<html><body>
A two bedroom one bathroom mortgagee unit in Cairns North, Qld has been sold for $180,250. 
Ray Murphy of RE/MAX Cairns held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-cairns+north-129907894" target="_blank">2/323 McLeod Street, Cairns North</a>, the home is located inside of the Aztec Court gated complex which features an in-ground pool.
Set on 86 sqm the property contains one parking space.
According to the listing the home has an estimated rental income of $300 - $330 per week.
Last sold in 2004 the home traded for $169,000.
It was listed on and off as a rental from 2006 to 2014, originally at a price point of $210/pw and rising incrementally to $280/pw in 2014.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a unit in <a href="/developments/cairns-north-qld-4870">Cairns North</a> is $332,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -1.2%.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Two bedroom Cairns North mortgagee unit sold

<html><body><div class="property-info__header">
<div class="property-info__header">
A four bedroom Kirkwood, Qld mortgagee home has sold for $289,000.
The four bedroom two bathroom house was built in 2011.
Bevan Rose of Gladstone Real Estate held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-kirkwood-130425674" target="_blank">8 Oakdale Place</a> the property has a double lockup garage.
Set on 619 sqm, the one storey house was listed with an asking price of $295,000.
It has been listed as a rental numerous times since October 2011 where it was listed for $720/pw.
In 2013 the rental asking price was $450/pw and October 2015 onwards it was $300/pw, however in 2017 and 2018 it was listed for a rental price of $240/pw.
Last sold in 2010 the house previously residing there traded for $200,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/kirkwood-qld-4680">Kirkwood</a> is $319,000, according to CoreLogic.
</div>
</div></body></html>

Four bedroom Kirkwood, Qld mortgagee home sold

<html><body>
A home within The Rivergums Estate, Baldivis has been listed by the mortgagee for $365,000.
Lorraine Dove of RE/MAX Horizons has the listing.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-baldivis-130859970" target="_blank">11 Lomandra View</a>, the property is a four bedroom two bathroom house.
It's close to a number of amenities.  
Set on 602 sqm, the one story house was built in 2005.
It was listed as a rental in January 2017 with an asking price of $450/pw.
Last sold in 2014, the home traded for $475,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a house in Baldvis is<a href="/developments/baldivis-wa-6171"> $382,000 </a><a href="/developments/port-lincoln-sa-5606"></a>according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 0.5%.
</body></html>

Baldivis home listed for mortgagee sale at $110,000 below previous sale price

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
Over the past five years, Chinese developers have significantly ramped up their presence building landmark residential towers around the world, including along the skyline of the Australian east coast.
In 2018, Chinese developers and investors purchased $1.3 billion worth of Australian residential sites; equivalent to 31% of total sites sold.
This was down substantially from the $2.02 billion recorded a year earlier, although the share of total sales fell only slightly from 33%; reflecting a wider, slower-paced market.
There is no denying Chinese developers have met with challenges throughout this time. From the Chinese government attempting to moderate capital outflow, to locally, the impact when major domestic banks restricted lending to offshore borrowers.
This limited Chinese developers’ ability to rely on deep databases of clients familiar with projects in their home towns.
In addition, current challenges being faced by all developers include the local changes to Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) rules and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) encouraging stricter lending practices for investors cooling off-the-plan presales—not to mention the introduction of state-based surcharges.
The majority of Chinese developers which have entered the Australian landscape are settling in for the long haul, now diversifying their portfolios to adapt to local market trends.
Over the past year, the likes of Zone Q, China Poly Group, Yuhu Group and Aqualand have increased their exposure to office assets and this trend is likely to continue in 2019.
Also they are shifting weight towards lower-density residential with 41% of sites purchased in 2018, up from 29% in 2017. Overall however with a 58% share, the more accustomed, higherdensity sites still dominated; this past year moving away from medium-density sites.
Chinese developers and investors have purchased more than 25% of the residential development sites that have transacted each year over the past five years.
Factoring inlead times for planning and marketing the project, naturally the number of Australian apartments built by Chinese developers only started to ramp up in 2016, and were located in Sydney, as shown in Figure 1.
In saying this, reflecting on the past five years, Chinese-developed projects have tended to move hastily into construction mode once development approval is granted; in many cases citing a lower reliance on funding (when compared to a local developer).
Almost 11% of all new apartments, or 5,160 apartments, were built by Chinese Collective Sales for Development September 2018 Australian Residential Development Review 2018 developers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in 2018.
Still concentrated on the major east coast cities, this share is projected to rise to 15% in 2019 for those 5,440 apartments currently under construction, then increase to 22% in 2021.
This includes those projects which have already commenced, and those with development approval which are currently being marketed (7,360 apartments).
With current headwinds heading into 2019, the likelihood of all projects proposed by Chinese developers going ahead in this timeframe is diminishing, except those with an exceptional product.
Projects submitted for development approval and those already with approval, but not yet having started a marketing campaign, tend to taper-off substantially with less than 6% of total projects in the pipeline each year beyond 2023.
Going forward, developers—both Chinese and local—must hold realistic expectations following a residential market in correction mode after a lengthy period of significant growth. It will be imperative proper time is allocated to strengthen their position in the market for when the time to proceed arrives.
MICHELLE CIESIELSKI is a Director within Research &amp; Consulting at Knight Frank
</body></html>

Chinese development in Australia in 2019: Knight Frank's Michelle Ciesielski

<html><body>
Jason Chuck, the chief executive officer of Avnu, LJ Hooker’s online real estate startup platform for the past 17 months has quit - and become Domain’s chief customer officer.
<div class="content main">
Chuck’s role is a new one for Domain.
It will incorporate the responsibilities of former chief marketing officer, Melina Cruickshank, who joined REA Group last December.
As Domain’s chief customer officer, Chuck will also be responsible for all of the Nine-majority owned real estate platform’s consumer facing functions including revenue generating activities such the company’s Loan Finder, relocation assistance and online price research services as well as editorial and marketing.
Chuck arrived in Australia from Canada via Hong Kong in 2009 where he first worked with Domain boss Jason Pellegrino in marketing for Google.
After leaving Google in 2010, Chuck joined eHarmony as managing director, then roles with Etsy and Houzz.
He became the founding CEO of LJ Hooker’s Avnu in December, 2017.
<a href="/news/what-is-lj-hookers-avnu-the-much-hyped-new-avenue-in-real-estate">Avnu, the much hyped new avenue in real estate</a>, allows agents and customers to manage their sales and properties in real time through digital online software.
“I am delighted that Jason will be joining Domain," Pellegrino said.
In a message to staff, Domain CEO Jason Pellegrino labelled Chuck an "impressive talent" who would bring his experience in marketing, content and scaling new business to the company.
"Chuck is a passionate advocate for technology’s role in transforming how consumers and businesses interact. He has a track record in building technology and digital businesses, leading with real energy and passion.
"Chuck is an incredible leader and business builder and I am confident his diverse skills, passion and industry experience will support Domain’s transition to our next phase of growth."
“It was an extremely difficult decision to move on from LJ Hooker Avnu," Chuck said.
Domain shares slid more than 7 percent on the ASX yesterday, and almost 2 percent in trade this morning.
(This article's opening sentenced has been amended on the timing of Jason Chuck's exit from AVNU.)
</div>
</body></html>

LJH's Avnu CEO chucks in job to become Domain’s chief customer officer

<html><body>
Crown Resorts has announced a pause in trade of its ASX-listed shares amid a takeover bid for the James Packer-controlled casino operator.
They confirmed in an ASX announcement that the company has attracted the interest of Las Vegas giant Wynn Resorts, with a bid potentially on the way, perhaps a merger.
Shares in Crown, which is majority owned by James Packer's Consolidated Press Holdings, were valued at $11.74 ahead of the market open on Tuesday - down 17 percent from August's near three-year high of $14.23.
The current proposal currently contemplates acquisition consideration (50% cash and 50% Wynn shares) with an implied value of A$14.75 per share with the exchange ratio being fixed, using a volume weighted average price for Wynn shares, immediately prior to the announcement of an agreed transaction, according to the Crown ASX release.
At the date of the proposal, the volume weighted average price of Wynn shares implied an exchange ratio of 0.042 Wynn shares per Crown share.
Crown have stated that the terms of the consideration are yet to be agreed, with the proposal being subject to a number of conditions including due diligence, Wynn obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals and a recommendation by the Crown Board.
It is stated to be preliminary, confidential, non-binding and indicative.
The Crown Board said they has not yet considered the most recent proposal from Wynn.
Crown stated that discussions were in a "preliminary stage" and that "no agreement has been reached between the parties in relation to the structure, value or terms of a transaction".
They added that there is no certainty that these discussions will result in a transaction
Goldman Sachs and UBS are acting as financial advisers to Crown, and Ashurst is acting as legal adviser.
Notably Crown recently pulled back on its international expansion plans, including exiting its joint venture partnership with Melco Resorts in Macau and the sale of 34.6 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip.
That land was purchased by Wynn Resorts for AU$300 million in December 2017.
Under the deal James Packers net worth would soar AU$800 million.
</body></html>

Las Vegas's Wynn Resorts seeking Crown Resorts

<html><body>
A fire ravaged Hoxton Park, NSW mortgagee home deemed unsafe to enter has been sold for $622,000.
The 3 bedroom one bathroom house was sold, according to the listing as "land value only".
John Gymellas of Raine &amp; Horne held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-hoxton+park-130653986" target="_blank">7 Dorrigo Avenue</a> the property has R3 Medium Density Zoning.
Set on 668 sqm, it sits on the corner of Dorrigo Avenue and Colong Close.
It has 35 Metres of combined street frontage.
Located 1.5 km to an M7 entry, 1.2 km to Hoxton Park Public School, 7.4 km to Liverpool Westfield &amp; Hospital, it is a 5 minute drive to Carnes Hill Market Place. 
The home sold at auction on April 4, $72,000 over it's price guide of $500,000 to $550,000.
Last sold in 1999, the house traded for $140,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/hoxton-park-nsw-2171">Hoxton Park</a> is $760,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 7%.
</body></html>

Fire ravaged Hoxton Park, NSW mortgagee home sold

<html><body>
A three bedroom house in Southeastern Queensland has been listed for mortgagee sale with a price guide of $309,000.
It has been offered by Marre Richardson and Rob Richardson from Beaudesert Properties. 
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-beaudesert-130882494" target="_blank">32 Tina Street, Beaudesert</a>, the dual level house comprises a huge rumpus room, open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area, three bedrooms, and covered patio area.
Other features include open fronted storage shed, three vehicle covered carport area, and security screens. 
It's located close to the State School, hospital, medical centre and shops. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a house in <a href="/developments/beaudesert-qld-4285">Beaudesert</a> is $332,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 0.3%. 
</body></html>

Three bedroom Beaudesert, Qld home listed for mortgagee sale

<html><body>
A Hope island apartment has been recently sold for $260,000 at mortgagee auction.
The two bedroom three bathroom unit features one underground parking space. 
It was listed by Mark Worthington of LJ Hooker.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-hope+island-130660170" target="_blank">1106/2 Activa Way</a> it is part of the Azzura Greens development and the building was completed in 2007.
With 155 sqm of floorspace, the property is inside the Hope Island Resort community.
Located adjacent to the Tennis Academy &amp; links to the Hope Island Golf Club it features a verandah.
Last sold in 2008 the apartment traded for $506,450, a reduction of $245,950 dollars.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
It was listed as recently as 2017 initially asking for offers from $362,000 before reducing the price guide to $350,000 and being taken off market after 54 days.
Highlighting the loss of value at 2 Activa Way is apartment number 2317, which sold in December of 2017 for $380,000. 
The two bedroom two bathroom apartment was originally purchased off the plan in 2006 for $564,240.
Every subsequent sale has been $150,000 or more less than this price.
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/hope-island-qld-4212">Hope Island</a> is $972,500 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -2.5%.
</body></html>

Hope Island, Qld apartment sold by mortgagee for $250,000 loss

<html><body>
Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) has purchased Australia’s largest single parcel of broadacre agricultural land – the Nicoletti family’s 200,000ha portfolio. 
CBRE Agribusiness’ Danny Thomas, together with Damian Bryce of map19, managed the sale process for the Baladjie aggregation.
The transaction has received approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). 
It comprises 76,000ha freehold cropping land and 134,000ha leasehold land in Western Australia’s eastern Wheatbelt region. 
The Baladjie aggregation is a large scale, fully operational sheep/wheat farming business accommodating a minimum sheep flock of 40,000 Merino Ewes, plus rams and progeny. It consists of John and Julie Nicoletti’s farming interest and other third-party options.
Mr Thomas said the sale represented an opportunity to acquire one of the largest farming operations in Australia and the nation’s largest single parcel of broadacre land. 
“The purchaser was drawn to the scale and quality of this property, with it providing an opportunity to expand their platform significantly with geographic spread and also execute on their investment strategies,” Mr Thomas said. 
SALIC also acquired a number of our neighbouring properties.
The aggregation, which is located between Merredin, Mukinbudin, Bullfinch and Southern Cross, also features structural improvements including more than 25 dwellings, 12 shearing sheds, machinery and storage. 
Nova Legal provided legal representation for the vendor throughout the process.
</body></html>

Saudi's SALIC makes first agricultural investment in Australia with Nicoletti purchase

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

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

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

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

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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News