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Severe drought conditions over much of Queensland has seen attention focused on properties which have some grass reserves, particularly in central western and north-western Queensland, according to the latest rural report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The report found that there was strong demand for grass and properties selling with adequate pasture reserves.
13 properties in the central western Queensland region have sold in the past three months, compared to 19 sales for the whole of 2018.
Values are well above previous levels by up to 25% or more for the odd isolated sales.
The valuers noted, "We are of the opinion that values are at or near a market peak and we caution that this possibly brief period of strong demand could be a short-lived price spike."
"However, given the widespread drought conditions that have been and still are being experienced over much of the region for the past five to seven years, maybe the region’s values are just playing catchup to other areas of the state," they stated.
Lack of grass has most likely prevented some producers from listing their properties for sale, but reasonable rainfall in some areas of the central west has given those producers wishing to sell an opportunity to get out.
The report said Iinitial demand was from drought-stricken producers in the Northern Territory and Queensland, with some New South Welshmen now heading north.
"Some properties have sold to sheep producers for the first time in nearly 30 years."
"Some of the recent sales have been to producers who have had expansion plans in mind, but drought conditions have brought matters to a head earlier than expected. Therefore, once seasons return to widespread favourable conditions, a lot of these recent sales may not hit the market again in the short-term," it concluded.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Western Queensland rural properties with grass reserves sell strongly: HTW Rural

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Office vacancy rates in the Adelaide CBD decreased from 14.7% to 14.2%, led by reductions in both the core and fringe sectors of the Adelaide market, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White.
The valuation firm found, Premium and A grade vacancy has been recorded at 2.6% and 14.3% respectively.
While that 2.6% premium grade vacancy figure seems very low, there is a very limited amount of premium space on offer in the Adelaide CBD so that should be taken into account.
These vacancy figures support the nation-wide push for more efficient and more sustainable office spaces as climate change discussions continue to dominate the political landscape.
As a result of the reducing vacancy rates, office property yields have remained solid, with A grade space in the Adelaide market recording yields of 6% to 8%.
The report authors said, "in comparison, Sydney and Melbourne A grade office properties are fetching 4.5% to 5.5%, however the eastern states are recording higher levels of rental growth compared to the Adelaide market."
"Gross face rents for prime space in the Adelaide office market are currently around $550 per square metre while A grade space is fetching $370 per square metre.
"The latest figures from the PCA have analysts predicting 2% to 2.5% growth for premium space in Adelaide over the next few years. In addition, the current incentive levels for premium and A grade office spaces are expected to decline over the next two years to a level around the 25% to 30% mark."
Sales are down from the record levels set in 2018.
There are however some major offerings currently on the market, notably 25 Grenfell Street (pictured in title), which was listed for sale just two years after being purchased by Credit Suisse for $125 million.
Furthermore, there are some significant developments that will increase the supply side of the office market throughout the second half of 2019.
One such development is GPO Tower, currently under development it will add 24,500 square metres of space to the core market, located at 2-10 Franklin Street.
Upon the project’s completion late this year, major tenant BHP will occupy 40% of the building and the global mining giant’s name will illuminate the Adelaide skyline as they have secured the naming rights of the new office tower as part of the lease agreement.
The BHP lease now takes the committed net lettable area of the building to roughly 90%, as the South Australian Attorney General’s department has pre-committed to a lease of 50%.
The pre-commitment levels mean that although the building is yet to be completed, there will only be roughly 10% or 2,450 square metres of lettable space available when the office building officially opens late this year.
However further additions by way of new development in the Adelaide market will be scarce.
The Festival Plaza development at Station Road, which encompasses over 43,000 square metres of lettable area, is not predicted to reach completion until 2021. Plus 73-85 Pirie Street, the old Planet Nightclub site that has lay dormant since 2004, has only now been granted
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Office vacancy rates down in Adelaide: HTW Commercial

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Over the year to February 2019, dwelling sales were down -10 per cent across the Latrobe-Gippsland region, although current sales activity is in line with the five year average for the region, according to the latest CoreLogic regional report. 
Dwelling values across the Latrobe-Gippsland region increased year-on-year with house values increasing by 5.9 per cent over the 12 months to March 2019, while unit values were up by 7.9 per cent over the same period.
'<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/2019/6/5/latrobe%201.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/geelong%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%202.jpg" alt="">
 
Source: CoreLogic 
 Renting is more expensive across the region with advertised rental rates up $20/week for houses and $15/week for units over the year to March.
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%203.jpg" alt="">
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/geelong%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
 
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%204.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic 
The time a home sits on the market across the region has improved with the average house selling 17 days faster, and the average unit selling 10 days faster when compared to February 2018. 
The average vendor is offering less of a discount to secure a sale over the same period.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/cairns%205.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
 <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/2019/6/5/cairns%205.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic 
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Latrobe-Gippsland regional sales volumes down 10 percent: CoreLogic 

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Overcome, an architect designed home set high in the rainforest enclave of Mount Wilson is on the market with $1.295 million to $1.395 million hopes. 
Adele Colman of Richardson &amp; Wrench Blackheath has the listing. 
Situated on 1.4 acres, the three level house at 24 Queens Avenue features a design with an emphasis on living areas to share, peaceful getaway nooks, and windows with views of the garden and national park.  
<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/2019/6/11/mt%20wilson%202.jpg" alt="">
It comprises upstairs master suite, 3 additional bedrooms, rumpus room, 3.5 bathrooms, two living areas and dining area flowing to the outdoor terrace. 
The house is surrounded by a landscaped garden with one-hundred-year-old trees and stone-walled terraces. 
<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/2019/6/11/mt%20wilson%203.jpg" alt="">
Additional features include underfloor heating, open fire in lounge, vaulted-ceilinged sky room, frameless corner windows, and antique Mexican double entrance way doors.
It is located within two hours to the city. 
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Mount Wilson home with views to Sydney listed 

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Gold Coast Airport has completed laying the concrete foundations for a new hotel at the site.
It involved the pouring of 2,050 cubic metres of concrete.
Queensland Airports Limited executive general manager, property and infrastructure Carl Bruhn said the 3,000 square metre concrete slab forms the foundations for a $50 million seven-storey, 192-room hotel.
The Rydges hotel will have a rooftop bar and views over Kirra Beach and across the runway.
It was expected to open in mid-2020.
It is being built by locally-based construction company, Condev, on behalf of developer, Trepang, a company associated with John Robinson and Nick Paspaley, who have developed hotels in Darwin, including two airport hotels.
Queensland Airport is the owner and operator of Gold Coast, Longreach, Mount Isa and Townsville airports.
Gold Coast Airport handled 6.52 million passengers in 2018, down from 6.5 million in 2017.
The airport’s master plan has forecast annual passenger numbers rising to 16.6 million by 2037.
In March, the airport appointed Lend Lease to build a new three-level terminal expected to be completed by mid-2021.
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Foundations laid for new hotel at Gold Coast airport

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Dexus has begun construction on a development to tranform the MLC Centre precinct into a premier space in the heart of the Sydney CBD.
The circa $170 million project (artist rendition pictured in title) will deliver approximately 6,000 sqm of new and improved retail space across four levels and is supported by the existing office tower in Martin Place.
It follows just a few months after <a href="/expert-insights/investing/dexus-take-full-control-of-mlc-centre">Dexus implemented a purchase right</a> over the remaining half of the MLC Centre that was <a href="/expert-insights/investing/half-of-harry-seidlers-mlc-centre-to-be-sold-by-gpt">first listed in January</a>.
The ASX-listed group already owned half of the building, and it is believed Dexus paid $800 million for the half previously owned by the GPT Group, which has a book value of $725 million.
The new retail offering will include, new luxury and premium retail to Castlereagh and King Streets, a new plaza food and beverage precinct fronting onto Martin Place and a mix of retail and service providers within the building core.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/13/MLC%20Centre%20New%202.JPG" alt="">
Plus a new commercial tower entrance will be established from Castlereagh Street (artist rendition pictured above), improving connectivity for workers and visitors.
The redevelopment also includes plans to revive the Theatre Royal with Dexus entering into a 45 year lease with the NSW Government, paving the way for a private theatre operator to run the theatre.
The MLC Centre, originally designed by architect Harry Seidler, has been a key city landmark since 1978.
Harry Seidler and Associates Director Penelope Seidler said, “I am so excited about the design of the new works proposed for the MLC Centre. The integrity of Harry’s original architecture is to be re-established and contrasted with new geometries of internally illuminated glass. The MLC Centre will become the glowing core of the centre of Sydney.”
Project partners include Probuild (Builder), Woods Bagot (Architect) and Harry Seidler and Associates (peer review).
Throughout the development works the existing MLC Centre car park, food court, IGA Supermarket and several other retailers will remain open and in operation.
The redevelopment of the MLC Centre retail precinct is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. 
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Dexus begins construction on MLC Centre retail precint renewal, Sydney

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Lorn, the 1920's California bungalow at the southern end of Collaroy Beach, has been sold for $10 million.
It was sold by the Hong Kong-based expat Amanda Spiegel.
A consortium of six local residents bought the house at 9-11 Birdwood Avenue at auction with the view to keeping it as a landmark home. There was overseas interest from Singapore and India.
It was offered by Michael King and Noel Nicholson from Ray White Prestige Palm Beach. The five-bedroom property last traded for $605,000 in 1986.
The 1,472 sqm site at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-collaroy-131128938" target="_blank">9-11 Birdwood Avenue, Collaroy i</a>s zoned for low-density residential development.
The north-facing parcel with street frontage of over 36 metres, is directly across from the sand, surf and rockpool.
<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/2019/6/11/LORN%201.jpg" alt="">
Originally built as one of the northern beaches earliest holiday homes, Lorn comprises 5 bedrooms, kitchen, lounge room, dining room, sunroom, covered terrace and double garage. 
Its beachfront elevated setting offers beach, ocean and headland views. 
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Lorn, Collaroy holiday home sells for $10 million

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Australia’s low rate lenders continue to battle it out with variable rates reaching as low as 3.09 per cent.
Over the past few days, non-bank lender Reduce Home Loans launched a new product at 3.09 per cent, receiving the honor of the new lowest ongoing variable rate.
The product is for new customers with a 40 per cent deposit (60% loan-to-value ratio, LVR).
Mortgage House has also dropped its lowest variable rate in the past couple of days, down to 3.14 per cent for people living outside of NSW with a 30 per cent deposit (70% LVR), while loans.com.au has dropped its lowest rate to 3.28 per cent.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/13/Latest%20cuts%201.JPG" alt="">
(Source: Ratecity.com.au)
Ubank, a subsidiary of it's parent company NAB has announced it will be passing on the full 0.25% rate cut effective June 28, and will apply to both new and existing customers.
<div class="cell-value" data-reactid="181">One competitor, Greater Bank, has broken the 3% barrier with a fixed home loan rate of just 2.99% for the first year before being bumped to 4.1%.</div>
<div class="cell-details" data-reactid="182"> </div>
<div class="cell-details" data-reactid="182">Further below are the lowest fixed home loan rates for 1, 3 and 5 year home loans as well as the latest changes to savings and deposit rates.</div>
RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said the non-bank lenders were climbing over each other to claim the lowest rate.
“Ideal borrowers are increasingly being rewarded with lower rates. If you’re an owner-occupier paying down your debt with a bit of equity up your sleeve you’re in the box seat when it comes to rates."
“If the RBA cuts again, we will almost certainly see variable rates drop below 3 per cent,” she said.
A side effect of the ongoing rate cuts is that Australia’s credit card debt accruing interest has slid to the lowest level in over 11. 
The RBA credit card statistics released this week show Australia’s debt accruing interest on personal credit cards is now $29.5 billion, down 4.9 per cent year-on-year, and at it's lowest levels since December 2007.
Notably the number of personal credit card accounts has fallen 3.1 per cent year-on-year.
There are now 470,088 fewer active accounts than there were in April 2018.
In addition to this Sally Tindall said, “banks are cracking the whip at their end under instructions from ASIC to assess a person’s ability to repay their entire credit card limit within three years."
“As a result, credit limits have fallen to the lowest level in more than three and half years as new customers are being forced to cut back," she concluded.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/13/Latest%20cuts%202.JPG" alt="">
(Source: Ratecity.com.au)
New research from Finder found that Australian households could lose over a billion dollars in interest on their savings, following the Reserve Bank’s cash rate cut on Tuesday. 
According to their findings, if banks pass on the RBA’s 25 basis point interest rate cut in full, Australians will lose a whopping $1.3 billion in interest over the course of a year. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/13/latest%20savings%20cuts.JPG" alt="">
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What are the latest home loan cuts and who's making them? 

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A mid-century modernist home at Kingscliff, NSW has recently been sold for $1,275,000. 
It was offered by Mark Humphries from LS Properties Casuarina. 
Located within stage 1 of Salt Village, the house of glass, steel and concrete at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-kingscliff-127946574" target="_blank">11 Shipstern Street </a>comprises Zen like master suite, two additional bedrooms, living space opening to covered outdoor entertaining area, and minimalist kitchen glowing to the outside. 
<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/2019/6/11/kingscliff%202.jpg" alt="">
The Palm Springs inspired pool area features a Red rainwater tank plunge pool.
Other highlights include eco smart fireplace, bamboo screen in the indoor/outdoor bath area, and solar passive design. 
<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/2019/6/11/kingscliff%203.jpg" alt="">
It is within a 300 metres walk from the beach and only a 200 metre walk across Salts Centre Park to restaurants. 
The modernist home of glass, steel and concrete allows for diverse use of the internal areas and future a second storey options. 
It had last sold at $275,000 in 2013. 
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Kingscliff mid-century modernist house sold 

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GUEST OBSERVATION 
It was no April fool’s joke when the <a href="https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Rockefeller Foundation</a> announced it will phase out funding for the <a href="https://www.100resilientcities.org/" target="_blank">100 Resilient Cities</a> network. The foundation’s <a href="https://www.100resilientcities.org/update-from-100rc/" target="_blank">message</a> was a <a href="https://www.citylab.com/environment/2019/04/rockefeller-100-resilient-cities-climate-philanthropy-end/586522/" target="_blank">surprise for many participating cities</a>, including Melbourne and Sydney, and for its partnering non-governmental organisations, businesses and academics.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk6B8PJAB4M" target="_blank">100 Resilient Cities</a> is a global network designed to increase urban resilience, <a href="http://www.100resilientcities.org/resources/" target="_blank">defined</a> as: "the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience."
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What next after 100 Resilient Cities funding ends?

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

&nbsp;

FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Staff reporter

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