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Perth's the first major office transaction of the year, The $86 million sale of ENI House, paves the way for a billion-dollar 2019, according to CBRE.
The seven-level, A-grade office building, located at 226 Adelaide Terrace in Perth’s eastern CBD precinct, is fully leased to the Federal Government and corporate tenants.
These include Wood &amp; Grieve Engineers and ENI Australia Ltd.
CBRE’s Aaron Desange and Flint Davidson, jointly with JLL’s John Williams and Sean Flynn completed the sale to WA-based property fund manager, Primewest.
Mr Desange said “The lease expiry profile of ENI House was a major drawcard for investors, with it providing ideal timing to capitalise on improving market conditions over the next two – three years, when the office leasing market will not only be more robust, but in a strong growth phase."
Mr Williams said Western Australia would continue to be a preferred destination for offshore investment in 2019, with several Asia Pacific capital cities close to approaching their peak in the cycle.
“In Perth specifically, Asian investors have dominated the value-add space, as they are able to be more aggressive in deals with vacancy risk or capital expenditure requirements through their cheaper cost of capital. They are also attracted to our low sovereign risk and comparatively high yielding assets,” he added.
CBRE Research expect Perth to benefit from a strong spike in rental growth over the next five years – more so than any other Australian city.
Over the next three years, premium net effective rents are forecast to increase by 56.3% and A-grade rents are tipped to lift by 41.6% - largely due to a reduction in incentives.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

ENI House is Perth's first major office transaction of 2019

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EXPERT OBSERVER
More and more evidence. Inflation across Asia keeps sliding. India's dipped further in January to a touch above 2% y-o-y. In China, the PPI barely held in positive territory last month, and consumer inflation cooled again. It's easy to shrug it all off as a temporary drag from lower oil prices and well-behaved food cost. But that's not the full story: underlying price pressures are remarkably soft as well and broadly falling. As a result, real interest rates continue to climb and the region's already substantial debt load becomes harder to service. The case for further monetary easing may thus become more pressing, even if in itself this may not be enough to push up growth materially.
You will have seen the headlines. Over the past week alone, both India and China reported remarkably subdued inflation. In India, the headline CPI is running at close to half the central bank's mid-point target. True, core prices are well above this (around 5.4%), but that was down from a 6% handle. In China, PPI inflation, a good proxy for industrial profits, has essentially stalled and the headline CPI hit 1.7% (though core nudged up to 1.9%).
Elsewhere, the trend is much the same: from Indonesia to Thailand to Korea, including Japan and Australia, and everywhere in between, inflation is running short. Even in the Philippines, which saw a sharp spike last year, it's rapidly coming off the boil.
It's tempting to attribute much of this to falling oil prices. And as these are now ticking up, that drag is bound to reverse. Plus, food inflation has been remarkably subdued across the region of late (keep an eye though on the return of El Nino this year).
However, core inflation is running at a fairly tepid pace in most places, or at least showing signs of slowing substantially. From a broader perspective, in fact, it is remarkable that the synchronized global upswing in 2016-2017, followed by last year's exchange rate stumbles and, temporarily at least, soaring oil prices, didn't deliver a bigger inflation kick (see also We got an inflation problem, 10 December, 2018).
That means that the "jumping off point" for inflation as growth continues to slow is dangerously low, risking, if not outright deflation, a prolonged period of extremely subdued price pressures.
That poses two big challenges for Asia.
First, it pushes up real interest rates as low (or even lower) inflation increasingly pushes down inflation expectations. And with nominal rates already near record lows in many places, there's little that a loosening in monetary policy alone can do to correct this.
Second, and related, the debt service burden increases as inflation falls short. Even if inflation expectations, which determine the real interest rate, don't fall further, lower realized inflation makes it harder to service debt already taken out. And since the region has splurged on the stuff in recent years, falling price pressures can thus act as a powerful drag on growth.
What, then, are the policy options?
Monetary easing is the obvious one. But, as mentioned, this has started to run into "diminishing returns": with interest rates already low, further cuts will provide only a limited boost. Ideally, this should be complemented by fiscal easing. And in a few places, notably China, that's exactly what's occurring. But, more broadly across Asia, the policy room for a significant fiscal kick is limited (see How much policy room?, 28 January, 2019).
Further out, Asian central bankers will also need to think about more unorthodox policies. If rate cuts alone don't do the trick, and fiscal support isn't readily available, at least in sufficient size, the entire tool box of policies tried out in advanced economies over the past decade should be on the table: from targeted lending schemes to aggressive base money expansion.
Granted, these didn't work necessarily all too well in all instances. And emerging Asia isn't quite yet so demand deprived that it's about to fall into a deflationary trap.
Yet, given the growing risks of such a stumble, it's probably best to act pre-emptively.
Cuts anyone?
Frederic Neumann is Co-head of Asian Economics Research at HSBC.
 
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The dangerous inflation fizzle: Frederic Neumann

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Developer Consolidated Properties Group has recruited industry professionals for three key roles.
The recruits, Chelsey Blount, Clinton Amble and Rob Clifton (pictured left to right) will take on major roles in retail, development and marketing. recruits have been appointed as
Consolidated Properties Group is entering it's 40th year, with a $2.1 billion portfolio of more than 200 residential, retail and commercial projects.
Chelsey Blount will run the company's communications strategy, utilising seven years of experience in the profession, most recently with Ray White and SSKB.
Rob Clifton has 20 years of experience in the retail leasing field, including senior positions with Stockland and QIC.
He has been appointed as National Manager for Retail Leasing.
Project Director Clinton Amble, formerly of Lendlease and Mirvac, has more than a decade of industry experience.
He will take charge of the developer's residential work book, including the $850 million Yeerongpilly Green urban village and the $600 million Cornerstone Living project in Coopers Plains.
Consolidated Properties Group Executive Chairman Don O'Rorke says all three appointments are a major coup for the company.
"As we have approached the 40 year milestone this year, it's the right time to ensure our most important asset - our team - is the best it can be, with the capacity and capability to drive future growth."
"The year ahead promises to be even bigger than 2018, which saw the launch of our new small commercial projects division, the start of upgrade and expansion works on three neighbourhood shopping centres in South East Queensland and the beginning of Yeerongpilly Green," he concluded.
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Developer Consolidated Properties Group expands team

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A 1896 five bedroom property at Bremer Bay which was as an integral part of the Overland Telegraph Line has been listed for sale.
It served as accommodation plus a transfer station for messages coming to and from South Australia to Western Australia.
The 3200km telegraph line connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia in 1872, while an additional section was added in 1877 with the completion of the Western Australian section.
The Garnett family bought the property in 1946 for￡50 and the property at <a id="LPlnk899563" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39QzG/Nyy8oj1BNB9klqrP3Iwp8k3Re9J2XgydjgZ+Yvr7y3ouFzvnL9hDNVeaOI3Y6c6pTHKg61FCYqD0mBP178S6uslTCzaVA80fRB+PF/lNe7ryC5PjKAyQ3D9ASleqU=&amp;rh=ff004749e934e63e58afb3e3ec439e0203aa58d8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">5 Bremer Road</a> was most recently used as a restaurant / cafe.
Ray White Rural Albany principal John Hetherington said there had been strong interest from locals looking to restore the property to it's former glory. "People love it as it's on more than 9000 sqm - it's a huge parcel of land - with views over the town plus the Bremer River," he said.
“Think of the history though, if only those walls could talk. I have see a similar telegraph house on the Nullarbor Plain but there’s nothing left there as the sand had overtaken the walls whereas this one is one of the only properties like it left in Australia.
<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/NEW%203%20Bremer%20Bay%20Rd%205.jpg" alt="">
<div>“I often wonder what people would have heard coming through there from the eastern states.</div>
<div>
“The original telegraph house was built in 1876 until it burned down and this one was built in 1896 from local stone and has survived 123 years!
“Made with thick stone walls and magnificent jarrah floors, this piece of history needs to be seen to be believed. "It was most recently run as a restaurant with commercial kitchen and a cool room etc,” Mr Hetherington said.
The property goes to auction this Saturday February 23, 2019 at 1pm at Ray White Rural Albany, 96 Lockyer Ave, Albany, WA.
</div>
 
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Bremer Bay home that was an integral part of the Overland Telegraph Line listed

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A two-level, four-bedroom 2017-built house in Blackburn, Victoria has been just sold for $1.16 million by the mortgagee in possession.
It was listed by Patrick Mane and Rupa Mane from Raine &amp; Horne Blackburn. 
It had $1.4 million hopes when listed in early 2018.
Positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac location, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-blackburn-130336706" target="_blank">2/7 Langtree Court</a> comes with two king sized bedrooms, other two additional bedrooms, large kitchen, formal dining room, large living room and fully-landscaped backyard.
Other features include video intercom, downstairs study, split system cooling/heating and a double garage.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
It's only a short walk to Blackburn North Shopping Centre and Whitehorse's Golden mile shopping strip, and within 5 minutes drive to the Eastern Freeway or Blackburn Railway station.
The median price for a home in Blackburn is <a href="/developments/blackburn-vic-3130">$1.31 million </a>according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 7.7%.
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Blackburn house sold by mortgagee for $1.16 million

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The Block contestants, Kerrie Charter and Spence Thomson, have listed in the Barossa Valley. 
Colliers International are selling the 42-acre lifestyle property.
It is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-sa-nuriootpa-700018218" target="_blank">191 Samuel Road</a>, half way between Nuriootpa and Tanunda.
The property backs onto Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.
It is a stone’s throw from the likes of Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, Greenock Creek, Whistler Wines, Rolf Binder and Hewitson. 
Charter and Thomson bought the property three-and-a-half years ago, but only moved in two years ago after spending the first 18 months residing in Melbourne. 
The couple are selling their Samuel Road home to start their next project – building a new home of their own in South Australia. 
The expansive residence comprises the main home plus two private accommodation suites and gardens.
Previously utilised as ‘The Paddocks’ bed and breakfast, it presents an incoming purchaser a fantastic opportunity to redevelop completely, renovate or resume the bed &amp; breakfast business. 
Investors, developers, wine industry participants and speculators looking to capitalise on the obvious wine tourism potential are anticipated. 
<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/2019/2/26/C%20Large.jpg" alt=""> 
The main residence features two bedrooms, an open plan kitchen living and dining area with views to the vineyards in the east, plus separate bathroom and laundry.
Both suites feature kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms with private garden outlooks, and there is an underground cellar. 
The land lends itself planting with Shiraz vines. 
Offers are due on 191 Samuel Road by March 13.
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The Block’s Kerrie and Spence to sell Barossa Valley home

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Hong Kong investor Foo Hang Jewellery (FHJ) has bought a Melbourne office complex for $314 million.
The purchase of 595 Collins Street in Melbourne from South Korea's National Pension Service, is the first time FHJ has invested in Australian property.
Comprised of two interconnected buildings, the 20-storey tower spans 3,778 square metres and includes three ground-floor shops and 145 basement car spaces.
Allens advised on all aspects of the purchase, including the contract negotiations and the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) application.
"We were pleased to act for FHJ in one of Melbourne's largest commercial property transactions over the last year," said Allens’ managing associate, Tim Chislett (pictured below).
"Offshore investors are continuing to show strong interest in Australia's premier office towers and we were delighted to support FHJ with this acquisition," he 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/2019/2/21/Chislett%20tim.jpg" alt="">
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595 Collins Street, Melbourne bought by Hong Kong investor Foo Hang Jewellery

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The plans for a new $300 million commercial project in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD have been revealed.
Located on the corner of Pirie Street and Freemasons Lane, on the former Planet Nightclub site, 83 Pirie will introduce approximately 30,000 square metres of A-grade office space.
The building, designed by Woods Bagot and developed by Cbus Property, will span 17 levels of office, as well as a 300 square metre rooftop terrace, an onsite wellbeing lifestyle centre and 365 square metres of ground plane retail.
The project will also have features such as electric car charging stations and of-trip facilities.
<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/2019/2/19/83%20PIRIE_CBUS%20PROPERTY_FACADE51.jpg" alt="">
Cbus Property CEO, Adrian Pozzo, said there is strong market demand for new, A-Grade commercial workspace in Adelaide.
“There is a distinct lack of supply for contiguous new built commercial stock in Adelaide’s city centre,” Pozzo said.
 “This demand is driven by positive employment rates and sustained spending across defence, renewable energy and technology sectors, including the implementation of the 10 Gigabyte Adelaide initiative, which indicates demand will only increase.
“We recognise that the workplace is changing and tenant requirements are evolving so it was an ideal opportunity to create a new benchmark for office design in Adelaide.
“Tenants are not only looking for innovative workspaces that offer flexibility and foster a collaborative and engaging work environment but also leading design incorporating innovative technology, sustainability and wellness initiatives which is exactly what 83 Pirie will deliver.”
<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/2019/2/19/83%20PIRIE_CBUS%20PROPERTY_LANEWAY61.jpg" alt="">
Andrew Beasley, National Director of Office Leasing at Colliers International, said tenants at 83 Pirie will benefit from heightened connectivity throughout Adelaide’s CBD.
“Over the past few years, we have seen an increased appetite from domestic institutional developers and investors in Adelaide, which was once traditionally dominated by private developers,” Beasley said.
“The shift from private to institutional investment has created new standards for building design and architecture and with only two new buildings to be completed this year and new supply for 2020 unlikely, tenant demand is strong.
“This combined with 83 Pirie’s highly efficient 1,750 square metres side core floorplates and exceptional views from the upper floors will appeal to a high calibre of commercial tenants, spanning major corporates and state and federal government.
“Ideally located in the heart of Adelaide, Pirie Street has unrivalled links to culture and lifestyle amenity, including popular eateries, which has seen it become known as the CLD.
“While it has a strong lifestyle offering, Pirie Street still remains an important part of the commercial district with corporate occupiers keen to have proximity to other professional service firms, car parking stations and the nearby retail amenity.”
83 Pirie’s design and architecture was will complement the existing streetscape and nearby heritage buildings, said Thomas Masullo, Director, Woods Bagot.
“83 Pirie’s bold form echoes the low-rise and heritage fabric of the high street architecture,” he said.
“Elevated above the podium, the tower rises to take its place in the city skyline, with repetition of angled glass panels across the façade creating an elegant and sophisticated design aesthetic.
“The tower will make an enormous contribution to the social and economic fabric of the precinct and our great city.”
Construction of 83 Pirie will commence once a pre-commitment is secured and is expected to take around two years to construct.
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Plans revealed for new $300 million Adelaide CBD office project

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GUEST OBSERVATION
It is clear to anyone that following significant rejuvenation, North Sydney CBD is still in a phase of substantial transition, led by the anticipated arrival of the Sydney Metro in 2024. The one thing the area needs to continue to evolve into a desirable, vibrant and well-functioning CBD is exceptional public space and more of it. Done well, these spaces will dramatically improve the vibrancy, safety, amenity, value and appeal of the CBD for all – from residents, visitors and students to workers and investors. 
Over the past six years, North Sydney Council has been working on strengthening the role of the North Sydney CBD as the principle economic engine of the North Shore. Following an audit by the Council of the public domain in 2015 and with funding from the NSW Government in 2018, Stage 1 of the North Sydney CBD Public Domain Strategy (PDS) ‘Place Book’ has been released. The PDS is specifically targeted at realising a more engaging and resilient CBD that offers a greater range of activities and unique public spaces for workers, residents and visitors alike. 
Over the next 20 years, the North Sydney CBD worker population is forecast to grow by more than 30% to over 80,000, with the residential population growing beyond 7,000. This growth will see more than 1,000,000 square metres of floor space by 2036. 
As the commercial and residential populations increase, so must the provision of additional public space.  
The ‘Place Book’ (Stage 1) is the initial ideas phase of the PDS and explores the future potential of public domain in the North Sydney CBD. It focuses on improving quantity, quality, connectivity and the interaction of cars, pedestrians, and cyclists of the public domain. More than 16,000 square metres of new public space has been proposed, in addition to upgrades to almost 21,000 square metres of existing public space. 
Major projects include:
<ul>
<li>Creating a new 6,500 square metre public plaza by pedestrianising the section of Miller Street between Pacific Hwy and Berry St that is directly outside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station. This will include a ‘scramble intersection’ allowing four-way crossing and the return of east-west (two-way) traffic on Berry Street between Pacific Highway and Miller Street;</li>
<li>Transforming Miller Street into a ‘Civic Spine’ through a suite of public domain upgrades between St Peters Park (south of Blue Street) and St Leonards Park (adjacent North Sydney Oval);</li>
<li>Creating a new 1,200 square metre Post Office Plaza, which will involve redesigning the intersection of Miller Street and Pacific Highway (removing small and dangerous refuge islands) and incorporating scramble crossing;</li>
<li>Converting the under-utilised deck of the tramway viaduct into a 3,500 square metre public space, similar to Sydney’s ‘Goods Line’ and New York City’s ‘Highline’; and</li>
<li>Upgrading Berry Street with 5,000 square metres of improved footpaths and squares, in addition to a new architecture offering incorporating shops and on street dining.</li>
</ul>
Council is also in the final stages of finalising its Ward St Precinct Masterplan, which will seek to create significant commercial floorspace in the precinct, as well as providing significant new public spaces.
Most of these projects are expected to be delivered in the next five years by 2024 to coincide with the opening of the Victoria Cross Metro Station. The tramway viaduct has a 10 year delivery plan. 
We expect the Council’s and proposed upgrades will instill confidence that the changes to North Sydney will continue to contribute the evolution strengthening of the CBD. 
We have seen the transformation of North Sydney translate through the commercial property market in a number of ways, including: 
<ul>
<li>Attracting new tenants into North Sydney from the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburban markets such as Chatswood and Macquarie Park. New commercial developments, including 100 Mount Street and 1 Denison Street, have signed tenants such as Nine Entertainment, who was originally based in Artarmon. </li>
<li>Increasing the amenity for existing tenants. North Sydney is already home to a number of global brands, such as Coca Cola, Vodafone, Sony and Genworth, that have, and will continue to, benefit directly from these improvements.</li>
<li>Enhancing capital values for existing land owners. Greater amenity and demand for office space has led to average prime gross face rents have increasing by 3.6% in the year to July 2018. This growth has translated into higher capital values for North Sydney landowners, with $1.26 billion ($10 million plus) of transactions occurring in the same period, according to Knight Frank Research.   </li>
<li>Institutions such as Charter Hall, Investa, Dexus, LGS and Mirvac are taking a real interest in the planning changes occurring in North Sydney and the impact this is having on their properties. </li>
<li>With North Sydney now considered an extension of Sydney CBD, a number of high net worth offshore buyers have purchased in the precinct. For example, the recent sale of 80 Mount Street attracted strong offshore interest due to its ideal location providing opportunities for the owner to integrate ground floor retail refurbishments into existing public spaces. </li>
</ul>
The proposed upgrades to the public domain in North Sydney CBD will stimulate future developments and attract new investment, vastly improving the streetscape and benefiting all those that utilise the space. 
Angus Klem is Partner, Head of North Sydney, at Knight Frank. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com.au/contact/people/angus-klem-aun07179" target="_blank">here</a>.
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How North Sydney's planning changes will affect commercial real estate: Knight Frank

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The closed Watters Gallery building in East Sydney has been listed for the first time in more than five decades. 
It goes to March 14 Colliers auction.
The three-storey Victorian corner terrace was built in the 1850s.
It saw many exhibitions by many top artists, including Reg Mombassa.
Its long-time owners, Frank Watters and Geoffrey and Alex Legge, are retiring and moving to the country.
Colliers agent Miron Solomons said the gallery opened in 1968.
"It would be ideal for a really cool creative as a corporate HQ and is ready to be transformed into something a little bit unique," Solomons said. 
There is buyers’ interest above the $5 million mark for the 578-square-metre freehold building at 109 Riley Street, on the corner of Stanley Lane in East Sydney.
There is 578 square metres of space is the gallery that closed in 2018.
Solomons said it was originally the site of a boot warehouse in 1858.
It became the Victoria Hotel between 1863 and 1870, and from 1871 The Harp of Erin Hotel.
In 1921 the building was used as a shop with the flat above and then altered in 1968 to accommodate the gallery.
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Vacated East Sydney art space Watters Gallery to go under the hammer

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.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

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

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

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Staff reporter

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