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Rental property portal Rent.com.au have seen their revenue increase by 118 percent in the year to June 30.
Their revenue was $748,000, up from $343,000 in FY15, which showed the demand for rental properties has continued to escalate in the increasingly expensive property market.
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They've also hired a new CEO, Greg Bader, who replaced departing chief executive and founder, Mark Woschnak.
Greg Bader said that in today’s market renters wanted a wide range of rental properties from which to choose, from both agents and non-agents.
"We accept that housing affordability is a real issue in Australia, but we are also seeing a growing number of people choosing to rent for practical and logical reasons," he said.
“We now have a very significant share of all rental property listings available on our site and have developed a consistently large and unique renter audience as a result.
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"This is core to the positioning of RENT as the destination of choice for renters, however we’re also moving towards meeting the other needs of renters in a commercially sustainable way.
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The listed company has achieved 651,000 average monthly unique visitors this year, up 157 percent from last year and exceeding the target of 500,000 unique visitors per month.
In the past year, 2700 agents and 13,000 private landlords have signed up to advertise on the site.
The company will now begin to commercialise on the website having reached critical mass.
It will offer more products to address renter concerns such as RentCheck which helps landlords check a renter's standing.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Rent.com.au announce new CEO as revenue rises 118 percent in FY16

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Estate agent James Lyons has pleaded guilty to defrauding clients of $1.6 million, according to the Courier Mail.
The Brisbane real estate agent pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court this morning to three fraud-related charges.
The charges relate to nine complaints over a two-year period. He will be sentenced shortly
Lyons was also an aspiring horse trainer. Lyons was a finalist as “commercial salesperson of the year” at the Real Estate ­Institute of Queensland’s 2009 industry awards after broking multimillion-dollar deals around the Brisbane port.
He was bailed in late 2013 after being charged by detectives from Mt Gravatt CIB on seven counts of fraud allegedly committed at Chase Commercial’s Newstead office. 
Lyons pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court to three fraud-related charges relating to nine victims from his time working for Chase Commercial between 2011-13. 
The Crown prosecutor Jane Shaw told Judge Brad Farr that more than $1.05 million had been paid to the victims out of a compensation fund. Lyons had not made any repayments. 
His legal-aid barrister, Saul Holt advised he was a diagnosed pathological gambler. 
Lyons will be sentenced on Friday.
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Brisbane commercial real estate agent pleads guilty to defrauding clients of $1.6 million

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A vacant beachfront block at in Victoria's Mount Eliza has been listed for sale. 
The 1,400 square metre block of land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+eliza-121701910" target="_blank">3 Tintagel Court</a> is located in the 'Golden Mile' at the point of Davey's Bay and Canadian Bay. 
It last traded for $3.6 million in 2014.
The property is listed by Michael Hamilton at Biggin &amp; Scott, Frankston. 
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Mount Eliza land for sale on Golden Mile

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Charter Hall Group have announced its full year results for the 12 months to June 30 2016, showing a statutory profit after tax of $215.2 million.
Profits were up $97.3 million from FY15, with operating earnings of $124.7 million, up 26.2 percent.
The Group's FUM increased $3.9 billion, the equivalent to 29 percent, to $17.5 billion, reflecting a 15.9 percent annual growth rate since June 2010.
The continued growth was driven by $2.3 billion of net acquisitions, $1.1 billion of revaulations and $500 million of development capex.
The high quality and diversified $17.5 billion portfolio comprises 296 properties, leased to 2,550 tenants delivering $1.3 billion of gross rental income. 
"Growth of 29 percent in FUM to $17.5 billion and 10.5 percent OEPS growth reflects the Group's strategy focusing on accessing, deploying, managing and investing capital," said Charter Halls' Group CEO and managing director David Harrison.
The Group's property investments increased by $154 million to $1.1 billion, generating an earnings yield of 7.4 percent per annum.
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The total portfolio occupancy remained strong at 98.6 percent and the weighted average lease expiry stable at 8.8 years.
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“We are proud to highlight that the Group’s Property Investments have consistently outperformed their respective benchmarks," Harrison said.
The total property return from our Property Investments over five years of 16.0% p.a. has outperformed the MSCI/IPD Unlisted Wholesale Pooled Property Funds Index of 9.7% p.a. over the same period.”. 
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Financial highlights:
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  Statutory profit after tax of $215.2 million, up $97.3 million 
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  Operating earnings of $124.7 million, up 26.2% 
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  Operating earnings per security of 30.4 cents, up 10.5% 
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  Distribution per security of 26.9 cents, up 11.2% 
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  Net Tangible Assets per security of $3.04, up 10.1% Operational performance: 
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  Access: Gross equity inflows of $1.5 billion from diversified equity sources. 
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  Deploy: Completed $3.7 billion of property transactions. $3.0 billion in acquisitions, $0.7 billion in non-core divestments.
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  Manage: 29% growth in funds under management (FUM) to $17.5 billion. Completed 545 leasing transactions.
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  Invest: Net $56 million invested alongside our capital partners. 6.46% WACR and 7.9% discount rate. Property Investment earnings growth of 26.4%.
 
 
 
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Charter Hall achieves 29% FUM growth to $17.5 billion

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The landmark Sunnyside Estate home at 19 Currajong Avenue in Camberwell, Victoria sold at recent auction for $4.44 million. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-camberwell-123136154" target="_blank">five-bedroom, four-bathroom home</a> sits on 836 square metres and has two car spaces, oak floors and a granite kitchen, featuring a 1,500mm cook-top and double ovens. 
It also features a gym, wine room and projection home cinema. 
Debbie Silk and David Gilham at Noel Jones Real Estate secured the sale.
The median house price in Camberwell is $1.9 million according to CoreLogic.
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Camberwell's Sunnyside Estate trophy sold at auction

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A private tropical estate located in South Mission Beach in Queensland has been listed for $2.8 million.
The gated estate at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-south+mission+beach-123340282" target="_blank">5/73 Explorers Drive</a> was designed by award-winning architect Chris Van Dyke.
It sits on approximately 3,777 square metres of land and has private access to the beach and 270 degree ocean views. 
Built by local builders Ken Fox Homes from local timbers, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom estate sits atop the second highest hill on Dunk Island, Kut-Tay.
The beach is accessible via private rainforest tracks to Lugger Bay, shared by 12 other properties. 
The property is listed by Susie England at Tropical Property, Mission Beach. 
The median house price in Mission Beach is $330,000 according to CoreLogic.
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Tropical estate at Mission Beach listed for $2.8 million

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Scentre Group today announced its results for the six months to 30 June 2016, with Funds From Operations (FFO) of $617 million.
The profit represents 11.61 cents per security and distribution of 10.65 cents per security, keeping them on track to deliver its full year forecast FFO growth.
The full year forecast FFO growth was around 3 percent, with forecast FFO of 23.25 cents per security and forecast distribution of 21.3 cents per security.
“We are pleased with these half year results which reflect the benefits of focussing on the highest quality shopping centres in Australia and New Zealand," said Scentre Group CEO Peter Allen.
"Our portfolio is well positioned to continue to deliver long term growth”.
Comparable net property income increase 2.6 percent for the six months, driven primarily by contracted rent increases.
“Our shopping centres continue to experience strong demand from retailers, demonstrating the benefits of the high sales productivity across the portfolio” Peter said. 
Scentre Group announced earlier this month that it had purchased the David Jones Market Street building in Sydney's CBD with Cbus Property.
When completed, Scentre Group will own the redeveloped retail site, adding an additional 10,00 sqm of luxury retail space.
“Having completed the acquisition of the adjacent David Jones building, we have the unique opportunity to expand Westfield Sydney, which has the highest specialty sales productivity in Australia, reinforcing the precinct as Sydney’s luxury retail destination” Peter said.
During the half, the Group commenced $605 million of developments including projects at Westfield Chermside, Queensland, Westfield North Lakes, Queensland and Westfield Whitford City, Western Australia. 
The Group owns and operates interests in 40 Westfield shopping centres, including 16 of the top 25 performing centres in Australia, and has assets under management of $43.3 billion.  
Scentre Group has a strong balance sheet with gearing of 33.7% at 30 June 2016. 
 
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Scentre Group announce six month profit of $617 million

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Balmain’s Iconic Exchange Hotel has been purchased by local investor Jon Adgemis, for circa $5 million, with the aim to reinvent the pub to entice the locals back to the heritage listed, iconic establishment.
Built in 1885, the Exchange Hotel boasts a long history of being Balmain’s favourite meeting place, comprising the popular Beattie Bar, Bistro, Balcony bar and new cafe and bar ‘Oliver's Corner’, not to mention numerous elegant function rooms and smart new restaurants. 
The National Trust classified Exchange Hotel at Balmain was a favoured meeting place of the early Labor movement.
Set at 94 Beattie Street, just 6kms west of the Sydney CBD, the freehold property grandly sits on a 640sqm site on the corner of Beattie and Mullen Street and offers 1076sqm of NLA.
Miron Solomons and Vince Kernahan of Colliers International negotiated the sale and said the property has the potential to unlock multiple income streams and development upside, with an opportunity for a mixed use conversion (subject to council approval).
Mr Solomons said there are very few freehold opportunities available and in particular undercapitalised value-add opportunities in an area like Balmain. 
“The Exchange Hotel is certainly unlike most hotels in the area. Its size alone over the multiple levels offers potential for diverse incomes streams and we received strong interest from national owner occupiers, investors and value-add specialists throughout the sales campaign.
“With the buzz around White Bay, Balmain is starting to attract new interest from creative users, especially with Surry Hills and Pyrmont close to full occupancy, it appears that Balmain could be the next creative hub”.
Previous owners of the Exchange include brothers Joe and Peter Polifroni and hotelier Stan la Vin.
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Balmain's iconic Exchange Hotel has sold

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2016 totalled $126.5 million, a decrease from the $178.9 million recorded to May 2016, and from the $314.9 million recorded to February 2016. 
The latest data brings the twelve-month sales total to $851.4 million, a decrease from the previous 12 months, which recorded sales of $1.355 billion.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Melbourne Units Cityscope.
<a href="/images/2016/08/19/Melboure%20unit%20table.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
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Some notable sales featured in the August 2016 update of Melbourne Units Cityscope include:
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<li>Unit 14AB, Paramount Apartments, 100-116 Bourke Street, Melbourne, a 14th floor, sub-penthouse  of 190 sqm plus six balconies which sold for $2.15 million;</li>
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-122113462" target="_blank">Unit 14, Sargood House, 73 Flinders Lane</a>, (above) Melbourne, a two-bedroom plus study unit of 220 sqm, which sold for $2.027 million; and</li>
<li>Unit 20S, The Georges Apartments, 166-186 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, a three-bedroom second floor unit of 166 sqm with terrace, which sold for $1.86 million.</li>
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The graph below shows Melbourne's quarterly unit sales
 
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Melbourne apartment sales down in August quarter: CoreLogic

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A 1,214 sqm development site in Mitchelton is for sale with an $1.85 million asking price.
Located eight kilometres north west of the Brisbane CBD, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mitchelton-120022013" target="_blank">5-7 Sussex Street</a> is a combination of two blocks with a 30 metre frontage.
The land has low-medium residential (LMR3) zoning for up to three storeys however any development is subject to the approval of Brisbane City Council.  
The property is listed by Torstein Woodhall at Bowtell Woodhall Real Estate. 
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Large development site in Mitchelton listed

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

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Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

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Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

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Joel Robinson

Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

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A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

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The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

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Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Luxury apartment buyers have long prioritised design, space and finishes, but increasingly they're placing equal importance on something less tangible: how easily they can live without relying on a car.

At <a>Richmond Square</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> believes that convenience begins beyond the apartment itself, with the mixed-use precinct earning a near-perfect Walk Score of 99.

The development has been planned around the idea that some of the most valuable amenities aren't contained within a building, they're the restaurants, cafés, parks, transport connections and daily conveniences that can all be reached on foot.

Located just behind Swan Street and Church Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> places residents within one of Melbo​u​rne's most established lifestyle precincts while offering a quieter residential setting removed from the busiest thoroughfares. East Richmond Station is moments away, trams run along both Swan and Church Streets, and the MCG, Melb​​ourne Park, Yarra River trails and the CBD are all within walking distance. At the same time, the precinct itself will introduce a curated mix of dining, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings, creating a destination that extends well beyond its residential buildings.

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For Fortis, that combination of location and scale was what made the site unique.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> is one of Melb​o​urne's most established and distinctive inner-city neighbourhoods, with a rare combination of dining, culture, recreation, public transport and proximity to the CBD," the developer said.

"The opportunity at Wiltshire Street was particularly compelling because the site sits slightly removed from the activity of Swan and Church Streets while remaining only moments from everything that makes the area desirable."

Rather than developing a standalone apartment building, Fortis consolidated 15 individual properties to create one of the larger development parcels assembled on Mel​b​ourne's city fringe in recent years. That allowed the team to deliver a genuine mixed-use precinct comprising 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, premium office space, hospitality venues, retail, wellness offerings and a future 57-room hotel.

"The scale of the site allowed Fortis to think beyond a standalone apartment building," the developer said.

"Richmond Square could be planned as a complete lifestyle precinct, bringing homes, workplaces, dining, retail, hospitality and wellness together around a series of activated public spaces. The aim was to create a destination that feels connected to Richmond rather than separate from it."

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The emphasis on walkability has also resonated with buyers.

Interest has been strongest from established owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers from Richmond and Melb​ourne's inner east who want to remain close to familiar restaurants, workplaces, family and social networks while moving into a more secure, lower-maintenance home. The project is also attracting Mornington Peninsula and interstate buyers seeking a Melb​ourne residence they can lock up and leave between visits.

Many are looking for generous living spaces, room to entertain, quality finishes and confidence in the project team, but location remains one of the biggest deciding factors.

"For many buyers, Richmond Square provides a way to simplify the practical side of home ownership without reducing the quality of their lifestyle," the sales team said.

"Location is also a major driver of interest. Buyers can remain connected to the CBD, major sporting events, the arts centres, local restaurants, cafes and bars and their family while living in a private and secure residence that is easy to lock up and leave for weekends or longer periods away."

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The residences themselves have been designed with that buyer in mind. Award-winning architecture practice SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have created spacious two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that prioritise generous living areas, natural light, bespoke joinery and private terraces. Above, a rooftop sanctuary by Acre includes landscaped lawns, bookable dining rooms, barbecue facilities, wellness spaces and panoramic views across the CBD, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.

Fortis believes Richmond Square reflects a broader evolution in apartment living, where the surrounding neighbourhood becomes just as important as the residence itself.

"Richmond Square introduces a different proposition: generously proportioned residences within a genuinely mixed-use, hospitality-led destination," the developer said.

"The project's location and Walk Score of 99 further support a lifestyle where residents can complete many everyday journeys without relying on a car."

Fortis has assembled an experienced team that includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/hecker-guthrie">Hecker Guthrie</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a> and builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a>, reflecting the developer's commitment to creating projects with enduring design quality and meaningful connections to the communities in which they sit.&nbsp;

Richmond Square is an expression of that philosophy, bringing together homes, workplaces, hospitality and wellness within one of Me​lb​ourne's most walkable neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Construction is now almost complete, providing purchasers with growing confidence ahead of its expected September 2026 completion.

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Walk Score of 99 places Richmond Square at the heart of Melbourne's most connected lifestyle

<h3 data-end="19" data-section-id="1dvgwoe" data-start="0">Summary</h3>

<ul data-end="634" data-start="21">
	<li data-end="170" data-section-id="1o77v31" data-start="21">Walker Corporation has lodged plans for a second major residential development in the Maroochydore City Centre, a 29-storey tower known as Celeste.</li>
	<li data-end="327" data-section-id="1lb0y6t" data-start="171">The Plus Studio-designed proposal at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade would deliver 208 apartments, including four four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.</li>
	<li data-end="487" data-section-id="za720" data-start="328">The application comes as Walker doubles down on Maroochydore following the strong sales campaign at SOL by Walker, where the first tower is nearing sell-out.</li>
	<li data-end="634" data-section-id="5sovec" data-start="488">Walker is a key partner in the transformation of the Maroochydore City Centre, which is expected to ultimately deliver at least 4,000 new homes.</li>
</ul>

Walker Corporation is doubling down on Maroochydore following the successful sales campaign at its first residential project in the emerging CBD.

The national developer has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celeste-30-sunshine-coast-parade-maroochydore-qld-4558">Celeste</a>, a new 29-storey apartment tower at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade, just metres from its under-construction SOL by Walker development.

The plans, prepared by Plus Studio, would see 208 apartments delivered across a 100-metre tower on the 2,376 sqm site, which fronts Sunshine Coast Parade, First Avenue and Future Way within the Maroochydore Priority Development Area.

<img alt="Walker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17038209-6fea-4ed2-855d-fd4df65b3d02" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=iZD.oVXcQn.aLpUytDAW.CWjxP4puWMy" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 36 one-bedroom apartments, 48 two-bedroom apartments, 72 two-bedroom apartments with an additional multipurpose space, and 48 three-bedroom apartments.

The upper levels would be capped by two four-bedroom sub-penthouses and two four-bedroom penthouses, taking the total apartment count to 208. The preliminary yield study also provides 262 car spaces, 114 resident bicycle spaces and storage for each apartment.

It represents Walker's next major residential move in the new Maroochydore CBD after the success of SOL by Walker, its $220 million two-tower project nearby.

SOL launched to market in early 2025 and has since seen strong demand, particularly from local owner-occupiers. By February this year, Walker said the first SOL tower was nearing sell-out, with a strong waitlist also emerging for its recently released penthouse collection.

Construction is already underway on SOL, with the first tower expected to be completed in late 2027 and the second to follow in early 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319846]

<h2 data-end="2518" data-section-id="1b2dyo5" data-start="2459">Celeste to rise 100 metres over Maroochydore City Centre</h2>

Celeste would take a different form to the twin 19-storey buildings at SOL.

Plus Studio has designed a single 100-metre tower above an activated podium, with the architecture responding to the site's prominent position and three street frontages.

The podium would incorporate commercial tenancies and public art, with sweeping façade elements wrapping the street edges. The scalloped concrete podium has been inspired by the patterns created in sand at low tide, while extensive landscaping would continue vertically through the tower.

The ground level plans show three commercial tenancies addressing Sunshine Coast Parade alongside the residential lobby and landscaped public realm. The podium would then accommodate several levels of car parking before the residential tower rises above.

<img alt="Celeste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="121f77b1-71c5-46d7-9b36-0a7d474211ca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=MGrg9Hb7HgzLN0Lelq_xrXNAruVl77ia" />

Plus Studio said the tower had been designed to maximise views from each apartment, taking in the Maroochy River, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Cotton Tree and Maroochydore Beach and ocean.

Those views have also shaped one of the project's key features, with Walker proposing to put the primary resident amenity on Level 29 rather than lower within the building.

The rooftop would feature a 284.9 sqm pool area with an infinity edge, along with a cold pool, spa, sauna, 93.2 sqm gym, sunset lounge, BBQ and dining areas, pool deck and private dining space. Cabanas and day beds are also shown across the recreation level.

The two penthouses would extend across the upper levels and each feature private terraces and plunge pools.

<h2 data-end="4202" data-section-id="v5f4ix" data-start="4160">Walker's growing Maroochydore footprint</h2>

Celeste further reinforces Walker's commitment to the transformation of Maroochydore City Centre.

Walker is one of the key partners delivering the new CBD alongside Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral Maroochydore, with the broader 62-hectare Priority Development Area occupying the former Horton Park Golf Course and surrounding land.

The precinct is ultimately expected to accommodate at least 4,000 new homes as Maroochydore evolves into the Sunshine Coast's principal commercial and residential centre.

When SOL secured approval in February 2025, Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant described it as the "first of many residential projects" the company planned for the Maroochydore City Centre.

Celeste now provides the clearest indication yet of what comes next.

The site sits immediately within the new CBD, with the design report identifying Sunshine Plaza and surrounding parkland within walking distance and Maroochydore Beach around a five-minute drive away.

For Walker, the timing of the application comes as its first residential bet on the new CBD appears to have been vindicated.

SOL has progressed from planning approval to construction while its first release has approached sell-out, giving Walker confidence to push ahead with another 208 apartments and take its residential pipeline in the Maroochydore City Centre to around 450 dwellings across the two projects.

Celeste remains subject to planning approval, with the architectural material describing the scheme as a preliminary yield study that may change through the assessment process.

Staff reporter

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