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Ray White Group has more than 135 auctions scheduled across Australasia this Saturday, with numbers lower than normal as most states enjoy the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
One of the auctions is a split level Mediterranean style home at Flagstaff Hill, South Australia with views over the Sturt Gorge.
It has been listed by Michael Love and Sam Gonlen from Ray White Flagstaff Hill with a price guide of $770,000. 
Described as a Tuscan salute to perfection, the three tier home at 28 Ironbark Avenue was built 20 years ago by the current owner with trails at its real doorstep.
<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/flagstaff%20hill%202.jpg" alt="">
The house comprises three bedrooms, formal lounge and dining room, open plan kitchen, cellar room and large workshop/garden shed. 
Surrounded by gardens, other features of the house include ducted heating and cooling, full security with video links, ducted vacuum and a carpeted carport.
"It is an undiscovered gem and it'll put the discerning bidders in a box seat to get an amazing property," said Ray White Flagstaff Hill agent Michael Love. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Flagstaff Hill home with Sturt Gorge views set for weekend auction

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The Townsville housing market has seen fewer homes transacting year-on-year, with 2,976 homes selling over the 12 months to February 2019, according to the latest CoreLogic Regional Report. 
The report reveals challenging property market performance across Australia’s region.
It suggests that the largest annual fall in both house and unit values for Queensland was seen in Townsville.
<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/townsville%201.jpg" alt=""> 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/townsville%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/townsville%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
House values have fallen -4.8% over the year to March, while unit values are down -13.5% 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/townsville%203.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/townville%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/townville%204.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
Looking at the Townsville rental market, advertised rents increased by $10/week for houses and $5/week for units when compared to March 2018.
The average time it takes to sell a house across Townsville has increased by three days, while the average unit is now selling three days faster than February 2018.
Vendor discounting is slightly higher when compared to 12 months ago with the average vendor discount increasing from -9.5% to -9.9% for houses and -9.3% to -9.9% for units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/townville%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/townville%205.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
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Townsville sees Queensland's largest fall in dwelling values: CoreLogic

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Cbus Property has secured a second commercial office project in Brisbane’s CBD in a deal with local developer, Nielson Properties, to develop its 205 North Quay and adjacent 30 Herschel Street properties.
The partners will combine the two properties to create a 3,000 square metre riverfront corner site, with plans to develop it into a circa $600 million A-grade commercial building.
Savills agents Anthony Ott and John McDonald negotiated the transaction.
The new development, to be known as 205 North Quay, presents a landmark opportunity for Cbus Property to bookend its successful 1 William Street, Brisbane commercial project, tenanted by Queensland Government and recently awarded Property Council of Australia’s 2019 Queensland Development of the Year.
205 North Quay will add 50,000 square metres of net lettable area to the Brisbane CBD office market and responds directly to the emergence of the North Quarter precinct which has received record infrastructure investment.
“205 North Quay is a major riverfront CBD site, ideally located to capitalise on the major infrastructure projects nearby such as the recently announced Roma Street Station, Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail and Brisbane Live,” said Adrian Pozzo, CEO of Cbus Property.
“The economic outlook for Brisbane is strong, with positive employment growth forecast to continue and Queensland’s economic growth also anticipated to continue to outperform the Australian average.
“We will look to build on these strong economic foundations and our past success with 1 William Street, to deliver a premium and future-focused commercial tower for Brisbane’s CBD in collaboration with our partner, Nielson Properties.”
Located in Brisbane’s prime commercial district, the 205 North Quay development will play a significant role in the continued regeneration of the burgeoning North Quarter precinct, which will now also include Mirvac’s 80 Ann Street tower to be tenanted by Suncorp, Shayher Group’s 300 George Street project and the recently completed W Hotel on George Street.
“We are proud to partner with Cbus Property on this landmark riverfront commercial project,” says Ross Nielson, Founder and Managing Director of Nielson Properties.
“As a local Brisbane developer, we’re excited to be a part of the evolution of the North Quarter as it becomes a vibrant hub bolstered by outstanding connectivity to Brisbane’s CBD and premium infrastructure and amenity.”
The tower is expected to be complete by 2023.
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Cbus Property locks in $600 million North Quay, Brisbane office project

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Mildura has seen a lower volume of rural sales during the first half of 2019, which is not surprising given the extremely dry start to the year, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) report. 
"However there is evidently still demand for better standard rural assets, and the sales which we have seen suggest values are holding at similar levels to 2018," the valuation firm said. 
A 131-hectare wine grape vineyard located to the north of Mildura recently sold at levels which show an average $32,250 per hectare for the area planted to vines.
The vineyard has a history of good yields and relatively low costs, but also contains a high percentage of Chardonnay, which currently offers lower returns per hectare than most other varieties, HTW said.
"The lower Australian dollar is helping maintain stronger prices for wine grapes and there is a feeling of optimism that returns will continue to improve," the valuation firm said. 
The table grape industry has enjoyed another successful harvest, with fruit quality mostly good and strong export prices.
"We expect to see growers continue to plant new varieties, which will see ongoing demand for the remaining vacant land parcels in the irrigation districts," the valuation firm said.
A corporate buyer recently acquired an 85-hectare aggregation in the Red Cliffs district, planted mostly to table grapes but also with some wine grapes, at a price which equates to around $80,000 per hectare for the better table grape varieties and between $27,000 and $36,000 per hectare for the area planted to wine grapes.
<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/red%20cliffs%20.jpg" alt="">
A 13 hectare Red Cliffs property (pictured above) recently sold for $272,500. It was advertised as being suitable for table grapes, avocado and citrus.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-horticulture-vic-red+cliffs-7983770" target="_blank">297 Stewart Road &amp; 368 Woomera Road</a>, the property has elevated red loam soils, a natural slope and drainage.
It has a three bedroom cottage.
The report noted a much higher cost of leasing irrigation water compared to levels applying up until mid-2018, is expected to see buyers remain cautious about committing to large scale, greenfield developments.
"This position could change if we see a wetter than average winter and spring in the Murray River catchment, however there is increasing commentary around whether the Murray Darling basin can supply additional permanent tree crops.
"It is likely that we will see much less greenfield development over the next few years," says the report. 
Nearly all of the Mallee has been dry sown to cereal crops this season, many of which are just starting to emerge following some rain in early May.
"We would expect to see few sales in the Mallee between now and November, with confidence levels (and bank balances) heavily dependent on how the coming season unfolds." 
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Mildura rural values holding despite lower sales volume: HTW

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Ms Soutsakhorn Chanthabouly (known as Nicole Khammenathy) of Carnes Hill, NSW has been convicted and sentenced after pleading guilty to charges related to illegal phoenix activity.
Ms Chanthabouly was charged with one count of breaching her director duties and another count of destroying company records, following an investigation by ASIC. She was sentenced to a one-year, $500 good behavior bond and ordered to pay $22,000.00 in reparation.
Ms Chanthabouly, a shadow director of MK Asbestos Removal Pty Ltd ACN 142 918 590 (the Company) operated a business of asbestos removal services in New South Wales.
The Court’s handing down of the conviction follows an ASIC investigation which found that on or about 6 February 2014, Ms Chanthabouly transferred $22,000 from the Company bank account to the bank account of Express Asbestos Removals Pty Ltd ACN 167 780 583, a company of which she was director. In doing so, Ms Chanthabouly used her position dishonestly with the intention of gaining an advantage for herself and Express Asbestos Removals Pty Ltd.
The investigation also found that between 3 February 2014 and 19 August 2014, Ms Chanthabouly destroyed the books of the Company.
The Company was subsequently placed into liquidation on 3 February 2014.  At the time, the Company owed $78,153.90 to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and $19,807.86 in unpaid premiums for workers compensation insurance. By removing Company funds, Ms Chanthabouly intentionally denied the ATO access to money owed to it.
ASIC commenced an investigation after receiving a funded report from the liquidator of the Company, Robyn Duggan of Ferrier Hodgson. ASIC provided funding to the Liquidator from the <a href="http://asic.gov.au/for-finance-professionals/registered-liquidators/your-ongoing-obligations-as-a-registered-liquidator/assetless-administration-fund/#_blank" target="_blank">Assetless Administration Fund</a>.
Ms Chanthabouly was convicted and sentenced on 16 May 2019. As a result of her conviction, Ms Chanthabouly is automatically disqualified from managing corporations for five years from 16 May 2019.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted the matter.
<h2>ASIC is a member of the Phoenix Taskforce, which comprises federal, state and territory government agencies who work collectively to combat illegal phoenix activity. The Phoenix Taskforce is a whole-of-government approach to identify, disrupt and prosecute illegal phoenix activity.</h2>
Suspected phoenix activity can be reported to the Phoenix Hotline on 1800 807 875 or online at the ATO website.
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NSW asbestos removals company director convicted after engaging in phoenix activity: ASIC 

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ASIC has permanently banned Perth-based adviser Phillip Emidio Bruni from providing financial services.
This follows an ASIC surveillance of advice provided by Mr Bruni when he was an authorised representative of Westpac and The Financiallink Group.
In the course of the surveillance, ASIC became aware that Mr Bruni had been dishonest and engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct including by retrospectively creating advice documents and reproducing a client’s signature.
ASIC reviewed meta data from Mr Bruni’s advice documents and found that in response to statutory notices, Mr Bruni had created replicas of statements of advice documents that he was required by law to create and retain but had not.
Additionally, Mr Bruni attempted to cover up his failure to obtain a signed ‘authority to proceed’ from a client. He copied and pasted his client’s signature from a ‘fact-find’ document (which outlines a client’s circumstances and needs) without the client’s consent or approval.
Mr Bruni did not tell his licensee or ASIC that the documents produced to ASIC were not copies of original documents. He only admitted to creating the replica documents and the ‘authority to proceed’ when questioned by ASIC.
ASIC’s review also found that Mr Bruni had failed to give appropriate advice or provide advice documents to his clients. He also failed to act in the best interests of his clients or to prioritise their interests.
When providing advice, Mr Bruni did not objectively assess the information provided by his clients or tailor his recommendations to their circumstances. For example, in relation to property investment through an SMSF, Mr Bruni did not make adequate inquiries to assess if an SMSF was indeed appropriate or whether his client could undertake the role of an SMSF trustee. 
Additionally, Mr Bruni could not demonstrate that he had investigated alternative products or strategies that could help his clients achieve their goals. He also failed to provide information to his clients about the costs, benefits and consequences of his recommendations, which would have helped them make better informed decisions.
ASIC Commissioner, Danielle Press said ASIC’s decision reflects its expectation that financial advisers uphold the attributes of honesty and professionalism in their work. 
“Providing false evidence to ASIC under any circumstances is a breach of the law and will not be tolerated. ASIC expects advisers to adhere to the law at all times and meet their obligations of providing appropriate advice that is in the best interests of their clients” Ms Press said.
Mr Bruni’s banning is part of ASIC's Wealth Management Project, which focuses on the conduct of Australia’s largest financial advice licensees – NAB, Westpac, CBA, ANZ, Macquarie and AMP. ASIC was notified of Mr Bruni’s misconduct by Westpac.
As part of its Wealth Management Project, ASIC has banned 55 advisers and one director from the financial services industry. Four bannings are the subject of appeal.
Mr Bruni has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.
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Perth adviser permanently banned by ASIC after inappropriate SMSF advice

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The RBA rate cut will lure homebuyers into what may be a nightmare journey, the veteran personal finance adviser Noel Whittaker says.
The author of Making Money Made Simple warns FHB against "stretching themselves to achieve the dream of a first home at a time when rates are at historic lows."
<div class="_1665V undefined">
"Eventually, they must start to rise again," he said in a Nine Entertainment column.
<div class="_1665V undefined">
He noted last month the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority instructed lenders to ease up on eligibility criteria. 
</div>
"Relaxing lending standards starts a chain reaction... the number of first-home buyers jumps, the extra demand pushes up house prices and it becomes even harder for young couples to get a foothold into the housing market.
"As prices rise, and affordability worsens, other potential buyers who are saving for a deposit panic, and rush into the market.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1559705414884" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1559705414884" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">"To make matters worse, before the election the Federal government announced plans to let first-home buyers into the market with just a 5 per cent deposit."
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1559705414884" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1559705414884" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">Whittaker said the final step in the cycle is interest rates rising, homes being foreclosed and housing prices falling, or at least staying flat.
</div>
<div class="_1lC_G">"The latest interest rate cut puts Australia on a slippery slope.</div>
<div class="_1lC_G"> </div>
<div class="_1lC_G">"With rates at historic lows, a cut from 1.5 per cent to 1.25 per cent will do nothing to stimulate the economy.</div>
"Rates are now so low that any changes can make little difference to the economy," he suggested.
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Noel Whittaker says RBA rate cut will lure FHB homebuyers into nightmare journey

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The Australian economy grew 0.4 per cent in seasonally adjusted chain volume terms in the March quarter 2019, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today. 
Ryan Felsman at CommSec said the economy has lost momentum.
"The annual growth rate is the weakest since September 2009.
"Like other advanced economies, output has slowed since mid-2018 as US-China trade tensions weigh on global growth. But domestic demand has also slowed, as evidenced by low inflation.    
"And soft consumer spending is the main culprit.
"Household incomes are being squeezed due to a combination of modest wages growth and increasing taxes paid due to ‘bracket creep’ (where taxpayers are pushed into higher income tax brackets).
"The negative ‘wealth effect’ from the property downturn is encouraging Aussies to deleverage amid elevated household debt, crimping consumption."
Felsman said the Reserve Bank cut interest rates to fresh record lows of 1.25 per cent yesterday and "appears likely to reduce interest rates to at least 1 per cent."
Chief Economist for the ABS, Bruce Hockman, said the economy continues to grow as we head towards twenty eight years of sustained growth. Government spending was the main contributor to growth reflecting ongoing delivery of services in disability, health and aged care.  Household spending slowed and contributed a modest 0.1 per cent to growth reflecting reduced spending on discretionary goods such as furnishing and household equipment, recreation and culture and hotels, cafes and restaurants.  Dwelling investment continued to detract this quarter. The slowing housing market has resulted in significant falls in ownership transfer costs, particularly stamp duty.   “The Australian economy continues to grow but more slowly than our long term average of 3.5 per cent," Hockman said.
Economist Alex Joiner said the Australian economy remains in a per capita GDP recession with the third consecutive quarterly decline in real GDP per capita.
Commentator Callum Pickering noted Australia has to go all the way back to 2009 - the height of the global financial crisis - to see softer growth.
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Economy growing more slowly than 3.5 percent long term average

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Private investor Mintus has added another retail asset to its property portfolio, by purchasing the West Gosford Shopping Centre.
The established neighbourhood centre, anchored by Coles/ Liquorland, was sold for $23 million by ISPT/ Coles.
The single level neighbourhood centre at 269-299 Brisbane Water Drive, West Gosford sits on a 17,559sqm site with a Gross Lettable Area of 9,249sqm.
The centre includes a well performing Coles and Liquorland supported by a number of specialty tenants.   
The property was sold off market by Steven Lerche and Andrew Palmer of Savills Australia.
Saville noted the centre is strategically located at the intersection of the Central Coast Highway and Brisbane Water Drive and has significant value add potential.
“This was a rare opportunity to undertake a refurbishment/ redevelopment of a strategically located shopping centre on the Central Coast of NSW," according to Steve Lerche, National Director, Retail Investments at Savills Australia.
“The Central Coast is a thriving and growing catchment and this property is situated at the bottom of the Gosford escarpment and is the first major shopping centre in the region” he said.  
The centre has convenient on grade parking for 210 cars and town planning is Zoned “B2 Local Centre” under the “Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014” with a FSR: 1:1 Height Limit: 11.5 metres.
According to Andrew Palmer, Associate Director, Retail Investments at Savills Australia, Gosford is the third largest urban hub in NSW, strategically located 70kms north of Sydney and 95kms south of Newcastle. 
“The Central Coast is a major population growth area of NSW with a current population estimated at 337,765, AND IS expected to grow to 414,615 by 2036 (over 21% increase). There is also a large trade area catchment population with 16,000 in the MTA” he continued.  
The Gosford City Centre Masterplan 2031 plans to revitalise the city centre and sustainably managing projected growth. 
It aims to help achieve a residential target of an additional 10,000 residents and 6,000 new jobs by 2031.
According to Ben Stewart, Director, Retail and Residential at Mintus West Gosford represents a "fantastic opportunity" for Mintus to redevelop and reinvigorate the precinct to reflect current retail trends and position the asset for strong future growth. 
“We look forward to working with Coles, Council and the public to provide a convenient neighbourhood centre that suits the local area”. 
The Central Coast Council area’s Gross Regional Product was $13.72 billion in the year ending June 2017, growing 1.6% since the previous year. 
The Gosford City population as at 2018 is estimated at 173,593 and is forecast to grow to 189,195 by 2036.
 
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Mintus snap up West Gosford Shopping Centre through Savills

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The 123-year-old global real estate brand, Stanton Hillier Parker, has announced it will re-open its real estate arm in Australia.
It will be under the guidance of managing partner Eugene Evgenikos who said he was excited to re-launch a real estate brand with a global property legacy, almost 20 years since it was last seen in a real estate agency capacity in Australia. 
“We’ll be focussing on providing our clients with world-class service standards, expert advice and outstanding results underpinned by a passionate, highly-experienced management team,” said Mr Evgenikos, who was at Knight Frank in NSW metropolitan sales.  
“Leveraging our 123-year strong global property legacy, we’ll be creating truly invested partnerships that drive results and help our clients create a property legacy of their own.”  
Stanton Hillier Parker intends to offer commercial sales and transactions, capital markets advice, leasing, asset management, residential project marketing and valuations to private, institutional and government clients. 
The company has opened offices in the Sydney CBD and Mascot with a valuation office in Parramatta.
Stanton Hillier Parker is currently actively sourcing a new office in the Melbourne CBD. 
“Our unique proposition in the market is the opportunity to grow through an equity partnership model – in the same way as Stanton Hillier Parker’s major global real estate agency business started,” he confirmed.  
“Our brand pedigree and international recognition is a platform we will build on in Australia, and we look forward to announcing new offices and partnerships as we grow the platform.”
 new management, offering boutique property advisory services to a diversified range of clients Australia-wide. 
Stanton Hillier Parker was originally formed via the merger of Hillier Parker, first established in 1896 in the United Kingdom, and Stanton &amp; Sons Limited, established by Richard Stanton in Sydney in the late 1800s.  
The company has a rich heritage in Australia, having been responsible for the development of the Sydney suburbs of Rosebery and Haberfield. Richard Stanton was also the founder of the Real Estate Auctioneers and Agents’ Association of New South Wales.  
During the 1970s the company operated around the world, with businesses in Scotland, Australia, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.  
 
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Stanton Hillier Parker relaunches Australian real estate arm after two-decade absence

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.

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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.

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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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