span>Bendemra agreed, saying that “the researchers did a great job at adding topographic cues to ensure a unique combination only would lead to the pieces locking in. Their footage clearly shows that pieces that collide in a non-desired formation detach until they lock-in as planned."</span></p>
<p><span>“The number of pieces involved in the assembly and the nature of the materials being used (including the magnet) in more complex assemblies could limit the use of such a method.”</span></p>
<p><em><span class="fn author-name">Eliza Berlage is editor at The Conversation and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/team" target="_blank">here.</a></span></em></p>
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Self-assembling house bricks now a reality

<p>The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.</p>

<p>Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.</p>

<p>The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.</p>

<p>The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.</p>

<p>Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.</p>

<p>Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.</p>

<p>Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.</p>

<p data-end="345" data-start="110">The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.</p>


Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

<p>Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.</p>

<p>The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.</p>

<p>The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" /></p>

<p>SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.</p>

<p>“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.</p>

<p>“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" /></p>

<p>The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.</p>

<p>Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.</p>

<p>COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" /></p>

<p>“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.</p>

<p>The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.</p>

<p>The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.</p>

<p>Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a></em></p>


First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.</p>

<p>The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.</p>

<p>SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”</p>

<p>The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" /></p>

<p>The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.</p>

<p>A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.</p>

<p>Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" /></p>

<p>The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.</p>

<p>Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.</p>

<p>The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.</p>


First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

<p>Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."</p>

<p>Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;</p>


Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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<p data-end="157" data-start="0">The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]</p>

<p data-end="651" data-start="461"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.</p>

<p data-end="950" data-start="653">Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]</p>

<p data-end="1307" data-start="1083">Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]</p>

<p data-end="1714" data-start="1524">Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]</p>

<p data-end="2220" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="1947">More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.</p>
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<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]</p>


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