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Global toll road traffic levels may not fully recover to pre-pandemic levels until 1Q23, although the pace of recovery will vary significantly between countries and regions, Fitch Ratings says in its latest quarterly tracker for the sector. 
As China is ahead of the rest of the world by two to three months in terms of the pandemic, Fitch Ratings expects that its traffic profile may initially provide some insight into other countries' recovery profiles. Fitch's expectations for full traffic recovery ranges from 1Q21 to 1Q23 for the US, European, Australian and Latin American toll road networks included in the tracker, although the timing and shape of the recovery are uncertain. 
Traffic recovery is well underway but has stalled recently in some countries where coronavirus infection rates are rising.
Toll road performance remains vulnerable to significant worsening of the pandemic, particularly if there are strict new lockdowns. 
However, future lockdowns may be less stringent, with governments reluctant to impose generalised lockdowns again given the high economic impact.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/9/fitch%20toll.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/fitch%20toll.png" alt="">
Source: Fitch Ratings 
Fitch developed a Coronavirus Rating Case and a Coronavirus Severe Downside Case to assess the potential impact of the pandemic on rated toll roads. 
In both cases Fitch considered issuers' ability and intention to reduce operating costs and tap into balance-sheet flexibility, with capex growth plans deferred and dividends reduced. Rating actions on European and Asia-Pacific toll roads were mostly limited to Outlook revisions under the Coronavirus Rating Case, reflecting resilience, but it is likely that most of these ratings would be downgraded by one or two notches under the Coronavirus Severe Downside Case, as leverage metrics would typically be above the negative rating sensitivity. The ratings of most US network toll roads were affirmed with a Stable Outlook, reflecting the ability to withstand a severe but temporary revenue shock in 2020. 
However, it is likely there would be many downgrades by one or two notches under the Coronavirus Severe Downside Case. 
More than half of rated toll roads in Latin America were downgraded by one or two notches, reflecting their sensitivity to the economic performance of the region they serve. The report "Coronavirus Global Toll Road Traffic Tracker" is available at <a href="http://74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/http:%2F%2Fwww.fitchratings.com%2F/1/01020174961b54d4-7e963bb9-4c91-4b54-a0df-15386acf0df3-000000/pNj51y0Dl1j43au3VvxX3OwRzrw=180" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">www.fitchratings.com</a> or by clicking the link above.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Global Toll Roads May Not Fully Recover Until 1Q23: Fitch Ratings 

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Australian architecture firm Billard Leece Partnership has announced a new leadership team as part of an executive restructure developed by the board.
The new team will feature 12 principals and 11 associates with Tara Veldman appointed as managing director.
Veldman established BLP’s Sydney office over a decade ago, building the studio to 70 staff with a range of health, schools and tertiary projects.
In her new position, Veldman hopes that she can assist BLP on shaping the future of Australian social infrastructure.
“We design for a healthy world. We are focused on re-envisaging hospitals, health hubs, education precincts, high tech research labs, residential communities and continuing to pioneer new ways of working”, she said.
BLP has been operating for 25 years, now with a 130-strong team with offices in Melbourne and Sydney.
The company’s board sees Ron Billard, Mark Mitchell and Adam Muggleton joining Veldman, with non-executive directors, Tim Shannon and David Tregoning.
The leading architecture firm has delivered many award-winning projects, including the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, the University of Sydney Health Precinct and the Hong Kong’s Children’s Hospital.
Their projects are now valued up to $2 billion and is currently engaged in the planning of the Children’s Hospital Westmead and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick projects.
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Billard Leece Partnership announces new leadership team

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Ray White Commercial Queensland settled around $8.5 million of property deals in the Banyo and Northgate precinct alone in July, over two transactions.    The first transaction at <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=Zlc4M0lHejNQTjdwL2dwcFRNcXQ3bkc5ZXBkcFAxV1hkazdXWjhZdnlhTkl2R2hyd2drTTZURldCaWdUNVZzRnJIelJWMEsxUzcrRWZydlZXNGFpWGlPSmlZaG5Sb2JkcHJaYjJFQWIyQlFJdXc2UFZpK3pmOEtqYXR4VHdvRnBGYTZWM095ZFdSRjlGUnB6WGFVQ01tcm1NQlFzRmdoQ3Z6eWg3MDUwN3hGQUtKY2hKTURLc21QNDNRYnJrSFM5&amp;rh=ff00685a69c68ddc0d8fcc52934089b2a5fcb7d1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Lot 2/71 Raubers Road</a> (above) in Northgate traded for an undisclosed amount, but industry sources revealed the price was in the mid three-million-dollar range.    The offering was a semi-modern industrial facility of 2,294sqm.
The site was purchased by a local owner occupier whose business was going exceptionally well in current market conditions.    The second transaction at <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=Zlc4M0lHejNQTjdwL2dwcFRNcXQ3bkc5ZXBkcFAxV1hkazdXWjhZdnlhTkl2R2hyd2drTTZURldCaWdUNVZzRnJIelJWMEsxUzcrRWZydlZXNGFpWGlPSmlZaG5Sb2JkcHJaYjJFQWIyQlFJdXc2UFZpK3pmOEtqYXR4VHdvRnBtRGdSRkZYaDErUklUM2ZkR05yOUlORW1KWHpQTEVja01hRVRESnJYNWdqWXNHdGN6eDZtVTVHYzNTZ3RNdXFn&amp;rh=ff00685a69c68ddc0d8fcc52934089b2a5fcb7d1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Lot 6/459 Tufnell Road</a> (below) in Banyo settled for $5,300,000. 
The property was sold via a sale and lease-back process.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/9/21/Lot%206%20459%20Tufnell%20Road%20Banyo%20-%20%2011%20v2.jpg" alt="">
Moto National Accessories committed to a five plus five-year term, at a commencing rental of $328,125. 
The price achieved equated to an initial yield of 6.19 per cent, or $2,309 per sqm on GFA.   “We’re not surprised by the interest in the Banyo and Northgate precinct. Trains, planes and automobiles drive industrial transactions, and this pocket ticks all those boxes,” said Ray White Commercial Queensland Manager Andrew Doyle.   “Further to the sales we’ve settled, we’ve observed another $22,000,000 in transactions through the Northgate and Banyo precinct since COVID-19. This definitely highlights the comfort level buyers have in this area,” said Ray White Commercial Queensland Manager Aaron Aleckson.   “In a market like the current one, it’s important as an agent to get a sense of what buyers want,” said Ray White Commercial Queensland Director – Brokerage services Paul Anderson.
“We clearly have that read now, and we’re very pleased to be offering a new opportunity in the Banyo and Northgate precinct – which is a brand-new industrial asset leased to Domayne”.    Ray White Commercial Queensland is offering <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=Zlc4M0lHejNQTjdwL2dwcFRNcXQ3bkc5ZXBkcFAxV1hkazdXWjhZdnlhTkl2R2hyd2drTTZURldCaWdUNVZzRnJIelJWMEsxUzcrRWZydlZXNGFpWGlPSmlZaG5Sb2JkQUdvcXBWT3p0aThVa3RCVWZNbUZzQ3ltb29GRnZRVGtFQzRteU5tbm01UDhoQUY1ODdIdWgrM0ZxUjUwL1N5UnpncXY1bVQ3bUxnODNaNE9rK2Z3WkkyQUZPSWJnbVZXU0dzUWdwQTlFaE09&amp;rh=ff00685a69c68ddc0d8fcc52934089b2a5fcb7d1" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Lots 16 and 17/62 Crockford Street</a> (above) in Northgate for sale via auction on October 16.   The property is a brand-new facility of 2,358sqm on a 4,000sqm allotment.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/9/21/LOTS%2016%20NORTHGATE.jpg" alt="">
It has been leased to Domayne at an annual rental of $330,000 per annum net, with a primary lease term expiry of April 2027.   
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Banyo and Northgate, Queensland see $8.5 million of property deals

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Woodlea has revealed plans for an innovative aged care and retirement precinct within its growing estate.
Located in Melbourne’s western growth corridor and currently home to 7,000 residents, Woodlea sought to redefine residential living from the outset by creating and raising the bar for a new suburb where families can live a better life. 
The area earmarked for the aged care and retirement precinct is co-located within the new $45 million Woodlea Town Centre development.
It has the potential for over 100 Independent Living Units, Retirement Living Apartments and an Aged Care Facility.
Victoria Investments &amp; Properties (VIP) and ASX listed Mirvac, in collaboration with Knight Frank, is seeking an independent project partner to bring this opportunity to life.
Woodlea Project Director Matthew Dean said this offering would effectively close the loop on ensuring every age and demographic is catered for within the Woodlea community.
“There are aged care and retirement units within the surrounding area but there is nothing of this size or calibre that integrates different living options within the same precinct.
“Woodlea is unlike any other master-planned community due to its sheer size and offering and as it continues to flourish and more amenities are delivered, we are continually looking for ways to innovate to ensure it is responding to the needs of its residents and the surrounding communities,” he said.
Spanning 711 hectares, Woodlea is fast becoming a major asset for the west, comprising prestigious schools, destination style playgrounds, parks and sporting facilities and will be home to a large-scale Town Centre with a 3500sqm Coles.
Upon completion, the master-planned estate is forecast to be home to over 20,000 residents.
It will see over 30 per cent of the estate dedicated to open space - including native woodlands and wetlands and pocket parks. 
In addition, two childcare centres, two public schools and Bacchus Marsh Grammar Primary School, as well as an abundance of sport and recreation facilities will be available.
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Woodlea reveals aged care and retirement precinct

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A long-waited development site in the centre of Maryborough has hit the market via expressions of interest.    The substantial 6.8ha land area with dual street frontage is centrally located at <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=WDlEeE43WHk4cDU3VXV3SEx6K1g3a0FGK28vMDZVUHBNTmdGelRVTnpGTkhrYzNZMlp2R3gzbm5MZW1BWXhEUmpqQlJQODk3NmE0RVBLQ1J6c2NxUThUM1BUZlV2S3lteXQ1d3ZYN0NZT3VJY2NZYklENWJuNVVmR09hR1hITmo3VVRBZDFMU0l6UCtON3VZenFBdVJmbGY2eE9aRlQxbHhuZ0Z3S0FEWjRlMmI1eVVGb1c3M1NONndFL3JqdVdq&amp;rh=ff006881b6ec913c13708079ee4bb2af5d5ee0de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Lot 183, Neptune Street</a>.
It benefits from being level with all essential infrastructure directly adjacent.   The property is being marketed by Ray White Special Projects Qld Directors Mark Creevey and Tony Williams, along with Ray White Maryborough Principal Guy Meredith. “The site is designated Community Facilities and Community Hub zone and the existing building is approved for a Community Care Facility,” Mr Creevey said.   “Land parcels of this size with any sort of approval already in place are highly sought-after throughout Queensland and we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this one.”   “A real gem of this site is the potential for alternate residential development (STCA) along with concept plans for major health-based mixed-use development,” Mr Williams said. The property is just 500m to Maryborough Hospital and is opposite PresCare Yaralla Aged Care Facility and is in close proximity to a vast array of facilities and amenities.”   “The parcel of land is minutes from the CBD in a well-regarded part of town and holds enormous potential for both mixed use and/or residential development (STCA),” Mr Meredith said. “Maryborough is just three hours north of Brisbane with a strong manufacturing hub and is the gateway to The Great Sandy Straits and Fraser Island.” 
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Maryborough development site hits the market 

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Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Qube Holdings Limited, Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics, on the sale of its Minto industrial site to Charter Hall. 
The sale of the 30.6-hectare Minto site was first announced in July 2020 and, with approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board, settled on 15 September for around $207 million, reflecting an initial yield of 4.76 per cent. 
The site is located close to the South Sydney Freight Line, the M5, M7 and Hume Highway in NSW.
It will now form part of Charter Hall’s expanded industrial and logistics property portfolio, the $5.2 billion Prime Industrial Fund.
The site is fully leased to four automotive logistics tenants and is currently used for car import, storage and distribution, and has the potential to be developed as an intermodal rail terminal. 
Real estate partner Deanne Ogilvie acted on all aspects of the sale, including undertaking vendor due diligence, preparing and negotiating the contracts, and attending to exchange and settlement of the sale. 
“We have been acting for Qube for more than a decade and in regards to the Minto site for more than six years and are pleased to have assisted Qube on this sale.
"The site is a strategic property asset – well located, fully leased and with the potential to be developed as an intermodal rail terminal – and is a key addition to Charter Hall’s growing portfolio," Deanne said.  
In addition to the Minto site, Qube Holdings Limited is assessing funding and ownership options for one its most significant real estate sites, the Moorebank Logistics Park. 
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Minto industrial estate of Qube Holdings Limited sold for $207 million

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Premium investment properties remain highly sought after by private, high-net-worth investors, according to Colliers International.
Paul McGlynn and Harry Bui of Colliers have sold McDonald’s Bella Vista (pictured above) to a private Asian investor from Melbourne for $6.65 million on a net yield of 3.1%. 
The acquisition was for a 2,885sqm long-term ground lease. 
McDonalds Australia constructed a brand-new single level restaurant with dine-in and drive-thru take-away facility, open to the public since May 2019.
Mr McGlynn and Mr Bui will be also taking the adjoining Shell Service Centre Bella Vista (pictured below) to the market for sale by international expressions of interest.  
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/9/21/Norwest_060820_36%20Large.jpg" alt="">
Both properties are located in a gateway position at the entrance of Norwest Business Park within the north-west growth corridor in Sydney’s Hills District.  
On a 2,813sqm site, this new Shell service station with an annexed café is anticipated to receive high levels of interest from both local and international investors.
The opportunity benefits from its premium location in Norwest Business Park, long WALE profile of 10 years by income, strong annual rental escalation, and head lease to Viva Energy Australia with a fully leased net passing income of around $604,544 per annum. 
“Premium investment properties with long leases such as a freestanding petrol station leased to Viva Energy, 7-Eleven, Caltex, BP or freestanding fast food sites like McDonald’s are currently very sought-after,” said Harry Bui, National Director, Investment Services at Colliers International. 
“Private high net worth investors are the most common buyer profile within the sub-$20million investment market, while both property syndicates and consortiums showed increased interest towards premium investment assets with longer WALE’s and company leases to national blue-chip corporate tenants.” 
There have been several significant national portfolio sales for premium investments in the past year.
This includes; 33 7-Eleven petrol stations, which sold for $156 million in October 2019 and February 2020 with an average yield of 4.76% and; 25 Caltex petrol stations sold for $133 million in November 2019 with strong underlying land values for future development.  
Charter Hall also took a 49% stake in a portfolio of 225 BP petrol stations in Australia, worth $1.7 billion with a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 20 years which was the biggest deal of 2019. 
Paul McGlynn, National Director, Industrial at Colliers International said that the Norwest area where both properties are located will benefit from major State and Federal Government projects.
“Norwest is in the suburb of Bella Vista which is surrounded by major State and Federal Government infrastructure projects, specifically the North-West Metro which opened in May 2019, North-Connex due to open next month, the re-development of Parramatta CBD (11 kilometres South) and establishment of the new second Western Sydney Airport (43 kilometres West).”
“These infrastructure projects coupled with substantial increases in new residential dwellings and population growth locally will rejuvenate and promote Western Sydney, helping the area to become a major economic powerhouse.”
Colliers International will also be bringing a brand-new, flagship BP in Tighes Hill, Newcastle to market. 
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Two Norwest properties in Sydney indicate premium investments remain sought after

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MaxCap Group has closed funding for ‘Ivanhoe Gardens’, a large scale residential project with an end value of $140 million in Ivanhoe Melbourne to be developed by Blue Earth Group (BEG).
MaxCap Group is a Australia and New Zealand’s commercial real estate lender and investment manager.
The MaxCap Funding Facility is for the construction of stage one of the master plan development and it will cover two buildings in the project, to be known as ‘Bloomsbury’ and ‘Everleigh’ comprising of 235 apartments.
The project is well located in the leafy north eastern suburb of Ivanhoe and residents will have direct access to public transport, with a metro train station and bus stops along Bell Street. 
Residential amenities at ‘Ivanhoe Gardens’ will include a wine cellar, cinema, on-site ‘click &amp; collect’, fitness centre, indoor squash court, sauna, game room, golf simulator and co-working space.
Brae Sokolski, Founder MaxCap Group said “MaxCap has a long proud history of funding Australia’s leading private developers. This transaction represents the 14th project we have partnered together with Blue Earth Group.”
Carlton-based Blue Earth Group was founded by Michael and Omran Dib and commenced operations in 1993.
The Group has since grown to become one of Melbourne’s most highly regarded and active developers, with over 2000 apartments in the current pipeline.
“We develop apartments that revolve around people,” said Mr Michael Dib.
“These are beautiful vibrant spaces that draw inspiration from the 21st century lifestyle."
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MaxCap funds Blue Earth Group’s Ivanhoe residential development project

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The Local Business Awards have named Marites Idea Novis as Blacktown’s business person of the year.
Novis’ business, Qfirst Property Investment Group, has also been named this year’s outstanding real estate agency.
The Sydney-based entrepreneur founded Qfirst in 2017.
“It is hard to put this feeling into words. Nevertheless, I am very honoured to receive these two awards as recognition of my hard work and that of the entire Qfirst Property Investment Group team,” she said.
Qfirst is geared specifically toward first-home buyers and investors, specialising in marketing pre-developed projects as well as finished properties.
“I established Qfirst Property Investment Group with the sole purpose of guiding and advising first-home buyers and investors on everything they need to know to reach their financial goals through property investment”, Novis said.
In one year, Qfirst has sold more than $75 million worth of properties.
This isn’t the first of Novis’ business endeavours, however. At the age of 29, she founded a family-owned Philippines-based company Quezon First Engineering Services.
The businesswoman also hosts seminars specifically aimed at helping first-home buyers and investors to better understand the ins and outs of the property market.
She describes the Qfirst Property Investment Group as the “new frontier” of the reale state industry.
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Qfirst Property Investment Group named outstanding real estate agency

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A waterfront home with harbour views in Sydney's Lower North Shore has been sold for $6 million. 
The five bedroom, three bathroom residence is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-linley+point-134077690" target="_blank">18 Brooks Street, Linley Point</a>. 
It offers gourmet island kitchen, enteriners' balconies, rumpus room, home cinema, wine cellar and two car space. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/9/7/linley%20pt%202.jpg" alt="">
The home also features swimming pool, wet bar, gym, gas fireplace and water views. 
Nestled on a 749sqm block, the home is set in a cup-de-sac with private access to the waterfront. 
Tracey Dixon and Brent Courtney of McGrath Hunters Hill sold the property.
It was last sold in 2016 for $4.366 million. 
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Linley Point waterfront home with harbour views sold 

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

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The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

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Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

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While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

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That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

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The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

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