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Japan-based global fashion retailer Muji, has signed a lease in Melbourne's CBD at the historic Scottish House building on William Street, just ahead of the opening of their biggest Australian store at Chadstone in August.
Samuel Friend and Stephen Land of Fitzroys negotiated the lease five-year deal with two three-year options.
Set over 292 sqm on Level 5 at 90 William Street, the lease was signed for $116,000 per annum with 4% annual increases on behalf of The Australian Club.
Friend said Muji needed a larger Australian head office as it embarks on a major expansion and wanted a CBD location.
The new 1,700 sqm store will offer Muji’s popular minimalist-style clothing, bedding, skincare and stationery, as well as a new range of furniture available in Australia for the first time; workshops and interactive events; a Muji Books offering, and self-serve coffee bar.
Friend said the Scottish House space attracted more than 80 enquiries, with law firms, finance companies, not-for-profits, accounting firms, marketing agencies and major transport operators all keen on the space.
“Major commercial developments through the CBD’s western corridor are attracting a broader range of tenants to this part of the city, beyond law firms seeking offices close to the legal precinct,” he said.
Scottish House is just metres from the dual-tower, office, hotel and residential Collins Arch development at 447 Collins Street, on the corner of William Street, as well as Mirvac’s Olderfleet project at 477 Collins Street, which will bring more than 52,000sqm of new office space.
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The six-storey heritage building was designed for prominent shipping agents McIlwraith McEacharn Ltd in 1907, by architect Charles D’Ebro, and was their head office for more than 70 years.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Japan based fashion retailer Muji sign 5-year lease in Melbourne's Scottish House building 

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Centuria Capital Group (Centuria) has announced their acquisition of 10 Moore Street, Canberra. 
The property known as the ‘Optus Centre’ will be directly purchased by Centuria Diversified Property Fund (CDPF) for $35 million from commercial property group Quintessential.
Commenting on the acquisition, Centuria’s Head of Real Estate and Funds Management, JasonHuljich, said “Strong support from investors and financial advisers in the CDPF has seen the fund’s inflows increase significantly this financial year, allowing the fund to make strategic purchases. 
“10 Moore Street is a centrally-located property – ideally positioned in Civic, the heart of Canberra’s CBD precinct."
“The building has been fully regenerated to a very high standard by Quintessential Equity – all the work done over the years has been of a high quality, and the actions undertaken to improve the environmental footprint of the building has resulted in a 5-star NABERS energy rating, further enhancing the quality of this acquisition.”
It has a 4.3 year WALE (as at 1 June 2019), and is currently 98% leased to a mix of tenants, with a 12-month rental guarantee on approximately 2% (123 sqm) of vacant space, which Mr Huljich is confident about leasing.
“One of Centuria’s A-REITs, the Centuria Metropolitan REIT (CMA), owns two properties nearby– at 54 and 60 Marcus Clarke Street, about 100 metres from 10 Moore Street – so we are familiar with the area, and have had very good leasing success there: we understand what appeals to tenants,” he said.
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Russell Bullen, Quintessential Equity’s Chief Executive Officer, said the group is very pleased with the sale of the 6,709sqm building, which he calls a “top-tier office investment”.
“Since we acquired the building in 2014, we’ve completed a full regeneration and successful releasing campaign at the property, future-proofing it for years to come."
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Centuria announce acquisition of Moore Street Optus Centre in Canberra

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A brand new Smith Street, Fitzroy retail property has been snapped up for $805,000.
Lewis Waddell and Terence Yeh of Fitzroys, in conjunction with Richard Miglic of Miglic Dean, sold 13 Smith Street on behalf of the developer.
The sale price reflected a strong building rate of $8,945 per sqm, and a 6.2% yield.
The brand-new 90 sqm space includes one basement car park and is positioned within the Neometro’s seven-level Nine Smith Street development, which has 47 one and two-bedroom apartments and multiple retail spaces.
Business education operator Plato Project has a three-year lease with a three-year option over 13 Smith Street, returning $50,000 per annum plus GST.
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Yeh said the purchaser was attracted to the property’s positioning in one of Melbourne’s most popular and trendy lifestyle precincts, and the rare chance it presented to secure a high-yielding inner city asset in an affordable price bracket.
“The vibrancy of the Smith Street and nearby Gertrude Street lifestyle precincts have prompted a surge in the local population, as Melburnians embrace inner city living and look to be close to the action of their favourite shopping, hospitality and nightlife destinations,” Waddell said.
Just a few metres from 13 Smith Street, Pellicano Group is planning a new office project at 207 Victoria Parade, on the corner of Smith Street. 
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Brand new Smith Street, Fitzroy retail premises sold

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A three bedroom one bathroom St Albans, Victoria house has been sold at auction.
The one storey house sold for $450,000.
Alex (Chau) Tran and Thomas (Thinh) Nguyen of Barry Plant held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-st+albans-131080610" target="_blank">70 Levenia Street</a>, it is described in the listing as an "amazing opportunity to knock down and build (S.T.C.A) or renovate".
Set on 697 sqm, the property is located 15 kms from the airport and 25 kms from the CBD.
Last offered to the market as a rental back in 2006 and never since, it sought $185/pw.
The property previously transacted in 2011 for $315,000.
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The median price for a home in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-st+albans-131080610" target="_blank">St Albans</a> is $600,000 according to CoreLogic, the annual change in median price over the past 10 years is 7.9%.
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St Albans, Victoria home sold under mortgagee auction hammer

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A Waterford West, Queensland mortgagee duplex has sold for $285,000.
It marked a $90,000 reduction on its 2009 sale price of $375,000.
Brian Reynolds of Century 21 held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-duplex+semi-detached-qld-waterford+west-130456802" target="_blank">1/92 Logan Reserve Road</a>, it was built in 2009.
Set on 155 sqm, it was unsuccessfully marketed from 2014 - 2016 with an asking price starting at $370,000 before being reduced a number of times to $315,000. 
It was also listed from May to November of 2018 seeking $320,000.
The three bedroom two bathroom property features a single lockup garage and a fully fenced rear yard.
Listed as a rental in 2016 with an asking price of $360/pw and in 2018 with an asking price of $340/pw.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/waterford-west-qld-4133">Waterford Wes</a>t is $349,200, according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 1.1%. 
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Waterford West, Queensland mortgagee duplex sold for $90,000 loss

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A three bedroom one bathroom Dallas, Victoria house is set to go under the mortgagee auction hammer June 8.
The previously updated rendered brick home comes with an indicative price guide of $440,000 - $480,000.
Andrew Butler and Anthony Monteleone of Brad Teal hold the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-dallas-131170918" target="_blank">13 King Street</a>, the property is described as "ideal for homebuyers looking to enter the market, renovate/extend, rebuild or redevelop (STCA)".
Set on 642 sqm, it features an undercover outdoor area and backyard as well as a one car lockup garage.
Located within a short drive from Dallas and Broadmeadows Shopping Centres, Ilim College, primary schools, buses and Hume Highway, the home features an open plan layout.
Last sold in 2005 the home transacted for $180,000. 
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/dallas-vic-3047">Dallas</a> is $487,500 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 7.5%. 
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Dallas, Victoria home set for mortgagee auction hammer

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The Victorian State Government plans to collect 10 per cent more or $709 million with its higher fire levies on every Victorian’s property in 2019-20.
The levy will rise to $738 million in 2020-21, with further hikes to $756 million in 2021-22 and $776 million in 2022-23.
Treasurer Tim Pallas is due to announce the FSPL rates this month, the Weekly Times reports.
Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said the Andrews Government had “lost control of fire services costs, due to pandering to UFU demands”. 
The fire services property levies on all the state’s households and businesses.
The rises are designed to cover the ever-growing cost of funding restructured fire services and union demands for higher pay and allowances.
The rises reflect a 20 per cent hike on the $645 million they paid on their properties this financial year. 
The surge is being driven by the growing cost of funding the state’s fire services as the Government moves to carve off the CFA’s 38 integrated stations into a new career-only firefighter service with the MFB, to be called Fire Rescue Victoria.
Until now the Government has protected Victorians from the impact of rising cost of the fire services, including a 19 per cent hike in paid firefighter allowances, by capping the FSPL.
But from July 1 the cap comes to an end.
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Victorian real estate owners to be hit by rising fire services property levies

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A 10,513 sqm community facility site in Monash, ACT has been offered to market.
It has the potential to become a childcare centre, aged care or even medical centre.
Situated at 178 Clive Steele Avenue, in the Tuggeranong region, Colliers International is marketing the site on behalf of the Suburban Land Agency.
“Monash sits in the centre of a region home to over 70,000 people. Nearly two-thirds of families have children, but the population is also ageing and the number of residents over 60 years of age is approaching 20 per cent,” Colliers International Director Land Marketing, Josh Reid said.
“We expect the local demographics will make it attractive for the full variety of uses it is zoned for and therefore attractive to a number of potential buyers.”
“Opportunities to purchase a community facility site in established suburbs like Monash don’t come around every day,” Colliers International Associate Director City and Metro Sales, Matthew Winter explained.
“Monash is close to a range of amenities including the Tuggeranong Town Centre, which is a major local employment hub, and this site has good access to public transport.
The site’s permitted uses include an aged care facility (up to 30 dwellings), medical centre or childcare centre, among other options.
Block 14 Section 56 Monash will be auctioned on June 19 2019.
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New community facility site in Monash, ACT listed

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The multi award-winning Mon Komo Hotel, along with 33 strata titled short stay apartments in the Moreton Bay region have hit the market.
Michael Simpson and Leon Alaban of Savills are marketing the sale which has the opportunity for an incoming buyer to purchase the assets in one line.
Situated at 99-101 Marine Parade, Redcliffe, the properties are being offered for sale by way of an expressions of interest campaign, closing June 28 2019.
The apartments form part of the Oaks Mon Komo, with the vendor selling 33 of the total 76 apartments located in the complex, representing 43% of the total lot entitlement.
Managing Director of Hotels at Savills, Michael Simpson, said the short stay apartments are a well-established business under Oaks.
“The apartments boast occupancy rates of over 80 per cent each year at a very strong average daily rate. It is one of Oaks’ best performing hotels,” Mr Simpson said.
The offering is currently owned by developer Kyko Group, led by Bill Jenkings, who said the Group has decided to sell the Hotel in order to focus on acquisitions for their future development pipeline.
Set across two levels, the Hotel features four bars including Cabana Bar + Kitchen, Seabrae Bar &amp; Nightclub, Treasure Lounge, plus the function and convention centre.
The popular food and beverage venue generated revenue in excess of $6.9 million last year.
Located between Cabana and Seabrae, The Treasure Lounge gaming room features 21 EGMs with an approval in place to operate up to 40 EGMs.
The Hotel currently operates without an onsite bottleshop, or any of the three detached bottleshop sites it is currently permitted to operate under its commercial liquor licence.
“We expect that the offering will be sought after by an array of local and interstate hoteliers and strategic property investors,” Mr Simpson said.
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Oaks Mon Komo Hotel and apartments listed through Savills

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A two-storey Moorabool Street, Geelong building, once the John Daniel’s Ironmongery warehouse in the 1860s, has been listed for sale.
The bluestone frontage to Baylie Place is a piece of industrial heritage.
The former Mikasa outlet at 186 Moorabool St, which is hidden behind aluminium cladding, has been listed for auction on May 30.
McGrath, Geelong agent David Cortous holds the listing.
A price guide around $950,000 to $1.045 million has been set.
Mr Cortous said its history as a big warehouse with exposed timber beams could dictate buyers future plans.
Set on a 262 sqm block, it has about 560 sqm of floorspace.
“To be honest, I’ve got somebody looking at it for residential use,” he said. “Using the back entrance as the main facade, decking out the full top floor as a residence with a six-car garage at the bottom.”
The Moorabool St shopfront would be retained, he said.
“There’s a lot more inner city living, especially around the Little Ryrie St area,” he said.
The timber and stone elements warranted an A-listing from the Heritage Council, which lauded timber detailing often absent from the otherwise austere warehouses.
The property goes to auction on May 30 at 11am.
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John Daniel’s 1860's Geelong ironmongery warehouse premises listed

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;

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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.

&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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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