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Australia’s popularity among international students is here to stay, with enrolments in higher education courses with student visas growing by 9 .7 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to the 2016 Australian Student Accommodation Market Report from Savills international.
The undersupply of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in many capital cities, high occupancy levels for stabilised operational properties, robust revenue growth and attractive yield pricing in comparison to the globally established student accommodation markets, all contribute to student accommodation being an attractive investment, says the report.
There are currently 67,695 beds of PBSA in the eight Australian capital cities. All cities have an existing supply of less than 12 percent per full-time student with the exception of Canberra (27.8 percent), but compared to the existing supply and proposed pipeline in several UK cities, all of the Australian cities supply are at low levels.
Melbourne and Brisbane have the largest development pipelines of 9,651 beds (4 percent FT students) and 8,930 beds (6 percent FT students) respectively, but Sydney has a limited pipeline in place over the next four years with a total pipeline of 3,665 beds (2 percent FT students).
Also evident is the extent of pipeline supply across the UK cities, including substantial pipelines in Durham and Liverpool where the existing supply equates to over 40 percent of full-time students.
Savills research indicates that more than $2 billion has been invested into development projects across Australia since the start of 2015. The following chart provides a summary of the existing supply of PBSA and the proposed development pipeline in each of Australia’s capital cities and a selection of UK cities, with the cities sorted by the total provision of accommodation including pipeline.
<a href="/images/2016/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-23%20at%201.10.54%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australian pipeline for student housing development: Savills

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A charming top floor apartment in the Maranoa building in Double Bay has been listed for sale.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-double+bay-122731850">listing is </a>set at the rear of a non-waterfront block of seven.
The Gladswood Gardens apartment has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony off the living and dining area.
The interiors have been updated throughout, balancing traditional and contemporary styles.
The property is advertised by Laing + Simmons Double Bay agent Wayne Yates.
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Double Bay trophy apartment listed

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A Coffs Harbour beachfront resort development opportunity has been announced to the market.
The property, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort has been operating for 30 years in the holiday location.
The development is currently operated by the Mantra Group who have a five year lease remaining.
It offers the only direct local access to the popular Diggers Beach.
Set across two strata-titled totalling 6030 sqm of beachfront lots, the resort has a reception, administration, conference, F&amp;B, leisure and recreational facilities.
The bluechip investment is being managed by Knight Frank Directors Donald Watson-Brown and Ryan O'Hanlon.
Watson-Brown suggested that it offers a lucrative holding income of over $420,000 per annum for a site with extensive development upside.
"The resort offers flexibility and plenty of options in its investment proposition," said Watson-Brown
"The current owners are keen for development of the property to go to a party that has a vision to use the property in a positive way for the local area – whether that is mixed-use residential, hotel, or other type of development."
The accommodation offerings of the resort are not included in the sale.
“Aanuka Beach Resort has proved to be an integral part of the local history of the Northern NSW Coast tourism industry, providing generations of beachgoers lifelong holiday memories," he said. 
Fellow director Ryan O'Hanlon spoke of Coffs Harbours location for investors.
“Positioned within close proximity of the Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour is a historically strong-performing holiday destination and this is a great development opportunity."
“The offering represents a highly strategic play for future development on the site. Underpinned by direct access to Diggers Beach, the owner of the Aanuka Resort infrastructure will control the future use, refurbishment or even larger-scale development of this historically successful holiday precinct," he said.
Aanuka Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour is located approx. 535 km north of Sydney and 389 km south of Brisbane.
The property is located 2 km to Coffs Harbour City, 8.5 km to the airport, 1 km to the Park Beach Plaza Shopping Centre and 10 km to Coffs Harbour Stadium.
The property is for sale via expressions of interest.
 
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Aanuka beachfront resort development in Coffs Harbour on the market

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A luxury Byron Bay retreat has been listed for June 25 auction with a price guide of $2.3 million and $2.5 million.
Located in a tightly held and sought after enclave, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-coopers+shoot-122685202" target="_blank">163 Coopers Shoot Road </a>is set on a large 8240 sqm corner block.
The main house is situated on the first level and has three bedrooms and a gourmet kitchen.
There's also a detached studio and a 12 metre saltwater pool which offers views to the ocean.
The property is available through Raine &amp; Horne Byron Bay principal Sophie Christou who expects significant interest.
“With multiple opportunities to view this exceptional home in the lead up to auction, we’re expecting significant interest from high-end Sydney and Brisbane-based buyers, plus well-to-do locals,” she said.
“Because of this property’s position at the Byron end of an exclusive ridgeline in the secluded Coopers Shoot enclave, we’re expecting it to sell for anywhere between $2.3 million and $2.5 million.”
 
 
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Luxury Coopers Shoot offering at Byron Bay

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Burrawang West Station in the central west NSW has been listed with $10 million hopes.
The 4673 hectare farm has been listed through Inglis agents Sam Triggs and Jamie Inglis with offers due by mid-July.<a href="https://www.meares.com.au/property/burrawang-west-station/gallery/burrawang-west-station.htm" target="_blank"> </a>
Its been the farming enterprise retreat of the Graham Pickles and his wife, American-born banker turned marketing executive, Jana. 
The Pickles' have run a 6000 white Dorper sheep stud enterprise. Dorpers first arrived in Australia in 1997 and moved into NSW in 1999.
There's fodder crops for harvest that will be included in the sale price.
The farm got its reputation however when it operated previously as a luxury private resort.
The facilities dated back to the early 1990s when the Japanese corporation Kajima Corporation used the farm as a retreat for its executives and favoured clients.
President Dr Schoichi Kajima set out to create an authentic Australian bush retreat.
Its rustic Denton Corker Marshall architecture reflected a contemporary interpretation of traditional Australian woolsheds coupled with a Zen-like sentiment.
There's the original 101-stand Big Burrawang shearing shed, which in its heyday employed more than 250 men and shore 270,000 sheep. 
The Pickles acquired the property in 2000 when after 25 years of a very busy corporate life running trading conglomerates in South East Asia, Graham aspired to become a full time farmer.
He is now back on the Goodman Fielder board of directors.
It's main striking building is its quintessential Australian homestead with wrap-around verandahs, high ceilings and twin chimneys amid a rose garden.
There are four boutique lodges are known as The Barn, Woolshed, Jackaroo Cottage and Jillaroo Cottage. 
There's also along with a 20-metre swimming pool, tennis courts, saunas and conference facilities.
The garden now comes with an attention-grabbing concept – Utes In The Paddock – some 12 colourfully painted utes. 
The first ute – a 1971 Holden HQ series – by the Lightning Ridge artist John Murray.
The farm dates back to the days of Thomas Edols, the Bridgewater, England-born farmer who in 1873 bought the 227,000-hectare sheep station.
He oversaw the improvements – hiring a workforce of local Wiradjuri people and Chinese – that cleared more than 20,200 hectares of native vegetation, built the fences, sunk wells, built a canal from the Lachlan River, and installed its rabbit proof netted fences.
The Inglis agents advise there's a sale and leaseback available for any prospective passive investor for the property situated 25km east of Condobolin, 60km west of Parkes, 170km from Orange and 430km from Sydney.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
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NSW's Burrawang West Station has been listed with $10 million hopes

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South Sydney Rabbitohs prop George Burgess has snapped up a garden apartment in Randwick's Epoque boutique development.
Recently engaged to model Joanna King, Burgess paid about $2 million for the MHNDU designed three bedroom apartment. <a href="https://epoqueliving.com.au/" target="_blank">There's eight in the block</a> listed through D'Leanne Lewis at Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay. Prices range up to $2.6 million with 2017 completion.
They currently own in a Chifley duplex, where he lived next door to former team mate Tim Grant who recently sold for around $1.65 million through McGrath agent Marnie Seinor.
George clearly didn't fancy buying brother Sam's apartment, who took his Bondi Beach apartment off the market last week having decided to lease it out with a $1950 a week asking price. It was also available at $2600 a week furnished.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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George Burgess buys off the plan in Randwick's Epoque

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An $11 million apartment in Mirvac's The Eastbourne has sold, achieving a sqm rate at almost $24,000 per sqm.
It eclipsed the previous record held by the Salta building at 150 Clarendon Street which has long been the benchmark for prestige living in Melbourne.
With the Grand Pavilion Penthouse yet to hit the market however, the new record may not stand for long, with price expectations exceeding $30,000 per sqm.
The penthouse will feature 50 metres of frontage and an outdoor pool offering views across Fitzroy Gardens.
The Eastbourne is a classically terraced building set across 11 levels fronting Fitzroy Gardens, boasting spectacular views of the CBD and neighbouring abundant greenery.
Construction is set to start in the coming months on the Bates Smart development, so the design suite, which is now open to the public, will only be on site for a limited time.
John Carfi, Mirvac's head of residential said The Eastbourne’s recipe for success had been tried and tested previously at Mirvac’s landmark St Kilda Road development The Melburnian.
“We knew we had something special here and that determined our approach and our collaboration with Bates Smart to create a landmark project befitting its location and address,” he said.
“It is wonderful to see the success of The Melburnian replicated in East Melbourne, where purchasers have jumped at this unique opportunity.”
The first release comprised the Pavilion Collection – the project’s premium residences boasting large terraces with views over the Fitzroy Gardens and price tags starting from $2 million.
More than 90 percent of this stage has been sold to some of Melbourne’s most highly regarded people, including residents from the famed 150 Clarendon building on the other side of the park, upgrading to East Melbourne’s newest address.
One, two and three bedroom apartments are available, starting from $500,000, with these apartment aimed at the discerning young professional market.
Carfi said that families with young and teenage children have been attracted to the lifestyle advantages of The Eastbourne.
He also suggested that Sydney-siders have seen value in the building and customers are flying down to buy.
The project will also feature a dining room with chefs kitchen, resident's lounge with courtyard and barbecue, a cinema room and a business centre.
With demolition already underway, construction is set to commence early in 2017 and completion expected by mid-2019.
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<div title="Page 2">For more information, <a href="https://theeastbourne.mirvac.com" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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The Eastbourne breaks sqm rate record in East Melbourne

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The Jam Hut recording studio in Carlton has sold for $1.1 million, 40 percent more than the vendor's expectations.
It was a local buyer behind the Preston investment sale two weeks prior to auction.
The 460 sqm property at 569-571 High Street is leased to Jam Hut recording studio, an institution in the Melbourne music community.
It's called the Preston address home since 1978 and the lease runs until 2020.
The sale was secured by CBRE City Fringe and Metropolitan Investments’ Sandro Peluso, Josh Twelftree and Chris Game.
Chris said the strong sale result prior to auction was evidence of the demand for prominently positioned investments with development upside across Melbourne.
“The property drew significant interest from a strong contingent of investors and developers, given the site’s location within the priority development zone, and close proximity to the High Street retail precinct,” he explained. 
 
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Jam Hut recording studio sold above expectations

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A brand new, fully fitted café site in Altona has sold for $1.275 million to a prominent local hospitality operator.
Fitzroys agents James Greyson and Michael Ryan sold the property following an expressions of interest campaign.
The sale reflected a building rate of $3,094 sqm.
The two storey building on a 960 sqm corner site has an area of 412 sqm and includes a first floor function area with balcony.
Gregson said the site was sold with vacant possession and as the only café/restaurant venue in the entire Access Altona Estate represented a chance for both investors and owner occupiers to capitalise on the demand from the surrounding catchment.
He said more than 30 buyer enquiries were received and multiple offers submitted during the campaign. 
 
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Altona café site sold to local hospitality operator

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The former LJ Hooker agent at the centre of controversy for allegedly misappropriating her clients money had her two Narre Warren houses passed in at auction on Wednesday.
Judy Tranh Truc planned to compensate the victims with the proceeds of the sales however neither were forthcoming.
The two properties on Cranston Close, were bought for a combined $3 million in 2014 and 2015.
The houses were auctioned by a team of Ray White Noble Park/Springvale agents.
Number 6-8 was the first of the two to be auctioned but was passed in at $1.5 million amid at least three bidders.
The second was even further away, firstly receiving a low-ball offer of $700,000, followed by a $1 million and $1.1 million vendor bid.
Interest again fell short of what the vendor paid for the home.
Ray White spokeswoman Lisa Pennell said the reserve for both properties were undisclosed. 
Both properties were slapped with a caveat by Consumer Affairs Victoria so the properties can't be transferred without official say-so.
Truc's legal representatives said the caveats were only in place to secure payment after auction and wouldn't block any sale.
“The caveats were placed on the properties with Mrs Nguyen’s consent,” the statement said.
“It has always been the intention of Mrs Nguyen to make all of the proceeds of the sale available to the victims. That is why Mrs Nguyen allowed Consumer Affairs to place the caveats on the properties.”
Judy Tranh Truc was a franchisee and had to close six of her Melbourne LJ Hooker offices in April.
To read more about the two homes click here.
 
 
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LJ Hooker Glen Waverley agent's homes passed in at Narre Warren auction

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374394]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374399]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

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

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<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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