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Australia’s oldest surviving customs building, Customs House in Sydney, will become home to local coworking operator Hub Australia’s newest Sydney location.
This will be Hub's seventh location nationally with a footprint of over 21,000 sqm square metres.
As the country’s largest locally owned coworking operator, Hub Australia will occupy the entirety of levels three and four of the building, the only commercial office levels available.
Totalling 2,341 square metres Hub Customs House will feature five premium business suites which accommodate teams of 20 as well as offices for teams from one to 20 people.
The Customs House deal comes as Hub Australia’s original Sydney site, Hub William Street, is scheduled for closure on 31 March 2019, due to the current lease ending.
Many of the current Hub Williams Street members will relocate to the Hub Hyde Park site.
Hub Australia CEO and Founder, Brad Krauskopf, said, "the demand for quality coworking space is not slowing down, especially in Sydney where office vacancy has hit 4.1 per cent which is the lowest level since 2000."
"In addition to Customs House, we’re actively looking for more sites in the Sydney market... we are aiming to secure three or four new sites each year in unrivalled CBD locations and unique buildings.”
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“Customs House is a historic landmark building perfectly positioned in the evolving Circular Quay precinct. Our members will benefit from the central CBD location, multiple transport links including the future light rail and wider development in the area such as the Gateway dining precinct, Quay Quarter and Wanda’s One Circular Quay hotel and apartment project,” says Krauskopf.
Tom Buxton, Colliers, who negotiated the lease for landlord, the City of Sydney, said,  “Customs House will provide an outstanding space for Hub Australia’s latest site. The buildings stunning heritage features will complement the Hub Australia‘experience’ and provide its members with outstanding workspaces among some of the best amenity that a central CBD location like this provides.”
The building is also home to Customs House Library and, Café Sydney, as well as playing host to public events such as the National Young Writers Festival launch.
The historic building still features original heritage elements including sandstone feature walls, and original timber windows and door frames.
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Hub Customs House is expected to open on 1 August 2019.
It is situated immediately adjacent to multiple public transport modes on Circular Quay,plus a 10 minute walk from Martin Place, 15 minute walk from Town Hall and five minutes from the Sydney Opera House.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Hub Australia secures new coworking site in Australia's oldest Customs House

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The Albany Gardens Holiday Resort and Lifestyle Village have been listed for sale. 
Located in WA’s fifth largest city, in the town’s central district, the Albany Gardens Holiday Resort and Lifestyle Village spans more than 5.5ha.
It's features include a tennis court, swimming pool, games room and playground. 
The resort, comprising 4 ha of land, includes a total of 119 sites.
These site comprise deluxe units, holiday units, chalets, ensuite sites, powered and unpowered sites, as well as 18 permanent sites with modular homes. 
Developed over 1.6 ha on a separate title, the lifestyle village consists of 45 permanent sites furnished with modular housing. 
CBRE Hotels’ Ryan McGinnity and Chloe Mason, jointly with Caravan Park Brokers Australia’s Dale Wood, have been appointed to market the property. 
Mr McGinnity said the opportunity to acquire an established tourism operation in one of the state’s most popular tourism destinations would underpin buyer interest. 
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Mr McGinnity said, “The quality and popularity of the park is highlighted by the number of positive ratings and comments on public forums such as Tripadvisor.” 
CBRE’s Ms Mason said Albany Lifestyle Village are currently 100% occupied.
He added, “with an aged care action plan in place, the City of Albany is focused on creating friendly, enjoyable, secure and healthy places to retire, which will further benefit from such villages as Albany Gardens.” 
The expressions of interest campaign closes April 11, 2019.
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Albany Holiday Resort and Lifestyle Village listed

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A leased office warehouse 170 Grange Road Fairfield has sold for $1,910,000, $600,000 in excess of the vendor reserve. 
The auction attracted over 50 bids with three bidders fighting it out until the end. 
An established Melbourne private investor family was the successful purchaser
The freehold property has an area of 809 sqm on which is the building area of 702 sqm with a 20 metre street frontage to the eastern side of Grange Road. 
For the business conducted on site there is off-street parking on the property foreground for eight vehicles. 
The tenant Dastech Pty Ltd trading as ‘Cars of France’ holds a four year lease that commenced in January 2017 with one further two year option to renew included. 
The current annual rental is $66,430 gross plus GST to give an indicative net yield at the selling price of 3.1%. 
Gray Johnson director Matt Hoath noted that Grange Road is a major feeder access road to the Fairfield Industrial precinct and the extensive industrial and commercial areas further north to Bell Street Preston in particular. 
“There are major infrastructure works underway around the junction of Heidelberg and Grange Roads."
“We think all these construction works have enhanced the appeal of the Fairfield industrial precinct and the offer of 170 Grange Road was a timely opportunity for investors and land bankers” Mr Hoath says.
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170 Grange Road Fairfield sells for 46% above reserve

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Cushman &amp; Wakefield have managed and completed the sale and lease of adjacent properties at in the suburb of Rowville in Melbourne’s south east.
Situated at 35 and 37 Laser Drive respectively Extreme Land Pty Ltd purchased the property located at 35 Laser Drive from Inga Pty Ltd for $1.92 million.
Extreme recently sold their Springvale facility.
35 Laser Drive property comprises a warehouse and two-level office over 1,372 sqm.
Jordie Cassidy and Andrew O’Connell from Cushman &amp; Wakefield managed the sale.
At 37 Laser Drive, A2Z Flashings Pty Ltd has leased a soon to be refurbished warehouse and office space from Marvic Downs Pty Ltd. 
A2Z Flashings Pty Ltd are to relocate from their existing space at Ferntree Gully. 
The property comprises a two-level office across 267 sqm, a 1,009 sqm clear span warehouse and 22 off street car spaces.
The leasing agreement comprised rents of approximately $100 per sqm, with the transaction also managed by Jordie Cassidy and Andrew O’Connell.
Jordie Cassidy said, “Tenant demand is still strong for sub 2,000 sqm buildings in Rowville with very limited stock on the market. As a result, we’re beginning to see face rents begin in slowly increase.”
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Successful sale and lease at neighbouring industrial properties in Rowville

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An architect-redesigned terrace at Paddington has been recently offered for sale.
The mixed-use terrace has been listed by Catherine Dixon and Eliza McGrath from Phillips Pantzer Donnelley Woollahra.
Occupying a prominent position at The Intersection, the tri-level terrace at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-130627350" target="_blank"> 32 Glenmore Road</a> features a flexible layout with a high-exposure retail space and three-bedroom residence.
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It comes with whole-floor living and entertaining, streamlined kitchen, master suite with a study, two other bedrooms, and landscaped garden courtyard.
Other highlights include wide frontage, internal atrium, terrazzo floors, track lighting and reverse cycle air.
The terrace is within close proximity to Oxford Street and less than 3km to the CBD.
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Mixed use Paddington terrace listed for sale 

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Savills Australia is celebrating recruitment success, after enlisting 12 staff members from JLL’s Sydney and Melbourne industrial businesses in the past four months.
Savills Australia &amp; New Zealand CEO, Paul Craig, said the company was “aggressively growing several core divisions”, with the Industrial &amp; Business Services and Office Leasing product lines leading the charge.
"We have welcomed more than 300 new staff members in the past 12 months, with 66 of those starting in the past six weeks." 
“Of the new hires, 15 are returning employees, highlighting the attraction of Savills collaborative workplace culture and our ongoing commitment to developing our people," he concluded.
The agency’s Industrial &amp; Business Services division is set to expand with the appointment of 12 industrial team members from JLL, including directors Michael Wall, Nick Crothers, Brad Esler, Scott Nienhuis, Jeremy Cooper and Edward Washer.
National head of Industrial &amp; Business Services, Michael Fenton, who also joined Savills from JLL last year, said the recruitment was consistent with the business’ national growth strategy to take Savills to the top ranking in the Australian industrial market.
Savills have also opened a new South Sydney Office (pictured).
The news follows Savills announcement of an alliance with Queensland-based proptech start-up company, SA1 Property, in late 2018.
Mr Fenton said the union had been allowing Savills to provide its clients with "unique information for location decisions," which were likely to result in “millions of dollars in savings for industrial occupiers and de-risk the investment thesis for investors and developers in transactions”.
“This is an exciting point of difference for Savills and is generating business for our industrial agency and tenant representation product lines,” he said.
 
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Savills Australia welcomes over 300 new staff members in the past year

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
We now think that the RBA will make two rate cuts in 2019.
Growth appears to have lost significant momentum, placing at risk further improvement in the labour market at a time when inflation poses little constraint on policy and financial stability risks have abated.
We have pencilled in one 25bp cut to 1.25% in July and a further 25bp cut to 1% in November.
We see the timing of a rate cut as very data dependent; any deterioration in the labour market would lead to cuts and this could happen earlier than the financial market currently anticipates. 
If, as we expect, the loss of momentum in private-sector activity seen in H2 2018 continues, then there is unlikely to be much improvement in the labour market despite its resilience to date. This view is reinforced by the forward indicators in the NAB Business Survey pointing to continuing (if not further) weakening. That is especially so for private consumption and the residential construction cycle.
This means the RBA outlook for a further fall in unemployment to gradually lift wages and ultimately inflation is increasingly in doubt. We therefore expect the RBA to provide some further support to the economy in the form of lower interest rates.
Determining the timing of such moves is much more difficult, but we are forecasting two 25bp cuts in July and November. In this respect, we note that the RBA is independent and the political cycle should and will be irrelevant to the timing of a rate cut.
With monetary policy being forward looking, we think the RBA will act this year on a “no regrets” basis to boost economic activity and to offset a likely (on our forecasts) increase in unemployment in 2020. It is possible that further policy adjustment will be required in 2020.
Last month we removed our expectation for any increase in the cash rate over the next 18 months.
Even when judged against the RBA’s relatively positive outlook for growth and relatively good labour market outcomes, there seemed little case for a near-term increase in the cash rate given inflation remained a little below target. In shifting our view, we noted that, if anything, there was a significant chance of a near-term interest rate cut, particularly should building downside risks materialise.
The Q4 national accounts confirmed that the downturn in the residential construction sector is likely to be as sharp as we had previously forecast and similar in magnitude to the early 1990s recession. It also confirmed that consumption growth has remained weak, alongside only modest growth in household income.
The NAB Monthly Business Survey showed that the business sector lost significant momentum through the second half of 2018, with low business confidence suggesting little expected improvement. Indeed forward indicators in the Survey all suggested that firms believe that the loss of momentum will continue.
The only part of the Survey that had maintained strong momentum is employment, but we see this as very much related to previously strong conditions in H1 2018. The key question then is: will employment continue to hold up?
We fear not, given job advertisements have declined modestly for a number of months, suggesting that employment growth will ease. While we have only made modest downward revisions to our previous growth forecasts of 2.4% this year and 2.2% next year, we now expect little if any improvement in the near term in the unemployment rate, with an eventual increase later in the forecast horizon.
Wage growth is predicted to lift to around 2½ -2¾% by the end 2020 - not seen to be enough to see inflation rise to the middle of the RBA target band.
There remains some downside risks to our growth forecasts - and consequently labour market and inflation forecasts - if there turn out to be significant ‘wealth effects’ from the fall in house prices or if business investment should turn out materially weaker, as the Business Survey has begun to suggest as a risk.
What developments would allow the RBA to continue to keep interest rates on hold?
Chiefly, if the unemployment rate remained low – or declined further – in spite of ongoing weak consumption growth and the downturn in housing construction. That seems unlikely to us.
Substantial fiscal stimulus in the upcoming Budget would also be helpful, as would a sustained reduction in short-end funding pressures faced by lenders.
ALAN OSTER is the Chief Economist for NAB Group
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NAB now predicting two cash rate cuts in 2019: Alan Oster

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Kaufland, one of the world’s largest supermarket chains, has confirmed it will open its first Australian distribution centre at the Merrifield Business Park (pictured) in Melbourne’s north.
The supermarket chain has purchased a large 28-hectare site.
It plans to construct a 110,000 sqm distribution centre, one of the largest of its kind in Australia.
It will feature temperature controlled storage, the latest automated warehousing with a 40 metre high bay storage as well as a 3,600 sqm office.
The total investment in the facility is upwards of $450 million and is expected to be completed in 2020.
The facility is expected to bring an additional estimated 600 jobs to the local area upon completion.
Kaufland, which is owned by Schwarz Group, the fourth largest retail chain in the world, will be joining Dulux, D’Orsogna and Steritech in Victoria’s largest business park.
MAB Director of Business Parks, Michael Martin, said the park had successfully lured a number of brands to relocate from interstate, including D’Orsogna from Western Australia and Steritech from Queensland, to take advantage of the location.
A spokesperson from Kaufland said, “our new state of the art distribution centre at Merrifield Business Park will be the company’s single biggest investment in Australia and enable Kaufland’s expansion. Merrifield was selected for its strategic location and ability to cater for future expansion of the facility.”
“The ability to tailor a solution for a client and to deliver opportunities of scale is very rare and why Merrifield Business Park is able to lure a global brand like Kaufland and other companies from interstate,” said Mr Martin. 
Daniel Eramo, Associate Director CBRE, said Merrifield Business Park was unique in Australia, being one of the only industrial land holdings offering such significant scale and flexibility for premier brands across the country.
“There are very few other areas where Kaufland – or any business – could purchase 28 hectares on one of Australia’s major freeways. These sites just don’t exist in proximity to major roads and transport links,” Mr Eramo said.
Merrifield Business Park in Mickleham is the largest masterplanned business and employment precinct in Victoria, spanning 330 hectares.
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Kaufland to open first Australian distribution centre in Merrifield

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A recently developed home, known as La Fleur, in the Brisbane suburb of Auchenflower has been sold.
The 84 Agnes Street site was previously home to a 1920s Queenslander.
The property was developed by Solaire Properties, an 18-month old company formed by Harley Weston, James McElhenny and Paul McElhenny.
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The five bedroom La Fleur is the third property developed by Solaire, with another, Vanquish, to be constructed on the adjoining property.
Solaire worked with award-winning architectural firm Joe Adsett Architects on the project.
The company said that they focus on incorporating leading edge technology, such as Control4 home automation system, energy efficient home technology, solar and battery storage with real time energy use and a freshwater swimming pool, into its design for La Fleur.
The construction involved environmentally-friendly materials such as Chain of Custody certified timbers, insulation manufactured from recycled glass, GreenTag Certified Italian porcelain tiles and energy efficient lighting.
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Purchasers Samantha and Eduardo Maradiegue said they were delighted with the sustainable and smart home design principles.
“It’s refreshing to know that there are developers out there like Harley, James and Paul, we are blown away by their passion for introducing such innovative ideas of eco-conscious homes to the building trade,” they said.
“We are still blown away by the incredible finishes in the house and knowing that it didn’t cost the earth made it an even more satisfying purchase.”
Solaire claim the sale price topped the existing street sale record by $1 million.
Richard Walsh at The Walsh Team Milton marketed the home.
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Newly developed sustainable home La Fleur in Auchenflower sold

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A Mount Martha beach box has been listed for sale with a price guide of $310,000 to $340,000.

Situated directly opposite Mount Martha village, the recently restored beach box at 98 South Beach features storage underneath boatshed, secure decking area, floor space for tables, chairs and entertaining.

It last sold at $215,000 in 2014. 

It has been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+martha-130681042" target="_blank">listed through</a> Sam Danckert and Ian Ross of Danckert Real Estate - Mount Martha. 

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Related projects:

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Recently restored Mount Martha beach box 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.

[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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