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After two years of negotiations, an 18,230 sqm parcel of land located in Riverview has sold.
It transacted for $1.95 million to the adjoining owner.
Located at 19 McEwan Street, the deal was facilitated by Ben Donnelly of Savills, with plans underway for 120 townhouses to be built on an amalgamated site of approximately 25,000 sqm.
Associate Director of Savills Industrial and Business Services, Ben Donnelly, described the transaction as a long process, with the property first taken to market in 2016.
“It was a lengthy process, subject to a Council MCU from Industrial to Residential, however we were able to achieve the desired outcome."
“In addition to the 120 townhouses, the new owner also intends on building a small neighbourhood shopping centre which will increase the desirability &amp; amenity of this new precinct,” Mr Donnelly stated.
The property has 240 meters of frontage to McEwan Street, on the corner of Endeavour Road and Station Street, with access to the Riverview Railway Station.
“Residents of the new Community will benefit from a short commute to both the Ipswich and Brisbane CBDs, with a 10 and 26 minute drive respectively, or alternately a quick &amp; convenient rail commute,” Mr Donnelly added.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Savills complete transaction of 120 townhouse site in Riverview

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A standalone showroom, administration and workshop facility with holding income has been listed in Nambour.
The 13,100 sqm property located at 980 Nambour Connection Road is described as 'fully improved' over two levels.
It is being marketed by Jason O’Meara of Savills and Markus Eames of LJ Hooker Commercial via an Expressions of Interest campaign.
Director of Savills, Jason O’Meara, said the property is currently leased to All Class Machinery until August 2020, "bringing in a steady income for the potential buyer."
There was the opportunity for the buyer to then relocate their own business into the facility once the current lease is up, Mr O’Meara said.
<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/2019/3/4/Nambour%202.jpg" alt="">
The property currently achieves a current gross annual income of $300,000 plus GST.
The upper level of the building houses a 538 sqm showroom, 451 sqm administrative space, 230 sqm of storage, plus a 371 sqm all weather awning.
While lower level consists of a 302 sqm office, 1,430 sqm workshop, 665 sqm awning, plus a 108 sqm showroom and an additional 185 sqm showroom.
"The well-appointed administrative areas, showrooms, and workshop which is equipped with an oil separator and compressor room, make it a solid investment opportunity,” Mr O’Meara said.
Mr Eames said there are very few (if any) properties of this nature on offer across the Sunshine Coast, particularly with owner occupation in mind in 18 months’ time.
The property has 93m street frontage to Nambour Connection Road, is fully secured, and has been raised above the Q100 flood line.
Expressions of interest for the property close March 28.
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Savills marketing an industrial/retail-showroom facility in Nambour

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A two-bedroom Surry Hills apartment sold last weekend for $1,002,000 to an investor.
Selling agent James Ledgerwood of The Agency Eastern Suburbs advised there were four registered bidders at the auction where bidding finished $2000 above reserve.
The vendor recorded a loss as it last sold for $1.1 million in 2016.
The loss was 10 percent plus costs.
The sale price was withheld on the listing websites.
The 36/45-49 Holt Street apartment was in the Habitat building.
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Loss in Surry Hills as property investor spends $1,002,000

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The emerging national estate agency The Agency has reported it expects its core business units to be profitable within the next 12 months.
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The network has expanded to 300 sales representatives across Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast (across nine offices, following the closure of Coogee premises).
The company now has 4209 properties under management, 1394 listings and a mortgage book of over A$1.2 billion.
The Agency East Coast recorded 402 residential sales (with a combined value of A$805 million), along with a property management portfolio in excess of 3,300 properties, having a team of 117 sales agents.
Commenting on the results, The Agency managing director Paul Niardone said with a reduced cash burn rate, the expectations are its WA operations (real estate, mortgage, and settlement businesses) will be cash flow positive from the start of the 2019.
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It reported its national net revenue from continuing operations of $10,479,073 for the six-month period ending 31 December 2018, representing a 52 per cent increase on the previous comparative period 31 December 2017 revenue (HY2017: $6,877,278).
Its commissions for the six-month period totalled $7,011,868, representing a 46 per cent increase on the previous comparative period 31 December 2017 revenue (HY2017: $4,798,945).
It reported a loss before tax of $2.11 million which was lower that the prior period. (Dec 2017: $2,148,445 loss).
Some $615,000 were one-off costs associated with legal expenses and corporate advisory incurred in relation to the acquisition of Top Level Pty Ltd, the Matt Lahood lead Bondi Beach based agency. 
The reported to shareholders noted revenue and commission growth "will be maintained during the upcoming period and significantly enhanced as a result of the acquisition of Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd which settled post 31 December on 11 January 2019."
On 17 January 2019, The Agency completed its acquisition and settlement of Top Level Pty Ltd (“Top Level”), by The Agency’s wholly-owned subsidiary Ausnet Real Estate Services Pty Ltd, after all conditions precedent to the transaction were satisfied. The total cost of the acquisition was $5,000,000.
As announced on 12 February 2018, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ausnet Real Estate Services Pty Ltd, entered into an amended and restated option agreement with Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd and Top Level’s majority shareholders for Ausnet to acquire all of the Top Level Shares held by the majority shareholders and offer to acquire all of the Top Level Shares held by the minority shareholders.
 The total cost of the acquisition was $5,000,000.
As part of the post-acquisition settlement process, the company has re-negotiated the existing Top Level Macquarie Bank financing, with a new debt facility executed, for a term extending from 17 January 2019 to July 2019. 
It advised the Macquarie Bank debt facilities total $12.65 million.
It reported it had also re-negotiated an extension of the repayment date on an existing $1,350,000 loan until June 2019The Agency also completed the acquisition of Vicus Residential - the residential sales and management division of The Vicus Property Group – in January 2019 with settlement of 2,666,667 shares and a $75,000 cash payment as payment for all of Vicus Residential’s issued shares.
The total acquisition cost was $875,000.
 
 
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The Agency renegotiates $12.65 million Macquarie Bank debt

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A Brisbane man accused of overseeing a $12 million investment was remanded in custody on Saturday after being extradited from New Zealand, to reappear for mention on April 1.
Anthony David Gray, 54, was charged with 25 counts of fraud, relating to a property investment scheme run by his Gold Coast-based business.
Synergy Gray Professional Services ran from 2007 to 2017 with investors allegedly told they would receive a high rate of interest for funding short-term bridging loans to property developers in New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Two of the 25 were allegedly defrauded of more than $2 million each.
"These investments did not exist, and the funds invested were diverted and used for the personal use of the alleged offenders," he said.
Gray allegedly told investors he was a solicitor and registered financial advisor, but he was unlicensed and his practising certificate with the Queensland Law Society had lapsed.
The scheme was based on short-term bridging loans, which Gray allegedly claimed was secured by real estate with capital and interests guaranteed, the summary of facts said.
Mr Gray's 72-year-old female business partner from Hamilton faced court in Brisbane on February 25 charged with nine counts of fraud.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paskin said the Financial and Cyber Crime Group were now investigating another six complaints, and further charges could be laid, Nine Entertainment reported.
None of the money has been recovered.
The alleged victims were either known to the offenders, or referred to the offenders by persons who knew them, Detective Senior Sergeant Paskin said.
They would see some alleged return on their investment via an allegedly fraudulent statement.
The victims came from across Australia as well as the US, UK and Europe.
Gray left Australia in February 2017 to flee creditors.
Appearing in Tauranga District Court, Gray did not oppose extradition to Australia to face the charges involving an alleged Ponzi-type investment scheme.
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Synergy Gray Professional Services boss Anthony Gray extradited to Queensland

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Due to their ongoing commitments on the Gold Coast, former Sunrise News presenter Sarah Cumming and her AFL coaching husband Stuart Dew are selling their North Bondi home.
The couple paid $1.4 million for the home in 2012 when Dew was an assistant with the Sydney Swans and Cumming was the weather presenter at Channel Seven.
They married a year later and have two children, Frankie and Jack.
Upon their move up north early last year, Cumming and Dew secured a $1,400 a week tenant.
They've since purchased not far from the club at Burleigh Waters, spending $1.35 million on a four bedroom home with a heated saltwater swimming pool.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi-detached-nsw-north+bondi-130614234" target="_blank">The 1920s North Bondi home</a> has been updated over the couple's six year ownership.
They've added a new luxury marble kitchen, new modern bathrooms and renovated the north facing private entertainers' courtyard.
The four bedroom home with parking for two cars on its 210 square metre Clyde Street parcel also comes with a new video intercom.
Ray White Double Bay agents Warren Ginsberg and Adam Reichman have a March 28 auction.
The couple moved to the Gold Coast following Dew's appointment as the head coach of the Gold Coast Suns, who kick off their 2019 campaign away at St Kilda. They host Fremantle the following week.
The dual premiership-winner for Port Adelaiode and Hawthorn had previously been the strategy and midfield coach of the Swans.
Cumming is following in the footsteps of Sharyn Ghidella, another former Sydneysider who moved to the Gold Coast.
Ghidella, who presents Seven News Brisbane with Bill McDonald, sold her Roseville home for $1,803,000 in 2014 to make the move north.
 
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Stuart Dew and Sarah Cumming put North Bondi former home on the market 

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Waveney, an architectural multi-level family home sitting on 3,100 square metres in Mount Eliza, is now on the market with a price guide of $3.9 million to $4.1 million.
It has been offered by Michelle Skoglund from Aqua Real Estate Mount Eliza. 
Situated at 3 Waveney Road, the ground floor of Waveney comes with large home office, entertaining zone with wet-bar and indoor spa, alfresco terrace, gymnasium, two double bedrooms, and another sizeable living zone.
<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/2019/2/28/mount%20eliza%202.jpg" alt="">
Upstairs comprises of open plan gourmet kitchen/meals area, formal lounge and dining area, balcony with views over the gardens and city skyline, and four other double bedrooms. 
Other features of Waveney include inverter heating/cooling, double auto garage, tennis court with lights, solar heated pool and ducted vacuum.
It's located near to Toorak College, Daveys Bay Yacht Club and beach, and within a short stroll to Mount Eliza village.
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Architectural family home Waveney in Mount Eliza listed for $4 million

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Sydney’s new underground CBD metro railway stations are taking shape about 25 metres under the centre of the city.
The Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest project is the first new rail line through Sydney since the 1970s and will reduce travel times for commuters across the whole system.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today met workers and had the first look at major construction work at the Martin Place Metro Station.
“It’s incredible to see the progress that’s been made by machines and workers underground with thousands of pedestrians moving above ground,” Berejiklian said.
“Two roadheader tunnelling machines are working 24-7 to excavate the new Martin Place station, which stretches underground between Hunter Street and Martin Place.
“This project is really taking shape and when it opens, customers in the heart of Sydney’s CBD will be more connected than ever before.”
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Constance said the Martin Place metro platform caverns will be about 220 metres long, 16 metres high and 14 metres wide when fully lined with concrete.
“Roadheaders and about 95 workers have already excavated more than 166,620 tonnes of crushed rock at Martin Place – enough to fill about 26 Olympic swimming pools,” he said.
“They are also digging underground pedestrian connections to the existing Eastern Suburbs Line, making it easier to get around our great city.
“This once again shows that only the NSW Liberals &amp; Nationals Government will deliver Metro rail across Sydney.
“When Labor was last in office they announced 12 rail projects. They did not deliver one in full and they are already promising to cancel the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro upgrade.”
Sydney Metro will deliver a turn-up-and-go train service up to every two minutes to the four train stations being built in the Sydney CBD – Martin Place, Pitt Street, Barangaroo and Central.
Sydney Metro Northwest is on track to open in the coming months and is at least half a billion dollars under budget. It includes 13 Metro stations and 4000 commuter car parking spaces.
Metro rail is being extended from the north west, into the CBD and beyond to Bankstown in 2024, delivering Sydney 31 metro stations and a 66 kilometres standalone metro railway line.
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Martin Place metro station begins to take shape

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Ray White Southbank secured the sale of $4.11 million in property under the hammer at an-room uction last week.
There were three sales under the hammer with four more selling prior, for a total clearance of seven from eight units.
Ray White Southbank Port Phillip &amp; Projects Victoria agent Andrew Salvo said it was standing room only at the auction.
"All bidders were pre-qualified and everyone we expected to turn up and bid did," said Salvo.
"We knew ahead of time that we created a really exciting competitive environment. 
"All 35 seats were filled 15 minutes before auction time and there were another 30 or so stood wherever they could. 
"Each property that sold passed vendor reserve prices through natural competitive bidding."
The one that passed in had two bidders.
"We even had significant interest from Sydney buyers look to move down to a cheaper market."
INNER CITY SELLERS
<ul>
<li>3413/350 William Street, Melbourne - $690,000 (4 bidders)</li>
<li>3409/350 William Street Melbourne - $1,170,000 (4 bidders)</li>
<li>201/565 Flinders Street Melbourne - (Passed in) (2 bidders)</li>
<li>910/152 Sturt Street, Southbank - $350,000 (2 bidders)</li>
<li>81/173 City Road, Southbank - $735,000 (sold prior)</li>
<li>21/6 Williams Road, Prahran - $220,000 (sold prior)</li>
<li>1011/80 Clarendon Street, Southbank - $510,000 (sold prior)</li>
<li>1110/163 City Road, Southbank - $435,000 (sold prior)</li>
</ul>
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Pictured: 3409/350 William Street, Melbourne 
Salvo said the in-room style of selling was something new for the Melbourne auction market.
"With a huge amount of support and encouragement from the Ray White corporate trainers, we as a team, decided that it's time to turn this largely private treaty market on its head and offer sellers and buyers something new," he said.
"We also believe that buyers and sellers feel more secure due to the transparency of the process."
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Pictured: 3409/350 William Street, Melbourne 
A majority of the attendees were Australian citizens or permanent residents, while other nationalities and investors made up about 30% of the crowd, said Salvo.
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In-room auction nets $4.11 million for inner city Melbourne apartments

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A waterfront designed home in inner Sandy Bay has been listed.
Nestled on a 753 square metre allotment, the two storey home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-sandy+bay-130594658" target="_blank"> 358 Sandy Bay Road</a> features north facing views over the River Derwent, with marina and jetties in the foreground.
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The upper level comprises of main kitchen-living-dining zone, fully tiled bathroom, study and double bedroom.
The lower level of the house comes with three north-facing double bedrooms, second living room, and home office.
Other highlights include floor to ceiling north-facing double glazed window units, feature Tasmanian timber walls, polished concrete floors, bespoke steel stair-case, and hydronic ceiling heating.
<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/2019/2/28/sandy%20bay%203.jpg" alt="">
Outside the home features double carport, low maintenance gardens, floating jetty, workshop and additional shed.
It has been listed by Steve Yannarakis from St Andrews Estate Agents Hobart.
The expression of interest campaign for the home seeks offers by March 19.
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Waterfront Sandy Bay trophy home on the market 

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> 
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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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