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Liminal, part café, part wine store, part event space, part market place, is set to open in May this year.
It is the latest project from Melbourne hospitality outfit The Mulberry Group.
Liminal will be located on the ground level of 161 Collins Street and is a new direction for the group who sold their signature cafés, Top Paddock, Kettle Black and Higher Ground, in December last year.
Situated Adjacent to the lobby atrium in the art deco T&amp;G Building.
The 400 sqm space was designed by The Stella Collective. .
Executive Chef Martin Webster (Jackalope, Montalto) has created breakfast and lunch menus. 
We’ll be changing them regularly depending on what produce comes through from the market.” says Webster.
The wine store offers customers the opportunity to select a bottle to enjoy in house or pick up one to take home.
Liminal will also feature a private board room.
It will operate Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mulberry Group's latest Melbourne CBD project Liminal opens May

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There has been a mish-mash of infrastructure charges across Sydney’s growth areas with some of the highest growth areas being hit with big charges and a poor system for determining costs, according to new research from the Property Council of Australi
The research, originally conducted by Elton Consulting and supplemented with recently released population data from the ABS, claims areas of high growth need a better system for funding infrastructure with the charge placed on one dwelling taking up to 27 mortgage repayments to pay off.
“Sydney is growing and needs infrastructure, but we haven’t got the right funding system for delivering it. Currently communities in high growth areas are paying high infrastructure costs on their homes and this is not sustainable or equitable,” Acting Property Council NSW Executive Director William Power said.
“These areas are quickly developing and so there is often a layer cake effect to the charges – some charges coming from the State Government, others from local government – money drawn from multiple sources for much needed infrastructure.
“The blame for this scenario does not lie with any particular level of government, but rather in a lack of focus and line of site of what is being charged, for what infrastructure and for what community outcomes. This is made worse by the fact that some Councils are trying to administer up to 8 different contribution plans.
“At the moment, no one has a complete view of what is being charged and for what outcome across Greater Sydney and this is resulting in higher charges in some areas than others - It needs a rethink, and our recently elected state government needs to tackle this issue as one of their top priorities.”
The Property Council believes the State Government needs to:
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<li>Conduct an audit and create an online record of all infrastructure charges across Sydney</li>
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<li>Create an infrastructure charges calculator that tells the community or industry what the infrastructure charge on each dwelling will be in a suburb.</li>
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<li>Give IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority) greater resourcing and remit to review more contribution plans, review and edit the essential infrastructure list and ensure the community is getting the right infarstrcure to support growth from these contributions</li>
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“Planning Reform and infrastructure charges must be the top two priorities for Minister Stokes and thenew Department of Planning and Industry to ensure Sydney is growing well," Mr Power concluded.
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Infrastructure funding for Sydney needs big rethink: Property Council Australia

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The Canterbury League Club, which started life as a small community hall in 1957, has just unveiled its new renovated venue.
Commencing in 2014, the $106 million redevelopment was designed with the goal of creating a 5-star premier hospitality venue, featuring cafés, lounges, bars, restaurants, gourmet food and drinks, entertainment, shows, a play area and a 24 hour health club.
The Club, whose members now number over 62,000 aims to be a ‘gathering place’ for the local community and a true ‘foodie hub’.
Along with two new restaurants, The Bakehouse Café, which is open 24-hours, and The Bistro, which can  seat 700 guests, and Lavico, the traditional Italian eatery, there is also a new bar, The Atrium Bar, 10 levels of underground parking featuring nearly 1,300 parking spaces and a newly created LED lightshow.
All of this is supported by an underground services area, which includes an underground loading dock and production kitchens that feature cutting-edge facilities.
This area also boasts sustainable features including an elevated loading dock, a Wi-Fi connected garbage compactor that can book its own waste pick up and the revolutionary Orca system which can turn waste into water.
The Club is set for more expansion with a hotel and residential apartments set for the top of the Club in the planning.
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Canterbury League Club renovations unveiled

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An owner occupier has purchased the former Westpac bank building in the centre of Lalor’s shopping precinct for $2.455 million.
It marks the latest transaction of a vacant retail asset in Melbourne.
Fitzroys agents Terence Yeh and David Bourke sold 322-324 Station Street following a successful auction campaign that attracted more than 60 enquiries from investors and owner occupiers, with multiple bidders competing at the auction.
Yeh and Bourke acted on behalf of private investors who had bought the property in 1996 for $830,000.
The freehold asset comprises a two-level building of 850 sqm on a 520 sqm landholding that has 12.2 m of frontage to Station Street and 12.5 m to a rear laneway.
“Investors were attracted to the busy shopping precinct’s historically low vacancy rate, while owner occupiers were keen to take the rare chance to secure a strategically located, high-profile building in the heart of this busy shopping precinct,” Yeh said.
“This is a tightly held area of Melbourne, with one property coming to the market every few years.”
Bourke said the local operator is familiar with the location, having operated their business in the area for more than 10 years.
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“Their purchase is a strong vote of confidence in the strength of this precinct and its future prospects,” he said.
Positioned within a major retail hub, neighbouring Coles, Commonwealth Bank, and Lalor Library, the property will benefit from sustained population growth in the surrounds and across the City of Whittlesea.
The sale continues the Melbourne-wide trend of vacant retail properties attracting strong attention from investors and owner occupiers. Fitzroys has just sold 371 Bay Street in Port Melbourne for $1.31 million to an owner occupier, following the agency’s sale of a two-storey Newport Village freehold to a first-time investor for $875,000 and a Harp Village building in Kew East for $1.2 million before auction.
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Fitzroys sold two Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds properties late last year; to a dental clinic and an investor respectively, which followed the sale of the former premises of Brighton icon Wild Holly Cakes on Bay Street for $2.905 million after interest from investors and owner occupiers.
Other recent Fitzroys sales have included a former Commonwealth Bank branch in Keilor, 241 Bridge Road to accounting firm Michael Jensen &amp; Associates, and a High Street building in Thornbury to a local food and beverage operator.
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Owner occupier purchases former Westpac building in Lalor

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Asia Pacific commercial real estate investment markets appeared to run out of momentum in the third quarter of 2018 after two years of very strong growth, with deal volumes sliding in the region’s two largest markets, Real Capital Analytics (RCA) data showed. 
China registered the lowest quarterly level of transactions in five years as it reined in lending to investors and developers. Japan experienced its quietest three months since the Global Financial Crisis a decade ago.
Q3 2018 volumes were down 27% to US$27 billion compared to the same quarter last year, but were saved from a steeper decline by all-time high volumes in South Korea. 
The last time the region recorded a quarterly decline was Q2 2016. Over the 12-months ending Q3 2018, purchases of commercial buildings in APAC totalled US$165.0 billion, a 3% increase from the same period ending Q3 2017, RCA‘s Q3 2018Asia Pacific Capital Trends report showed.
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Petra Blazkova, RCA’s Senior Director of Analytics for Asia Pacific, said: “For the past decade the Asia Pacific real estate investment market has been characterised by rising prices and steady yield compression, enabling capital gains for most players."
"With property yields at historic lows and tighter financing conditions looming, or already encroaching in some markets, activity seems to be shifting into a lower gear as investors determine whether the next stage of the investment cycle is on the horizon.”
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Australian Price Growth Momentum Begins to Ebb<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/ada82210-5607-45c4-a26f-ed2c41437e79" alt="page2image3763824" width="230.529000" height="0.719966">
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After a long run of gains, commercial real estate prices in Australia have logged two successive quarters of decelerating growth. Australian investment volumes over the quarter fell 39% compared to Q3 2017 and over 12-months dipped 1% year-over-year in Q3 2018 to US$26.7 billion (A$37.0 billion), RCA data showed. Deal count declined by 15%, based on 12-month rolling totals.
Offices, while remaining the best performer, started to plateau first, and particularly outside Sydney’scentral business district. The narrowing financing gap has also forced investors to take a pause. RCA’sCommercial Property Price Indices (CPPI) showed Australian commercial real estate prices have risen 82% in the past five years.
Sydney recorded growth in both the retail and industrial sectors for the first nine months of the year, however overall volumes declined by 5%, possibly signaling a market turning point. Average quarterly commercial real estate yields in the city, which move inversely to prices, rose for the first time in three years.
 Yields elsewhere have continued to compress over the past quarter, most notably in Melbourne by 25 basis points and where price rises in Q3 averaged the highest for any major city in the world, RCA data showed.
RCA’s Blazkova observed: “The jury is out on the Australian market following this bout of weakness. High prices are persuading owners to sell, which supports the investment market, but overall momentum appears to be slowing.”
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Melbourne bucks downward trend in Asia Pacific commercial property prices in late 2018: Real Capital Analytics

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Stockland’s third quarter market update highlighted that property group results remain on track for FY19 in what its CEO Mark Steinert said was "a challenging trading environment."
Residential sales for the quarter were 26 per cent below the second quarter and expected to remain weak for calendar year 2019, "with risk to the downside given current challenging market conditions, reduced credit availability and buyer uncertainty due to the upcoming Federal election.
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“We remain on track to complete over 6,000 residential settlements over the full year, with the anticipated settlement skew to the second half, and an operating profit margin over 18 per cent. 
"Cancellation rates have increased moderately on the back of uncertainty created by current market conditions, however default rates have remained stable at around 3 per cent.
“We continue to see demand for our product from our core market of first home buyers and owner-occupiers which make up 50 per cent and 84 per cent of our customer base respectively, as we focus on providing affordable, liveable and sustainable homes in communities connected to infrastructure and jobs.
“Across the country we have reasonable visibility of earnings over the medium term, with over 2,800 contracts on hand for settlement from FY20, but we expect challenging conditions to continue throughout 2019.”
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“We’ve achieved residential settlements and net deposits broadly in line with expectations this quarter, solid retail sales and strong leasing and development activity in our workplace and logistics portfolio.
"This is being countered by weak residential sales and negative retail rent reversions."
It achieved a cumulative $284.5 million of non-core retail town centre divestments, including the recent sale of Stockland Kensington in Queensland.
“We are actively progressing capital partnering opportunities across all sectors represented in our business, through ongoing engagement with a range of potential domestic and international partners," Steinert noted.
Steinert said Stockland have a strong focus on building resilience of income across its national commercial property portfolio.
"We’ve taken a clear view of core and non-core assets, defining our core assets as leading town centres with strong and growing trade areas with limited competition, and where we have the opportunity to enhance the asset to generate sustainable income growth over time.
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“We’ve seen continued solid sales results across our retail town centres, reflecting the success of our remixing strategy and focus on health, services, lifestyle and entertainment to drive foot traffic. Comparable speciality sales are up 3.8 per cent for the year to 31 March 2019 at $9,253 per square metre.
“As flagged at the half, while we continue to experience negative retail income growth, we have a clear focus on stabilising income. 
"We are also rolling out a place making strategy across our portfolio to add value to our community offering and drive more foot traffic into our centres.
During the quarter, it commenced construction of the new $33 million Baringa Town Centre at the Aura community on the Sunshine Coast, 
 
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Stockland reports weak residential sales 

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Trinity College at the University of Melbourne is set to open a new CBD campus at 611 Elizabeth Street.
Stage 1 of PDG’s new 70,000sqm redevelopment project is now 100% leased following this commitment.
Colliers International’s Edward Knowles and Michael Darvell negotiated the new 10-year lease to Trinity College for 9,500sqm in Stage One of PDG’s Elizabeth Street project.
Mr Knowles said Trinity College would share the newly developed site with Melbourne City Toyota in Stage 1 of the 611 Elizabeth Street project, which consists of a 20,000sqm new building.
Situated above the heritage building will sit a new vertical campus, designed by architects Gray Puksand.
The 7,000 sqm site at 611 Elizabeth Street is owned by PDG across Stages 1 and 2.
“It is primed to become Melbourne’s newest education and bio-medical precinct, with three towers offering circa 70,000sqm of commercial buildings due for construction by mid-2022,” Mr Darvell said.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Trinity College in developing its state-of-the-art teaching campus in the heart of Melbourne’s Education and Biomedical Hub,” Sebastian Mahoney, Development Director at PDG, said.
Mr Mahoney said construction is targeted to commence in the coming months.
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Trinity College commit to lease new campus in Melbourne CBD

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Antony Catalano has succeeded in his bid to buy the regional newspaper assets which formerly belonged to Fairfax from its new proprietor, Nine Entertainment.
Australian Community Media's portfolio of 160 regional titles includes The Newcastle Herald, the Illawarra Mercury and The Border Mail. The deal also includes 130 community-based websites with property advertising.
The deal struck is with Catalano and Thorney Investment Group, the ASX listed investment company headed by Alex Waislitz.
It marks a return to the media industry for the former Domain chief executive Antony Catalano.
Nine's redundant regional news business includes regional and community titles such as Horse Deals, Cotton &amp; Grain Outlook, Lotfeeding, Collie Mail, Wee Waa News, the Goondiwindi Advocate, Queensland Country Life, Macleay Valley Happynings (published every Wednesday) and the Dubbo Mailbox Shopper.
There's also The Byron Shire Echo where Catalano has property interests.
Nine retains 59 per cent of Domain.
Hugh Marks, the CEO of Nine, said the sale is in line with their strategy.
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“The sale of ACM is aligned with our strategy to exit non-core businesses and to focus on Nine’s portfolio of high-growth, digital assets," Marks said.
"We will retain a commercial relationship with ACM and look forward to continuing to work with the business in areas where there are mutual benefits to both Nine and ACM.”
Nine has announced cash proceeds from the sale are expected to be around $115 million, of which $10 million will be paid in 12 months.
Nine will also receive up to $10 million of advertising over the three years from completion.
The deal is expected to be completed by June 30.
Nine signalled it would sell the regional titles following its merger with Fairfax Media, which Catalano forlornly attempted to block at the last minute by proposing to buy a 19.9 percent share of the publisher.
Marks also says it’s continuing with talks to sell another two arms of its business, Stuff and Events.
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Antony Catalano gets mini-media comeback through buyout of Nine's regional newspapers

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A four bedroom Melbourne inner city townhouse has hit the market with a price guide between $1.88 to $1.98 million. 
It has been offered by Nikki McCarthy and Kathy Purcell from RT Edgar Hawthorn.
The townhouse at <a href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/property/774724/22-macquarie-street-prahran/" target="_blank">22 Macquarie Street</a>, Prahran features oversized proportions through a four-level layout including a rooftop terrace with horizon views.
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It comes with three king-sized bedrooms, a private fourth bedroom or office on the ground floor, private balcony, kitchen, and courtyard.
With the advantage garage parking for two cars, the home is within close proximity from transport, parklands and recreation.
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The property last sold in 2015 for $1.53 million.
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Four-level Prahran townhouse with rooftop terrace on the market

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A brand new Leichhardt warehouse designed by architect Petar Danicic has been listed for sale. 
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-leichhardt-130771502" target="_blank">33 Whites Creek Lane</a> was built around an open-air atrium after the property, which was a modest cottage on 350 sqm, traded for $1.12 million in 2007.
Now stands a warehouse with 430 sqm of living space.
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It features recycled ironwood timbers and floors, stainless steel kitchen, wine cellar, adjustable roof and mosaic-tiled baths.
Other features include an oversized walk-in wardrobe, internal-entry garage and a self-contained studio/office with courtyard.
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Chris Nunn and Nick Playfair from Bresic Whitney Estate Agents Glebe.
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Petar Danicic-designed Leichhardt warehouse 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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