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Savills Australia has increased its Occupier Services division, welcoming a new director into the NSW team.
Katherine Moss (pictured below) joins Savills from JLL, where she spent eight years between the Perth and Sydney tenant representation teams. 
She will now lead Savills’ Sydney team, focusing primarily on representing commercial-based tenants. 
<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/2019/2/12/Katherine-Moss--2.jpg" alt=""> 
Savills national head of Occupier Services, Mark Smith, said, “recruiting Katherine provides for a stronger presence within our Occupier Services division, and she will play a pivotal role in delivering a high level of leadership and management within the team."
Ms Moss described Savills as an “agile” agency that maintained a strong Australian reputation with global elements. 
“Savills will provide me with the ability to deliver a tailored business approach and high-quality service to each client,” she said.
“I am looking forward to leading a dynamic team and further establishing solid client relationships in order to build and develop the national division further.” 
 “The occupier services division continues to grow its market presence and we look forward to delivering strategic real estate solutions to existing and new clients alike,” Mr Smith concluded. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Savills Australia improves NSW team with new Commercial Tenancies director

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The home of The Little Grocer in Armadale has been listed for auction.
Gray Johnson's Brett Simpson will offer the freehold property at 59A Armadale Street on Wednesday 27 February onsite at 1 pm. 
Set across two levels the 54 sqm property should attract offers in the mid $700,000 bracket, according to Gray Johnson's Brett Simpson.
The property currently leased to The Little Grocer at an annual rental of $30,367 net plus GST until March 2021.
Brett Simpson said “The Little Grocer uses the street level as a retail food store with offices above."
“The location here is critical as this property is directly opposite and only about a fifty metre walk from one of the two principal access ways to the Armadale Station."
“The immediate area is a high value residential location, including many apartment dwellers within walking distance, with High Street and the Orrong Road junction and the surrounding cafes, service businesses and retailers and two major new high rise quality residential developments is barely 200 metres to the north," he concluded.
<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/2019/2/12/GJ%2059A%20ARMADALE%20LG%20INTERNAL.jpg" alt="">
 
It has a street frontage of 3.1 metres.
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Home of The Little Grocer in Armadale going under the hammer

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The gloom around the around Gladstone land market could be showing signs of lifting, with an uptick in sales volume and limited new supply giving opportunity for existing stock to be absorbed offering positive signs, according to Ray White.
Ray White’s Head of Research Vanessa Rader said there has been much-needed downward momentum regarding the advancement of new development of vacant land over the last five years.
“This slow addition of stock has been welcomed by the local market with the need to absorb these existing high stock levels,” Ms Rader said.
“The Gladstone LGA has a further 1,520ha of broadacre land suitable for land subdivision which could yield over 8,000 new lots.
“Data collected by Ray White Commercial shows there are currently over 400 lots registered and available for sale, with a further 300 completed, but yet to be registered.
“This high volume of available stock coupled with the slow sales rate has taken a toll on the median values achieved for both vacant land, and house and land packages in the region.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/12/gladstone%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2019/2/12/gladstone%201.jpg" alt="">   Ray White Commercial Gladstone Director Andrew Allen said vacant land sales and limited lot approvals and lot registrations in the past 12 months have offered much-needed positivity to the market.   “It's encouraging to see lot registrations and lot approvals are down on five and 10-year averages, giving the market time to continue to recover,” Mr Allen said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/12/gladstone%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2019/2/12/gladstone%202.jpg" alt="">   “Positivity really lies in the vacant land sales, where we saw a total of 148 over the past 12 months, showing an increase of 55.79 per cent.   “The slowdown in approvals and registrations is key to not further flood the market with stock, also encouraging is the median lot size has again rebounded to 861sq m.   “This reversion back to larger lots is more in line with local demand which is in the 800-1,000sq m size range.   “With the bulk of lots currently on the market in the sub 600sq m size range, we’re seeing more buyers investigating the idea of purchasing two lots side by side, to amalgamate into a larger land parcel.   “This changing trend could attribute to the increase in vacant land sales in the 2017/2018 period. These are the first signs of improvement for many years for the region.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/12/gladstone%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:  
<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/2019/2/12/gladstone%203.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/12/gladstone%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
<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/2019/2/12/gladstone%204.jpg" alt="">
*Ray White Between the Lines Commercial Research – Gladstone LGA Vacant Land Report – January 2019.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/12/Gladstone%20lot%201.JPG" alt="">
An example of a recent vacant land sale in Gladstone is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/5-stewart-st-west-gladstone-qld-4680?pid=p4ep-pdp%7Csold-pdp:property-history-cta#timeline" target="_blank">5 Stewart Street, West Gladstone</a> (pictured above).
The 450 sqm block sold for $62,500 in November 2018.
It previously sold for near triple that amount, $170,000, in 2010.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/12/Gladstone%20lot%202.JPG" alt="">
Another West Gladstone land sale took place in November, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-qld-west+gladstone-202253962" target="_blank">5 Murray Street</a> (pictured above).
The vacant 1,397 sqm block sold for $67,000
Last sold in 2017 for $54,890 it is a fully fenced block.
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Uptick in sales volume in the Gladstone residential land market

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/same-as-grenfell-tower-cladding-fears-as-fire-rips-through-melbourne-cbd-apartment-building-20190204-p50vgl" target="_blank">fire at the Neo200 building</a> on Spencer Street in the Melbourne CBD this week has eerie similarities to the <a href="http://theconversation.com/grenfell-a-year-on-heres-what-we-know-went-wrong-98112" target="_blank">Grenfell Tower disaster</a>. Fortunately, instead of 72 people dead as at Grenfell, only one person was hospitalised for smoke inhalation.
Nevertheless, the building industry has responded straight from the Grenfell song sheet. Rydon, the main contractor for the Grenfell Tower cladding, <a href="https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/update/2017-06-15/statement-from-rydon-after-public-inquiry-announcement/" target="_blank">said</a> the work: "… met all required building regulations – as well as fire regulation and Health &amp; Safety standards – and handover took place when the completion notice was issued by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea building control."
Rydon chief executive Robert Bond <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/15/experts-warned-government-against-cladding-material-used-on-grenfell" target="_blank">said</a>: "I will do all I can to assist in this investigation in order to establish what caused this tragedy."
The Neo 200 architect, Hayball, <a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/cladding-back-in-the-spotlight-after-melbourne-apartment-tower-blaze/" target="_blank">stated</a>: "Neo 200 achieved certification and approval from the building certifier and relevant authorities at the time. We welcome the opportunity to support any investigation into the incident by authorities."
This appears to be the property sector’s version of “thoughts and prayers”. We’re very sorry, but there’s nothing we can do.
Sadly, this is far from the truth. We have known of the risk for years and the problem can be rectified.
Governments must act to ensure the cladding identified as a fire risk on hundreds of buildings is replaced. Further delay in fixing an identified threat to life is unacceptable.
Before the Grenfell and Neo200 fires, Melbourne had a cladding fire at the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/docklands-owners-sue-for-24m-over-fire-as-date-to-fix-cladding-looms-20180909-p502pc" target="_blank">Lacrosse building</a> in 2014. This led to an <a href="https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/media/latest-news/article/2016/vba-releases-external-wall-cladding-audit-report" target="_blank">audit of external wall cladding</a> on buildings by the Victorian Building Authority.
Following the Grenfell fire, states conducted further audits. In October 2018, an <a href="/news">update</a> by the <a href="https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/cladding/victorian-cladding-taskforce" target="_blank">Victorian Cladding Taskforce</a> stated: "Our investigations found dangerous materials are widely used on buildings throughout Victoria, a finding that is consistent with inquiries carried out interstate and internationally."
We now know that hundreds of residential buildings are rated as either a moderate or high risk by the New South Wales and Victorian governments. Over 350 buildings in Melbourne alone are rated “high risk”. Neo200 was regarded as only a “moderate risk”.
Residential buildings are particularly vulnerable to the effects of a cladding fire because people can be asleep and windows are often left open. The amount of smoke generated by the recent Neo200 fire is frightening.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NStPd-v42mY?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe>
Combustible cladding allowed the fire to spread rapidly up the Neo200 building.
In the UK, the central government has given local authorities the power to replace risky cladding. We should do the same here.
Governments should take rectification out of the hands of dithering strata committees and, if necessary, carry out the necessary work directly and recover the costs from the responsible parties.
How did we get to this point?
Polyethylene-cored aluminium sandwich panels – often referred to as aluminium composite panels (ACP), PE or PU panels – were <a href="https://alucobond.com/company#history" target="_blank">developed 50 years ago</a>, patented in 1971 and marketed as Alucobond. When the patent expired in 1991 other manufacturers entered the market, including products marketed as Reynobond (originally Reynolds Aluminium) and Alpolic (Mitsubishi Chemicals). Now, it is estimated over 200 manufacturers around the world produce ACP panels.
By the 1990s, ACP was gaining a level of acceptance in the Australasian construction market. This was aided by the introduction of performance requirements to replace a previous blanket ban on combustible materials being used on tall building facades. The timing of the relaxation of the Building Code of Australia and the introduction of ACP panels to the Australian market by multinational companies could be a coincidence.
By the end of the 1990s, there was growing evidence that the performance-based approach to facade fire protection was not working. Combustible cored sandwich panels were implicated as contributors to serious injuries and death. A notable example was a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ife.org.uk/Firefighter-Safety-Incidents/sun-valley-1993/34014" target="_blank">1993 fire in the Sun Valley food-processing factory in Hereford</a> in which two firefighters died. In 1997, the <a href="https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/home/burning-issues/181812.article" target="_blank">Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) experienced a cladding fire</a> during construction.
The general and technical press, including architectural magazines with wide circulation, reported cladding fires in various types of materials, including ACP.
What can be done to reduce the risk?
Clearly, a facade fire has serious consequences. The bedrock of all modern fire regulations is that a fire in a tall building must be confined to a single storey. A fire spreading from one floor to the next completely undermines all the elements of protection and control that make egress routes and firefighting viable.
As we saw at Grenfell, a fire that spreads up the facade and involves nearly every storey in the building can’t be brought under control.
By 2000, there was widespread concern among fire professionals and some regulators that ACP was a bomb waiting to go off. A <a href="http://www.cookeonfire.com/pdfs/eurisolgreenreport.pdf" target="_blank">paper by Dr Gordon Cooke</a> clearly outlined the risks. It makes chilling reading in the light of the Grenfell disaster.
Luckily, most tall residential buildings in Australia with combustible ACP cladding have internal sprinkler systems – unlike Grenfell. We might also be able to buy some time by banning barbecues and smoking on balconies, but it is doubtful this will be 100% effective. Another possibility is to physically secure balcony doors shut, but many owners and tenants might strongly resist this draconian measure.
These measures still will not eliminate the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/victorian-government-refuses-to-publicly-identify/10780228" target="_blank">risk of arson highlighted by the Victorian government</a>.
As the Neo200 fire demonstrates, even a moderate risk is still quite risky. It is extraordinary that a fire allegedly lit by a single smouldering cigarette could spread so quickly across seven floors and generate so much potentially deadly smoke.
An urgent cladding replacement program certainly has its challenges. A campaign that involves working on several hundred buildings at once in Melbourne and Sydney might overload the industry.
Nevertheless, the situation has been created by a lack of action by governments. Only decisive government action can rectify it. No more “thoughts and prayers”, enquiries or investigations; just replace the cladding now.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/111186/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Geoff Hanmer, Adjunct Lecturer in Architecture, UNSW
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cladding-fire-risks-have-been-known-for-years-lives-depend-on-acting-now-with-no-more-delays-111186" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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No more delays - lives depend on acting on combustible cladding: Geoff Hanmer

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Edgecliff institution A. R. Irwin Violins has found new accommodation.
It has purchased 222 New South Head Road, Edgecliff. 
It was founded in 1987 by Allen Irwin after studying instrument making in London and Sydney.
Irwin Violins has made, restored and supplied string instruments of all kinds to musicians and artistic communities all around the world, including the likes of Joshua Bell and Maxim Vengerov.
After 30 years the new purchase is less than 100 metres from his former location.
The deal was negotiated by Matt Pontey, of Colliers International in conjunction with David Canelas of Krulis Commercial. 
Allen Irwin (pictured below, right) said: "We have been a part of the local Edgecliff community for many years, and are pleased to be in a position where we can to continue to serve and do business in an area that we love."  
<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/2019/2/5/Allen%20Irwin%20-%20Website%20Photo.jpg" alt=""> 
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Edgecliff institution A. R. Irwin Violins purchases new home

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Excelon has announced the opening of 25 King Collective, a shared office space in Melbourne’s CBD.
Kelvin Taing, Director of Excelon says the Excelon team has moved into the top floor in the premises in Melbourne’s South West CBD area.
Mixed-use spaces start from $450 per month. Private studios from $1,200 per month.
Excelon engaged renowned architect Kennedy Nolan to renovate the three-level 25 King Street building, and Excelon Group moved its office to the top floor.
The shared office will house around 30 workers.
The shared amenities include a fully equipped shared boardroom for tenants’ use.
The site was originally the Melbourne Steamship Company and Excelon has kept original touch points throughout, such as the staircase, glass signage of the Melbourne Steamship Company and an original safe from the 1800s.
Excelon have paid further homage to the historical building by engaging Australian artist Benjamin Tankard to create nine paintings of the steamships that once belonged to the Melbourne Steamship Company.
These will adorn the walls within the shared boardroom, meeting room, and within each of the office suites that are also named after the ships.
Excelon Group has been active within the Melbourne property market since its inception in 2011.
The boutique, family-run property business is headed by brother and sister team Kelvin and Rachel Taing.
The 25 King Street project was recently completed and now is open, marking the first wave of real change in the revitalisation in the South West CBD area.
Melbourne’s South West CBD area has been undergoing significant improvement with several office, hospitality, hotel and residential developments in both planning and construction phases.
The Excelon team is proud that the 25 King Collective project has added to the pipeline of positive developments in the area.
The South West CBD area’s flurry of development projects is driven by developers who are committed to cleaning up the area.
Other projects in the area include Geddes Lane Ballroom (formerly the adult venue Bar 20); 555 Collins Street office space project; and the newly opened State of Grace restaurant and venue.
The area has also seen enormous growth in the hotel sector with projects such as St Regis Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Centric, and BPM’s hotel project, which will be managed under Quincy hotel brand.
<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/2019/1/24/imgco-024.jpg" alt="">
Excelon has a fast growing portfolio of unique residential developments designed with specific lifestyles in mind.
Creativity and design integrity are what sets Excelon Group apart, and by working closely alongside some of Melbourne’s most reputed architects, Excelon has just completed Clyde Mews in Thornbury, and has recently launched Lothian Street in North Melbourne.
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Excelon's Melbourne CBD shared office space 25 King Collective opens

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Three of the eight capital cities are now at the bottom of the retail market, with Darwin now joining Adelaide and Perth, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's (HTW) latest retail property clock.
Brisbane remains the strongest capital city market for retail, retaining its peak of market position.
It has been joined this month by Dubbo and the Gold Coast. 
Melbourne, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour have all moved into the beginning of a retail market decline, while Sydney is approaching the peak of the market.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/4/Jan%20Retail%20Clock.JPG" target="_blank">Click</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/4/Jan%20Retail%20Clock.JPG" alt="">
There's not great news for Canberra, which is now in a declining market, joining Alice Springs, Echuca and Gippsland.
Hobart's retail market is still nearing the bottom of the market, as is the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, South West WA and the Iron Triangle region.
Retail space in Sydney continues to approach market peak.
Ballarat, Bendigo, Launceston, Burnie-Devonport, the Mid North Coast and the Sunshine coast are all classified as rising markets.
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Three capital cities at the bottom of the retail market: HTW Property Clock

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Stone Real Estate has launched in Queensland with former McGrath executive Scott Kelly at the helm.
Kelly moves across from his former position as head of franchise performance at the McGrath network to establish Stone’s boutique model throughout the Sunshine State. 
The Queenslander said he is thrilled to join Stone Real Estate, saying his move was inspired by Stone Real Estate’s agility and forward-thinking approach that allows franchisees to expand their businesses in a way that until now has been previously unavailable.
“The agility of the Stone franchise platform gives the brand enormous appeal,” Kelly said.
“This is a franchise platform that enables businesses to grow - and offers technology, marketing, coaching and training to assist franchisees and agents.”
With almost 20 years industry experience, and a decade in residential sales, Kelly said he is relishing the challenge to "start from scratch".
“This is a brand that draws people who are aspirational, smart, bold and have an ability to think and act big – and then gives them the geographical scope to grow their businesses to their proper potential. 
“Stone’s franchise model is unique is the way it allows owners to grow and expand their businesses beyond the territories that they’ve been limited to. With Stone they can expand and not be compromised.”
Welcoming Kelly into the Stone Real Estate fold was head of franchise, Luke Cameron.
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Former McGrath executive Scott Kelly launches Stone Real Estate Queensland

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Moxy Hotels, Marriott International’s hotel brand aimed at the next generation of travellers, is set to debut in Australia with the signing of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra.
Slated to open in July 2021, the 180-room, new build standalone hotel is being developed by Melbourne businessmen Hector Ktori and Peter Arvanitis.
Moxy Melbourne South Yarra has been designed by architectural firm Rothelowman.  
With 30 operating hotels across Europe, North America and Asia and more than 80 properties in development, Moxy Hotels markets itself as redefining the traditional affordable hotel experience with social spaces including a lounge, 24/7 self-service grab-and-go food and drinks. 
"We’re thrilled to be debuting Moxy in Melbourne, a city that radiates the playful essence of the brand," said Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Marriott International.
"The Moxy brand will be a game-changer fuelled predominantly by the growing number of Millenial and Gen Z travellers."
Moxy Melbourne South Yarra will open at 30-32 Claremont Street. 
"The next generation of travellers is seeking more than a comfortable bed and room-service burger," said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. 
"They want to stay in hotels with an approachable price point that offer bold, contemporary design and hyper social experiences that tap into the local culture.
"We’re really excited to partner with Marriott International to bring the first ever Moxy to Australia,” said Hector Ktori, co-owner of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra.
"After visiting a number of Moxy hotels around the world, we’re confident this brand will be a welcome addition to South Yarra, offering guests exceptional value, urban style and lively public spaces in a much sought-after suburb of Melbourne."
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Marriott's Moxy Hotels brand set to make Australian debut in South Yarra

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An extra $7.5 million in property has changed hands in the days following the year's largest in-house auction.
<a href="/news/ray-white-surfers-see-energetic-auction-bidding-at-the-event-2019">Ray White Surfers Paradise’s 25th The Event</a> was held on January 28 where 95 properties went under the hammer.
About $19 million in sales were made on the day but that figure has now reached $26.5 million.
The clearance rate now stands at more than 60 per cent.
More properties are under conditional contract awaiting finance approvals.
Ray White Surfers Paradise Group chief executive Andrew Bell said he was happy with the results.
“There has been some negative sentiment around real estate markets of Australia recently, although the market here on the Gold Coast has spoken differently.” 
More than 2000 people attended this year’s event, with 230 of those registering to bid on the day.
“Six of the properties that were sold at The Event 2019 were to purchasers sight unseen,” he said.
“The RWSP auction videos were so impressive that buyers were prepared to buy on the day without the need for an internal inspection.  "
“These results are representing some of the best sales figures in the country at present,” he concluded.
There has been an additional $30 million in private treaty sales as a result of The Event.
Last year, about 1000 people attended, including 170 registered bidders, recording $35.4 million worth of sales on the day.  
<a href="/news/ray-white-surfers-see-energetic-auction-bidding-at-the-event-2019">Sales since the event</a> included 1410/3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard (pictured above).
Located in the Wyndham Surfers Paradise development, the one bedroom one bathroom unit sold for $314,000.
Set on 73 sqm, the apartment is situated one block from the beach.
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Ray White The Event post-auction clearance rate over 60%

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.

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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.

Joel Robinson

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]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

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