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GUEST OBSERVATION
The independent owner-operated businesses that bring life to run-down neighbourhoods often have a hipster ethos. 
One of the stark differences between neighbourhoods in the inner city and outer suburbs in Australia is the quality and type of retail offerings. Gentrifying inner-city suburbs – places like West End in Brisbane, Fitzroy in Melbourne and Newtown in Sydney – are characterised by independent owner-operated retail businesses. Busy “<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2016/09/14/third-places-as-community-builders/" target="_blank">third places</a>” such as cafes, bars and restaurants – where people spend time between home (“first” place) and work (“second” place) – are common.
These are the favoured haunts of the hipster. Hipsters have an uneasy place in our cultural landscape, not least of which is their role in gentrification. However, their role in the inner city is important in showing the rest of the city how to create contemporary, accessible and successful third places with low, non-gendered barriers to entry.
Third places provide residents and visitors with a variety of what <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.amazon.com/Great-Good-Place-Bookstores-Community/dp/1569246815" target="_blank">Ray Oldenburg</a> calls “the core settings of informal public life”. Cafes, bars, pubs, clubs or chess rooms (in some places) are places where people can meet informally or be “together alone”. They allow for planned and accidental encounters across different times of the day and are essential for a healthy neighbourhood social life or “sense” of community.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/256225/original/file-20190130-108355-1dzcaub.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/256225/original/file-20190130-108355-1dzcaub.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
(Source: Author provided)
Cafes and bars provide a ‘third place’ where people can meet informally or be ‘together alone’, as seen here in St Kilda, Melbourne.
What’s missing from outer suburbs?
As we travel out of the inner city towards the outer suburbs, residents become increasingly deprived of these places. Suburban retail centres become less “local” – shopping centres are isolated from the surrounding neighbourhood, controlled by a single corporate landlord, marooned in a sea of parking and offer a predictable range of franchised outlets and national brands, often anchored by a large supermarket. At the district level are huge impersonal shopping malls.
None of this enables residents to take advantage of local third places or feel any sense of authorship over them, which is so important for creating place and community.
History has an obvious role to play. Inner-city suburbs were planned and built before widespread car ownership. Streets are laid out in grids, which make for easy and direct pedestrian or bicycle travel.
These areas were built before the introduction of strict “single use” zoning regimes, so have a good mix of land uses. Retail, residential and even industrial properties exist side by side. Property ownership has evolved so one landlord rarely controls an entire retail strip.
Businesses open on to wide, protected footpaths which are thoroughfares for more than just the businesses located there. The built form is varied, interesting and vernacular and suited to small independent businesses.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/256228/original/file-20190130-39344-ooqmjp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/256228/original/file-20190130-39344-ooqmjp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
(Source: Author provided)
Buildings are varied, interesting and vernacular and suited to small independent businesses in West End, Brisbane. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/coffeesgonecold/34858238476/in/album-72157704622068821/"> </a>
Gentrification and the hipster
Inner-city neighbourhoods in recent decades have been gentrified as more affluent residents and businesses colonise formerly working class, migrant or Indigenous areas of inner cities. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0042098013489748" target="_blank">Gentrification</a> takes place over a long time and in particular phases.
The first to colonise an area are “renter gentrifiers”. They are responsible for making the place hip or edgy through alternative music and art, underground fashion and an embryonic start-up business culture.
Despite the mockery they inspire, the hipsters’ pursuits create ‘third places’ that foster a sense of community. 
This in turn attracts better-resourced gentrifiers who share the same cultural tastes as the renter gentrifiers but have money. This creates demand for a range of retail outlets, such as artisanal bakers, micro-breweries, tattoo artists, vintage fashions, vinyl record stores, independent bookstores and, most importantly, abundant bars, cafes and coffee shops.
These businesses are stereotypically run by hipsters, a subculture easily recognisable by their carefully curated full beards (male), artistic or ironic tattoos, skinny jeans and other vintage accessories. Hipsters are often disparaged for their lack of originality, for championing a look that mimics a historical period they never experienced. As <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=PolRLfWavjAC&amp;pg=PA41&amp;lpg=PA41&amp;dq=%E2%80%9Ccreativity,+genius,+eternal+value+and+mystery+are+inseparable+from+the+hipster%E2%80%9D&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=HQ-zgs5qVz&amp;sig=ACfU3U3DVpH8zOCFV65Nacxi0HX_AlkGvw&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihzcXwgpTgAhWHM48KHZm2BagQ6AEwAHoECAAQAQ#v=onepage&amp;q=%E2%80%9Ccreativity%2C%20genius%2C%20eternal%20value%20and%20mystery%20are%20inseparable%20from%20the%20hipster%E2%80%9D&amp;f=false" target="_blank">Jake Kinsey writes</a> sarcastically in a whole book that derides hipsters: "… creativity, genius, eternal value and mystery are inseparable from the hipster."
The quest for authenticity
Authenticity is a contested word, but if we think in terms of “authorship”, the independently owned and operated third place where both owner and customer feel a sense of ownership and reciprocal obligation provides much more authenticity than just another outlet in a chain of franchises.
While some hipster businesses that work in the gentrified inner city might not work so well in the outer suburbs, people who live in these suburbs are not a different species. The desire to get out of your house, to socialise, to see your neighbours out in the community or to be “together alone” is <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/17/4/351/607018" target="_blank">not limited</a> to the inner city. There is no reason people in the suburbs would not respond to independently owned businesses, rather than the remotely controlled, rationalised franchises – see “<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosm001.pub2" target="_blank">McDonaldization</a>” – that populate so many suburban shopping centres.
Quality third places are just as important in the outer suburbs, which are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of life stage, ethnicity, culture and employment type.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/256227/original/file-20190130-108355-1hsx8w4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/256227/original/file-20190130-108355-1hsx8w4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
(Source: Author provided)
Keeping ‘McDonaldization’ at bay in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
So what’s the solution?
Property developers are often quick to point out that local retail is not economically viable in new suburbs unless it consists of supermarkets and fast-food outlets and is surrounded by tarmac. Local (walkable) retail is invariably compared on price to the large impersonal shopping malls that draw shoppers in from the suburbs. However, the lure of a small local shopping precinct, where “third place” businesses such bars, cafes and restaurants and community hubs can operate at survivable rents, is a different proposition.
This is not a new suggestion. Various models have been <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/17/4/351/607018" target="_blank">proposed</a> to subsidise retail rents, provide independent freehold of individual retail premises, or rent control.
Developers have been reluctant to help with this as it not profitable (for them). Local authorities have also been reluctant to engage developers on this front.
There are, however, some encouraging exceptions to this. Some more enlightened developers see the sustained benefit of creating <a href="http://www.yourneighbourhood.com.au/diningprecinct-evertonplaza-791staffordroad-evertonpark/" target="_blank">community hubs</a>. The argument is for a social good rather than a purely economic one.
The outer suburbs are spatially different to the inner city – history and late capitalism have taken care of that. Local authorities need to think about current inflexible zoning regimes and about how small socially beneficial businesses can be encouraged.
Suburbs do not empty out during the day. In a post-work and ageing society, suburbs will become socially barren places to live unless there are lively hubs where people can leave the private realm of the home and see each other in a welcoming environment in which they feel some authorship. <img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/110177/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;">
There’s more to the experience than just savouring the coffee in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-walters-170156" target="_blank">Peter Walters</a>, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a>
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/why-outer-suburbs-lack-inner-citys-third-places-a-partial-defence-of-the-hipster-110177" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Why outer suburbs miss out? A partial defence of the hipster: Peter Walters

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A former record breaker in Seaforth on Sydney's Northern Beaches is set to top the charts for the harbourside suburb again given its $15 million guide.
<a href="https://theagency.com.au/16847/41-battle-boulevard-seaforth" target="_blank">The five level waterfront on Battle Boulevard</a> last traded for $8.31 million in 2007 when it was bought virtually brand new by gold and nickel miner Peter Goudie.
<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/2019/2/8/Sea3.jpg" alt="">
Set in tiered Japanese gardens, the luxury six bedroom home with billiards room and home theatre looks out across Middle Harbour to Spit Bridge from its glass wrapped interiors.
The views are also captured from the entertaining terrace, complete with an infinity swimming pool.
<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/2019/2/8/Sea2.jpg" alt="">
An internal lift runs through the home, while a garden inclinator runs down to the water where there's a jetty and boat house.
David Rothschild and Lincoln McCarthy at The Agency are marketing the home.
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Record setting Seaforth property set to top the sales again

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A North MacKay, Queensland home has been sold by its mortgagee for $222,500.
Last sold for $311,000 in 2008 the property has seen an $88,500 price reduction on its previous sale price.
Situated at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/10-amelia-drive-north-mackay-qld-4740-2014798538" target="_blank">10 Amelia Drive, North MacKay</a> the house is a three bedroom one bathroom affair.
<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/2019/2/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
It's latest sale price was lower than the $232,000 sale in 2005.
Set on 673 square metres the property was owned by the Queensland Government until they sold it for $102,600 in 1997.
It is located within walking distance of Fitzgerald Primary school as well as the Mount Pleasant shopping centre.
Featuring an open plan dining/lounge arrangement the home has polished timber floors throughout.
The home also has a verandah.
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/north-mackay-qld-4740">North MacKay</a> is $280,000, according to CoreLogic.
They calculate the annual change in median price in the suburb as as going backwards by -1.3% annually over the past decade.
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Mortgagee's North MacKay home sold for $90,000 loss

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Children of celebrity chef Jacques Reymond, the proprietors of South Yarra's Bistro Gitan and Prahran’s L'Hotel Gitan, have signed a lease to establish a third restaurant.
Located in North Yarra, Cremorne, this new eatery will occupy the whole ground floor of Cobild Construction’s new eight level office development at 9-11 Cremorne Street.
Teska Carson‘s Luke Bisset and Matthew Feld brokered the lease.
Mr Bisset said Nathalie, Antoine, and Edouard Reymond (pictured alongside their father) would split the 345 sqm tenancy into two spaces a 35-seat European focused wine bar and a 75-seat bistro.
Antoine Reymond says the yet-to-be-named restaurant will be slightly different to either of the Gitans. "It will be a little more European as opposed to French-focused."
SJB Interiors, who did work on the Gitans, will design both spaces. "It'll be French new-wave," says Antoine. "There's a gorgeous, heritage-listed brick facade, a terrace out the front, and nice high ceilings inside."
The family hopes to open by early June.
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Jaques Reymond family to open new restaurant in Cremorne

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Solvency and accounting firm Worrels has been appointed as voluntary administrator to the makeup brand Napoleon Perdis.
Founder and makeup artist Napoleon Perdis attributed blame to a wide range of factors from “greedy (lenders)” to declining “foot traffic” in the retail sector and entry of multinational fashion brands to the Australian market.
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The company's 56 stores closed their doors for a stocktake on Thursday but reopened today, Friday. 
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More than 600 staff are employed the company, which opened its first store in 1995,
The majority of their storefronts are in NSW, specifically Sydney, however they have at least one store in every capital city across across Australia
Worrels was appointed after the Napoleon Perdis directors were unable to find investors or sell the business over the past few months.
Mr Perdis (pictured below) said in an interview with Your Money, that demand for their products is still strong through partner stores including Priceline and Terry White chemists, as well as its online store.
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He complained that landlords are "squeezing" small and large businesses while they allow "large multinational (businesses) to negotiate much lower per square meter return rate".
"I just want an equal playing field"
"For a couple of years now we've been trying to consolidate our retail structure and there's been enormous costs," he stated.
He disclosed to ABC, "If you estimate that we close 20 to 25 stores, there's three staff per store on average, so close to 100 staff may need to be redeployed, however we're looking to actually see whether we can place them in partner businesses like Priceline."
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An initial creditors meeting will be held within eight days, with a second meeting to determine the brand's future expected to be held within a month.
Several Australian retailers have entered administration during the past 12 months, including <a href="/news/menswear-chain-roger-david-shutting-down-leaving-behind-56-empty-storefronts">menswear chain Roger Daved.</a>
 
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Australian beauty brand Napoleon Perdis may close 20+ stores in voluntary administration

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<div id="x_divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr">The mortgagee of 61 units in the residential complex Gondon Élysée in Sydney's Epping has listed them all for sale.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">They will be sold in one line by receivers and managers Newpoint Advisory through Colliers.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">The inventory sat on the Gondon company books with a $52 million valuation. </div>
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The developer has been unable to sell the combined 61 units at 1 to 5A Cliff Road, and at 6-10 Carlingford Road.
<a href="https://www.jlglobalau.com/elysee" target="_blank">The master sales agency</a> was J&amp;L Global with sales achieved between $500,000 and $1,538,000, with all but six sales to buyers of Chinese descent.
The project boasts a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. 
Gondon Élysée Epping consists of two buildings. 151 car secure parking.
There are 57 1 bedroom 1 bathroom units , some 61 of the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom units , and 12 of the 3 bedroom 2 bathroom units.
Completed in late 2017, 1 Cliff Road has 130 apartments.
The expressions of interest close February 25.
Developer Gondon paid $26 million to aggregate the homes at the corner of Carlingford and Cliff roads. The corner block at 6 Carlingford Rd cost the highest acquisition price of $4.41 million, according to CoreLogic.
The block is within the Epping Priority Precinct, which the state government declared for concentrated housing development.
Gondon’s earlier project was at North Ryde – the 179 apartments on the block bounded by Lane Cove and Eppings Rds and Allengrove Crescent, North Ryde, known as Gondon Macquarie which was built by Arise Construction to a SJB design.
Philip Campbell-Wilson and Said Jahani were appointed liquidators in November 2018.
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The appointment was referred to by Australian Select Mortgage Pty Limited which is also a shareholder of Gondon in May last year.
Pacific Alliance Group holds a registered security interest. 
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Chinese Epping developer collapse sees 61 Gondon Elysee apartments for sale

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ING, the fifth-biggest home loan lender in Australia, has lifted variable interest rates for all customers by 0.15 percentage points.
The hike will affect more than 100,000 borrowers from February 7, coming after ING also lifted variable rates on investment home loans by 0.15 percentage points in September and for owner-occupiers in July, by 0.1 percentage points. 
For owner-occupier borrowers paying principal and interest, the advertised rate will rise from 3.78 percent to 3.93 percent.
Those with a $300,000 30-year mortgage, face an increase from $1394 to $1420 a month.
A spokeswoman for the bank said: “We review our rates regularly and occasionally we need to increase them to ensure we can adjust to market changes while continuing to be best placed to provide our customers with simple, effective banking products.”
Sally Tindall, a spokeswoman for financial services broker RateCity, said ING’s rate hike was “disappointing” for customers.
The Reserve Bank board meets on Tuesday when it is expected to keep the cash rate on hold at 1.5 per cent.
 
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ING raises rates again

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The Australian Institute of Architects has announced the appointment of Julia Cambage to the position of chief executive officer for the architecture profession’s peak body.
Cambage (pictured below) joins the Institute, which represents more than 11,000 members in Australia and overseas, with over 20 years of CEO experience.
She was most recently CEO for TRY Australia – a youth charity and mentoring organisation employing over 400 staff and 200 volunteers across Australia with a $30 million turnover.
National President, Clare Cousins said the Institute is firmly in an "era of transformation".
"Ms Cambage’s entrepreneurial nature coupled with extensive experience and commercial acumen provide the perfect fit for the organisation and the profession as we continue on this exciting trajectory," said Cousins.
<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/2019/1/1/Strip%20ad%20keep%20up%20in%202019.jpg" alt=""></a>
Cambage has previously held top level positions at national not-for-profits Procurement Australia and Family Business Australia, developing and implementing sustainable programs to achieve strategic growth.
During her six-year tenure as CEO at TRY Australia, Cambage was instrumental in the development and implementation of a range of sustainable enterprises including TRY Uncontained, a progressive social business converting shipping containers into affordable, small footprint housing.
The program was supported by property maintenance, furniture production and labour hire, providing training and employment.
That initiative specifically was recently recognised at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh as a true game changer.
Cambage commences on next Monday.
She will be based at the Institute’s Melbourne offices at 41 Exhibition Street.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/17/Cambage.JPG" alt="">
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Australian Institute of Architects welcomes new CEO, Julia Cambage

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The auction of the Moama district farming property, Kinrara has been listed for auction.
Set at 118 Ripper Road, about 30 kilometres north of Moama-Echuca, the property is 280 hectares (693 acres).
Agents expect it will attract interest because it has been certified organic by the accredited NASAA (National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia) whose standard ensures organic integrity from paddock to plate.
Currently, organically accredited products such as hay, grains or pulse crops are selling for double normal market rates and there is also significant supply chain demand for sheep or cattle that are organically produced.
The Kinrara property will be auctioned by Rodwells Ruralco Property on February 22.
Rodwells Ruralco selling agent Andrew Miller says that the property is being offered on behalf of the Hehir family who have held the property since 1998, but had leased it for eight years prior to purchase.
They undertook the three-year long process to secure the NASAA organic accreditation.
“The vendors have dairy farming interests in northern Victoria and have principally been using the Kinrara property to produce supplementary pasture products under irrigation to support their organic milk dairy production, as well as rearing young stock and wintering dairy cows,” said Miller. 
“But they have recently secured another holding that adjoins their home farm, so that Kinrara has become surplus to their needs, hence its offer for auction sale.”
Miller says that the formalisation of organic production of both dairy products and livestock confers significant value to an accredited farm like Kinrara.
As well this property is suitable for cropping and would also support sheep or cattle production as it has significant infrastructure in place.
Kinrara will be offered with the successful purchaser having the first option to purchase at market rates the significant water right of 666 megalitres of NSW General Security water which is sourced from the Moira channel which adjoins a boundary of the holding. 
The water entitlement is considered double the normal district farm entitlements and resulted from the consolidation of two local property entitlements many years ago.
In addition, there is also an 8 megalitre Stock &amp; Domestic water right.
During their ownership the vendors have developed a high capacity and high flow flood irrigation system over about 211 hectares. 
The further land area of 60 hectares is used for dryland grazing and is mostly suitable for cropping.
The holding is subdivided into nineteen paddocks, all electric fenced, with an internal gravel laneway system that facilitates year-round access and enables operational efficiency even in the wettest winters.
The property has a 40 megalitre capacity turkey nest dam which can be gravity filled from the Moira channel system with all runoff from irrigation recycled back to the sumps at the dam m where it can be reused.
The water resources are also used effectively with two-inch poly pipe mains to concrete troughs in every paddock served by an electric pressure pump. 
There are dams in 10 of the paddocks while numerous box trees were retained for stock shelter and to enhance the presentation of the farm.
The property benefits from all-weather access while there are stock handling facilities of a shearing shed, new cattle yards and loading ramp beneath a very large Moreton Bay fig tree.
Buildings include an original unused homestead, with a transportable two bedroom living unit with appropriate services on the holding.
Three phase power is on the property which makes it attractive to intensely irrigated horticultural pursuits such as tomatoes or alternative tree crops.
The property is rectangular in shape with good road frontages on two boundaries.
Prior to outright acquisition in 1998 by the Hehir family the property was owned for many decades by the late Stan Jasper who with his wife lived modestly on the property and conducted a low impact farming regime, principally sheep and later to agist dairy cattle.
<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/2019/1/10/RURALCO%20KINRARA%20MOIRA%20CHANNEL.jpg" alt="">
With an aversion to cultivation or chemical use, this historic approach facilitated the conversion to organic. 
Miller notes that: “strong swards of sub clover and ryegrass have been managed over the last twenty years with a small cropping area, most recently of high yield vetch that was harvested in the 2018 spring. 
“Lucerne has also been established on the irrigated pastures after cropping and grown as summer green feed without irrigation to supply a large flush of autumn feed following the seasonal break or after further irrigation.
“The success of the lucerne is put down to roots beyond three metres reflecting the high value of the soils under the organic regime.”
The Hehir family has typically run 300 to 450 head of dairy cattle on Kinrara over the winter and cut 2,000 bales of clover dominant hay in most years. 
Surveys have established the organic matter of Kinrara’s soils in the range of 3.17 to 4.65% that is approximately double that of district farms. 
<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/2019/1/10/RURALCO%20KINRARA%20PASTURES.jpg" alt="">
Miller adds he has assessed the land value as in the region of $1,350 per acre.
“Nothing like this holding has come on to the market in this district in recent years nor is there anything of similar productivity expected to become available.”
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Organic Echuca-Moama region farm listed for auction

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The WA Government has called for offers on the former Princess Margaret Hospital carpark.
The three-street front West Perth offering encompasses a total 5,666 square metres, one of the inner-city’s largest infill redevelopment sites for some time.
Approval is in place for three titles with offers being sought for purchase as one englobo lot or as one of three individual site lots.
Situated opposite the old hospital, the former medical specialists’ carpark will play a pivotal role in the future rejuvenation of West Perth and complement the adjoining Subi East redevelopment precinct.
LJ Hooker Commercial Perth’s Brian Neo and Vincent Siciliano have been appointed exclusively to the sales campaign.
Neo anticipated the site – located on the eastern side of Thomas Street with almost 50 and 90 metres of frontage to Cook and Murray streets, respectively – would attract interstate and international interest.
He said it would appeal to developers looking for premium infill sites ahead of the next property cycle.
“This is the leading infill development site currently on the market in Perth and one of the best we’ve seen offered in several years,” said Neo.
“The site is earmarked for office and residential development under the City of Perth town planning scheme and, as an elevated site, has the capacity to offer stunning, panoramic views of the city via a future tower development.
“In addition to its large-scale footprint, any redevelopment of the site can leverage the amenity which the State envisions for the future of the Princess Margaret Hospital site, which it is connected to via a pedestrian underpass.”
The double western allotments of the carpark site each offer 1845 square metres of developable land, while the eastern allotment is larger at 1976 square metres.
“The former carpark site will have a great influence in the overall rejuvenation of the inner-city and the State Government is interested in finding a buyer with a vision to complement their intent for the precinct.”
Offers to purchase close February 22 2pm, WA time.
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Former Princess Margaret carpark listed by WA Government as infill redevelopment site

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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