<html><body>
Stone Real Estate have opened a new Mosman/Neutral Bay office.
Marize Bellomo is to be the principal of the office.
Mrs Bellomo, also a valuer, has a track record of almost 20 years in real estate.
Mrs Bellomo said Stone’s business model instilled complete confidence making this the first time in her career that she had been unequivocal about shifting to another brand.
“I’ve met with many companies over the years and never felt there was a meeting of minds until I met with Stone Real Estate,” Mrs Bellomo said.
Stone Real Estate’s franchise director Luke Cameron said the agency could not ask for a more committed and energetic leader to take the helm of the Stone Mosman/Neutral Bay office.
“Marize is one of the most dedicated, determined and strategic operators we have come across and as such has a particularly high profile in the Lower North Shore which is a huge asset for the Stone brand,” he said.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

New Stone Real Estate office in Mosman/Neutral Bay opened

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
Housing market stabilisation depends on the response of owner occupiers to improving affordability.
Buyer sentiment provides a rough guide to how this is progressing.
<div>
With the price adjustment in Sydney and Melbourne continuing and investor demand unlikely to return any time soon, an eventual stabilisation depends heavily on the response of owner occupiers to improving affordability. A recovery in buyer sentiment suggests improvements are already gaining some traction.
However, the measures of affordability that align best with sentiment also suggest further improvements will be required to generate a lift in demand. While Westpac now expects interest rate cuts to contribute to better affordability, price moves will need to do more of the ‘work’ than in previous adjustments.
There is little doubt that housing affordability and consumer sentiment towards housing are closely linked. Our previous research established a particularly close relationship between the ‘time to buy a dwelling’ index and an affordability measure that incorporates both deposit requirements and mortgage repayments.
Latest readings on both measures show buyer sentiment lifting a little in response to some easing in affordability pressures, although the gap to long run averages indicates affordability is still not back to ‘normal’.
The chart below shows the evolution of affordability over previous price corrections and the contributions from the three components: prices, mortgage rates and incomes. In each of these, falling rates and income growth provided assistance in restoring affordability. In contrast, the current adjustment is expected to see much less assistance from rates and is occurring against a backdrop of weak income growth.
This implies that price declines will need to do most of the ‘heavy lifting’ to generate an affordability improvement.
We can get some indicative estimates of how much further prices may need to move by looking at the price change required to return affordability to its 20yr average. The results point to about a 5% decline required nationally with more substantive moves in the 5-10% range for NSW and Vic, and milder moves across other states.
<img src="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/image/Housing_Pulse/Housing_Pulse_Bites/2019-02/Housing-pulse-bite-2019-02-2.jpg" alt="">  
MATTHEW HASSAN is a Senior Economist for Westpac
</div>
</body></html>

How do we restore housing affordability? Matthew Hassan

<html><body>
Proposals to limit negative gearing and reduce capital gains tax concessions will cost a Labor Government $32 billion over just 10 years, according to modelling by the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA).
Their research found that limiting negative gearing to brand new investment properties as well as reducing the capital gains tax discount will "drive investors out of the market in droves and leave a gaping hole in government coffers."
PIPA chairman Peter Koulizos said the research showed that Labor’s assertion that their policy would save $32 billion over a decade was a flight of fancy when it was actually set to lose that amount because of drastically fewer investors in the market.
“Not only that, investors already pay almost four times in capital gains tax what they receive in negative gearing benefits over a 10-year period, so the government is already ahead financially,” he said.
The PIPA modelling found that an investor who bought a $675,000 property today would receive about $23,583 in negative gearing benefits over a decade, but they would pay $104,703 in capital gains tax if they sold the asset – leaving the Federal Government with a $81,118 net gain.
The modelling found that a Labor Government could lose between $10 billion and $32 billion over 10 years, plus fewer investment properties would drive rents higher and further hinder first home buyers from entering the market.
The modelling found:
<ul>
<li>If investment activity reduced by 15 per cent there would be 390,000 fewer properties available for rent with the total loss of capital gains tax revenue to government being $31.6 billion over 10 years. </li>
<li>If investment activity reduced by 10 per cent there would be 260,000 fewer properties available for rent with the total loss of capital gains tax revenue to government being $21 billion over 10 years.</li>
<li>If investment activity reduced by five per cent there would be 130,000 fewer properties available for rent with the total loss of capital gains tax revenue to government being $10.5 billion over 10 years.</li>
</ul>
Mr Koulizos said the modelling was not even worst-case scenario, given 45 per cent of investors indicated in the 2018 PIPA Investor Sentiment Survey that they would put their future investment plans on hold if Labor brought in the proposed changes.
“I have no doubt that limiting negative gearing and reducing capital gains tax concessions by the Federal Labor Party will discourage property investors from buying property,” Mr Koulizos said.
“Labor says they want to incentivize investors to buy new property, but our research shows that 93 per cent of investors buy established property as this has greater capital growth potential than new property."
He added, “under the proposed changes, investors will pay more capital gains tax, but since they have probably bought a new property that will mean lower capital growth and therefore reduced tax payable to the government.”
Mr Koulizos said Labor’s assumption that fewer investors would mean more first home buyers was incorrect with the ability to save a deposit being the main issue for first-timers.
“Saving a deposit for your first property has always been difficult and has been made even more so over recent years with the First Home Owners Grant restricted to new dwellings when more than 80 per cent first-timers buy an existing property,” he said.
Mr Koulizos said the reduction in revenue is likely to be even greater after the 10-year period as there would be fewer investors paying tax on their positively geared properties as well as paying capital gains tax on the strong equity growth that usually occurs after holding an established property for 10 to 20 years.
</body></html>

Labor Government would be $32 billion worse off by limiting negative gearing: PIPA

<html><body>
Quest Apartment Hotels has opened its latest hotel, Quest St Kilda Road, just weeks before Melbourne’s Australian Grand Prix.
Located between Commercial and Toorak roads, the apartment hotel is a short walk to the nearby Albert Park Lake circuit.
It provides access to Melbourne’s central business district and the bay-side suburb of St Kilda.
The apartment hotel was developed by EBG Development.
It features 104 serviced apartments including studio, one and two bedroom apartments.
The site forms part of the New Charsfield development, a mixed-use development integrating the heritage listed Charsfield Mansion.
Catherine Mapperson, has been appointed as the franchisee by the apartment hotel operator.
It is her third Quest franchise.
Quest St Kilda Road features complimentary WiFi, business lounge, a gymnasium and wheelchair accessibility.
Additional services include room service powered through Deliveroo, on-site carparking, valet dry cleaning and concierge, housekeeping and business administration services.
Quest St Kilda Road is one of eight new properties scheduled to open across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom over the next two years including Burwood East (VIC), Joondalup (WA), Orange, North Sydney (NSW), Quest Tauranga Central, Quest on Tuam, Quest Mount Eden (NZ) and Liverpool (UK)
</body></html>

Quest St Kilda Road opens its doors

<html><body>
The NSW Liberals &amp; Nationals Government have approved the duplication of the full 31km stretch of the Great Western Highway, from Katoomba to Lithgow, by 2028.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced the NSW Liberals &amp; Nationals Government will begin construction and design on $2.5 billion of upgrades in the next term of government.
Construction will begin in the following locations:
<ul>
<li>Medlow Bath Upgrade</li>
<li>Mount Victoria Bypass</li>
<li>Jenolan Caves Road to South Bowenfels</li>
</ul>
Planning and design will begin on:
<ul>
<li>Katoomba to Medlow Bath </li>
<li>Medlow Bath to Blackheath </li>
<li>Blackheath Bypass Tunnel </li>
<li>Blackheath to Mount Victoria</li>
</ul>
Mr Barilaro said the full duplication from Katoomba to Lithgow will deliver much improved safety and efficiency, improve freight access and cut travel times and the road toll.
Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, welcomed the news, “The population in the Central West region is expected to grow by around eight per cent over the next 20 years, with the total number of vehicles travelling along the highway west of Katoomba expected to increase by at least 1.5 per cent each year.”
Mr Toole said. “The Great Western Highway duplication project will not only improve road safety and access, it will generate thousands of local jobs, primarily in construction and engineering but also in the many service sectors required to support such an enormous enterprise."
The NSW Liberals &amp; Nationals is currently undertaking $250 million in safety upgrades between Katoomba and Lithgow and has already completed upgrades on parts of the Great Western Highway between Emu Plains and Katoomba. 
Great Western Highway upgrades are to be delivered as part of a 10-year program.
The NSW Liberals &amp; Nationals Government will seek funding from the Federal Government to assist with the task.
</body></html>

$2.5 billion Great Western Highway duplication approved

<html><body>
A 50 per cent freehold interest in the MLC Centre at 19-29 Martin place in Sydney’s CBD is being offered for sale via international expressions of interest.
Savills Australia’s Ian Hetherington, Simon Fenn and Ben Azar, and Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Josh Cullen and Mark Hansen, have been appointed to market the landmark asset.
The expressions of interest campaign for the MLC Centre ends April 11 2019.
The real estate investment trust, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/half-of-harry-seidlers-mlc-centre-to-be-sold-by-gpt">GPT Group announced it was selling its 50 per cent share of the MLC Centre</a> in January 2019.
It is speculated the stake could fetch $800 million. It has a $725 million book value.
GPT jointly owns MLC Centre with office landlord specialist Dexus who paid $722 million in 2017 when it was sold by QIC.
The 228 metre tall tower was designed by Harry Seidler. 
Mr Hetherington said the campaign was expected to attract interest from all major global investors, as it presented “a rare opportunity to secure an Australian icon”.
Located adjacent to the Sydney Metro project’s new Martin Place station, the MLC Centre comprises 67,408 sqm of prime office space across 57 floors, in addition to 10,305 sqm of prime retail space.
The property occupies one of Sydney’s largest freehold sites.
Mr Cullen said the projected strong rental reversion would be a key selling point for prospective buyers.
“Coupled with falling vacancy rates, the current market conditions in Sydney are poised to encourage positive rental reversion,” he said.
Mr Azar said the MLC Centre presented significant future upside opportunities through its DA-approved retail redevelopment, which will expand the retail offering on the site and utilise the 255-metre prime street frontage, especially along King and Castlereagh streets.
“The improvements seek to increase pedestrian foot traffic through the activation of laneways, and revitalise the heart of the MLC Centre to provide a more attractive precinct for tenants and visitors.”
<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/2019/3/6/MLC%20Centre%202.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

50% freehold interest in Sydney's MLC Centre on offer

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Accor is launching TRIBE a new brand in the lifestyle hotel sector.
This new hotel brand is designed for the midscale market.
TRIBE currently consists of one address (with 126 rooms) near the botanic garden at Kings Park, Perth, Australia – one of the largest inner-city parks in the world.
Ten other openings are already scheduled to take place by 2022 in Europe and Asia Pacific, totaling more than 1,700 rooms.
Gaurav Bhushan, chief development officer at Accor said, “The pipeline of over 50 hotels currently being negotiated for the coming years leads us to believe that the TRIBE brand will achieve significant growth all over the world including in gateway locations such as Paris, London, Singapore, Dubai Bangkok."
"It will be making its debut in 150 international destinations by 2030.”
In their rooms, guests will benefit from under-bed storage, Smart TV's and a Grab &amp; Go station which is available 24/7.
One night in Tribe Perth for a one bedroom "comfort room" cost's around $189.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Accor launches new lifestyle brand TRIBE

<html><body>
Colliers International are selling a newly rezoned, mixed-use development site in Arncliffe, for around $12 million. 
The site located at 96-102 Princes Highway, Arncliffe has been converted from industrial to high-rise residential.
It sits directly opposite the Arncliffe train station, with DA lodged for 83 residential units and ground floor commercial retail. 
The property sits within the NSW Department of Planning &amp; Environment's Bayside West Priority Precinct which was included in the Precinct Proposal and Draft Development Controls.
As a result the property has been earmarked for rezoning to Zone B4 Mixed Use with an increased FSR of 2.5:1 and an increased building height limit of 31 metres. 
The site currently has an existing factory with car rentals leasing on a short-term lease; at $165,000+ GST short term rental income. 
“This is an ideal opportunity for developers to acquire a development site with a quality existing building creating short term rental income whilst waiting for a pending DA approval from council,” said Trent Gallagher, National Director, Industrial at Colliers International, who is handling the sale of the asset. 
“There is the opportunity to increase the scheme to circa 100+ apartments following the DA existing approval by way of incorporating affordable housing into the development.” 
Located on a corner block, the property holds views to the Sydney CBD, Botany Bay and broader district and is a 200m walk to the Arncliffe town centre and shops. 
Expressions of interest for 96-102 Princes Highway, Arncliffe closes April 4 2019.
</body></html>

New zoning creates development opportunity in Arncliffe

<html><body>
The top floor and adjoining rooftop of an office building in Sydney’s Clarence Street has been converted from an office space in to a small bar.
The tenancy area, at <a id="LPlnk916895" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGUHy3spBOCCfFLglDoTHmqesgM+mcxwyUCRKS1hIdErI=&amp;rh=ff00472e71c63c37dd015ca7ab4d95943da1de41" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">4/199 Clarence Street</a>, was circa 88 sqm and came with an internal staircase to the rooftop above.
The site was leased by Ray White Commercial South Sydney’s John Skufris on behalf of a private owner.
Mr Skufris said the Old Mates Place team already secured a five-year lease of level 4, which was previously leased to an IT firm and had started trading after renovations.
<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/2019/2/19/20190215_121234.jpg" alt="">
“The rooftop has been completed with a timber decking and an outdoor bar area with views to Centrepoint Tower,” he said. Known as Villa Rose, 199 Clarence Street is a six-level office building including basement area which is occupied by Spawn Point, another small bar operator.
</body></html>

Sydney office converted from workplace leased as rooftop bar

<html><body>
The last piece of the Lakehouse Robina development has been placed on the market for the first time. 
The 3828 sqm development site with 68-metre water frontage is the remaining undeveloped parcel in the Lakehouse mixed use precinct, adjoining Robina Tavern and Robina Shopping Village precinct.  
It is owned by an unlisted property trust managed by Gold Coast-based Clarence Property Group. 
Zoned neighbourhood centre reflecting its central proximity, the flexible zoning allows for multiple potential uses including aged care, retirement, residential or commercial office. 
Clarence’s managing director Peter Fahey said the group was ready to complete the syndicate by selling the final piece of the Lakehouse Corporate Space project, following sellout of stage one and a positive response to the Lakehouse stage two release.  
“We are focussing on larger development projects we have in the portfolio at Casuarina Beach, Epiq Lennox Head and Yamba Quays, and it is timely for the investors in this syndicate to sell this waterfront site,” Mr Fahey said. 
Knight Frank Gold Coast’s Head of Commercial Sales James Branch and Colliers International Healthcare and Retirement’s broker Chris O’Driscoll have been appointed to handle the Expressions of Interest campaign closing 27 March.  
Mr Branch confirmed his expectation that strong demand would continue for Robina development sites, particularly with so few opportunities remaining. 
“The site fronts Robina’s tightly held prestige lakefront market and includes boardwalk access to the adjacent retail precinct,” he said. 
“A key driver for the success of this location is not only the waterfront outlook, but the multitude of amenities within one minutes’ drive ranging from Robina Shopping Village, Bond University, Robina Town Centre and Robina Train Station.” 
Colliers’ Chris O’Driscoll confirmed that with suitable zoning, a strong median house price point, an extensive population catchment and complimentary surrounding infrastructure, the Lakefront property is expected to attract interest nationally.
</body></html>

Lakefront Robina site brought to market by Clarence Property

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