<html><body>
Designed and lived in by internationally renowned architect Sydney Ancher in 1948, number 2 Maytone Avenue, Killara, is up for sale.
Jill Smith of Savills Gordon has listed the property which is one of three that form an enclave of modern case-study houses.
Featuring iconic curved walls, sliding glass doors and a large covered balcony with an automated vergola, this house offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a triple car garage with workshop and storeroom. 
"The sale of this property offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Australian, and indeed international, significance," Jill Smith of Savills Gordon said.
"Being situated just moments from Gordon shopping, transport and highly-acclaimed schools, makes this a very special offering indeed."
The onsite auction is scheduled for March 23 with a $2 million price guide.
The three homes demonstrate how modern International Style architecture was adapted in Australia using the capacities of local post-war construction.
Sydney Ancher was amongst the first to introduce the International Style to Australian domestic buildings, reshaping its forms to the needs of the climate and way of life.
At 2 Maytone Avenue, the basic Miesian cube is extended with covered areas, emulating the Australian verandah.
The flowing open-plan living spaces, well-proportioned kitchen, and outlook from outdoor living areas are all important architectural details in this modern 1945 house.
The effect of the open-plan living area and the use of retractable screens and curtains create an interior space that is almost Japanese in its flexibility.  
Sydney Ancher’s fascination with Europe contributed to the introduction of European internationalism in Australia.
Along with Arthur Baldwinson, Robin Boyd, Sir Roy Grounds and Harry Seidler, Sydney Ancher pioneered modern domestic architecture in Australia. His houses of the late 1940s and 1950s became widely known and demonstrated to others the possibilities of a new approach to residential living.   
Neighbouring property, 3 Maytone Avenue, also designed by Sydney Ancher, won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) Sulman Award in 1945 for its modern indoor-outdoor relationship, despite postwar restrictions and shortages, and in the face of obstructions from a conservative local council that required amendments to be made to some of his designs.
<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/2019/1/31/killara%202.jpg" alt="">
The pre-eminent photographer of modernist architecture, Max Dupain, captured Sydney Ancher’s iconic architecture and formidable style of 2 Maytone Avenue in a series of black and white photographs.
Number 2 Maytone Avenue is a full-brick contemporary house, set on 746 square metres in a peaceful, child-friendly cul-de-sac on the east side of Killara.
Boasting light and airy living spaces that flow to north-easterly, alfresco entertaining areas with a leafy aspect, it offers private, low-maintenance living only a short walk from Gordon.
<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/2019/1/31/killara%203.jpg" alt=""> 
The house was thoughtfully renovated by internationally recognised architect Glenn Murcutt AO. 
It last sold at $1.1 million in 2012.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

1948 Sydney Ancher designed Killara home for auction

<html><body>
A two bedroom, two bathroom North Adelaide home has been listed for auction by its mortgagee.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-sa-north+adelaide-130193630" target="_blank">8/7A East Pallant Street</a>, the home was set for a February 2 auction, but it has been postponed until February 16.
Craig Angel of Century 21 holds the listing.
Set across two floors the townhouse features a small home office on the first floor.
Located just off Melbourne street the property is five minutes from the CBD.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/north-adelaide-sa-5006">North Adelaide</a> is $951,000, according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 1.6%.
</body></html>

North Adelaide home listed by mortgagee set for February auction 

<html><body>
Westpac chief executive Brian Hartzer has rejected claims that the big four banks are worsening the housing price slump by cutting off credit.
"Let's be clear: we want to lend", Hartzer said in his opinion column in the Australian Financial Review.
"For Westpac, the recent decline in credit growth was due entirely to a reduction in new applications; average approved loans sizes actually increased slightly, while our approval rates remained unchanged".
"As to the perception that the royal commission has made banks scared to lend, for Westpac this is simply not the case", Hartzer said.
Hartzer did suggest the increase in scrutiny of customers' expenses and income, plus the building of additional buggers into loan serviceability calculations, had added to the time and cost of getting a loan.
"My view is that the housing market remains fundamentally sound and, overall, the adjustments are nothing to be alarmed about."
Median house prices in Sydney fell 10 percent in 2018, according to CoreLogic, while the second biggest capital housing market Melbourne saw 9.1 percent falls, accelerated in the latter part of the year.
Hartzer said the falls needed to be seen in the context of a 75 percent jump in Sydney prices between 2011 and 2017, and a 55 percent rise in Melbourne prices over the same period.
He cautions that investors have been given further "reason to pause", ahead of the looming general election and Labor's proposed tightening of tax breaks for negatively geared property.
He said "uncertainty around potential taxation changes relating to residential property" was weighing on demand from property investors while buyers were putting off decisions to buy, upgrade or invest until after the election. 
</body></html>

Westpac boss Brian Hartzer rejects blame for worsening housing price slump

<html><body>
Two duplex blocks at Burleigh Heads have been bought by local developers.
Set on a total of 1148 square metres of land, <a id="LPlnk616431" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-burleigh+heads-130140470" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">6 and 8 Ikkina Road</a> were described as a “developer’s dream”.
One block sold for $1.04 million and the other for $925,000, with Ray White selling agent Jackson Paradise indicating the duo were set to rebuild new duplexes.
<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/2019/1/29/burleigh%20heads%202.jpg" alt="">
The 607 square metre block at 6 Ikkina Road consists of a three-bedroom unit and a two-bedroom unit. 
The other 541 square metre holding comprises of two two-bedroom units. 
The properties are in the Koala Park precinct, across the road from Tallebudgera Creek and within walking distance to Burleigh Heads beaches, local cafes, shopping, restaurants and future approved light rail.
</body></html>

Adjoining Burleigh Heads duplexes bought by local developers at auction

<html><body>
AMP Capital has commenced the Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre’s $142 million development in Sydney's inner west.
Construction began this month with expectations of completion in two years.
The development, which AMP Capital is managing on behalf of owner UniSuper, will extend the existing Metro centre to the south between Smidmore and Edinburgh Roads.
On completion the centre will be expanded from 22,000 square metres to 33,000 square metres.
It will host an additional 44 new retailers including Coles, as well as a fresh food precinct and indoor and al fresco dining options.
AMP Capital’s global head of real estate, Carmel Hourigan said the development will support the transformation occurring in the Inner West.
There are a number of other construction projects for the local area currently underway or proposed, supported by total trade area population growth of 2.3% per annum since 2011, and projected growth of 1.5% per annum, to reach a population of 440,000 by 2021.
AMP Capital anticipates the project will generate 200 construction jobs and over 600 job opportunities for the local community on completion.
The development will ‘up-cycle’ a disused industrial warehouse located next to The Metro.
Designed by Hames Sharley, ADCO Constructions has been appointed as construction partner for the development.
The majority of the works will be undertaken outside the existing centre with minimal disruption to current tenants or trading.
</body></html>

Marrickville Metro’s $142 million development starts

<html><body>
For the first time in 18 years, some 20 Sydney CBD street kiosks are to be leased.
They were originally built for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
The kiosks permitted uses include fruit, flowers, news and general retail style operations.
Michael Tuck, Senior Executive, Retail Leasing at Colliers International said it presented an "exceptional and rare opportunity" for local businesses to secure prime retail positions in the heart of Sydney CBD.
Earlier this year, the Colliers International Real Estate Management team were appointed by City of Sydney to manage property portfolio, consisting of approximately 400,000 square metres of commercial and community property.
The Colliers team are seeking Tenants for the approximately 20 Street Kiosks across the City.
One such kiosk is <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-sydney-503066802" target="_blank">1 Temperance Lane</a> (pictured above).
Set on 10 square metres it is situated in a laneway just off George Street in the food and beverage precinct.
The listing states the kiosk is "ready to trade" and approved for 9PM closing (6am opening).
</body></html>

20 Sydney CBD street kiosks for lease

<html><body>
Four vineyards across Mildura have hit the market.   Two are in Cardross, one in Irymple and one in Merbein West.
They are being offered at prices ranging between $374,000 and $840,000.   The four separate assets are all being marketed by Ray White Mildura director Damian Portaro.
Portaro said table grape farms are particularly "appetizing" to buyers because they have a much higher income production.
"They are, however, more labor intensive and open to more fluctuations in pricing due to vineyards potentially having contracts in place with wineries," he said.   "But despite these possible contracts, table grape farms can sell at two to three times the amount of a wine property."
According to statistics in 2016, the Mildura/Swan Hill/Wentworth regions produced 75% of Australia’s table grapes, so that highlights just how sought-after the area is for this type of asset, he noted.
The first vineyard being offered is <a id="LPlnk487475" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGQLQ0Zh/usz4LaUi9dO8uHNbRUHrYD8o62NPNNNAx5Y0=&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Lot 16, Euston</a><a id="LPlnk487475" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGQLQ0Zh/usz4LaUi9dO8uHNbRUHrYD8o62NPNNNAx5Y0=&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable"> </a><a id="LPlnk487475" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGQLQ0Zh/usz4LaUi9dO8uHNbRUHrYD8o62NPNNNAx5Y0=&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Avenue,</a><a id="LPlnk487475" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGQLQ0Zh/usz4LaUi9dO8uHNbRUHrYD8o62NPNNNAx5Y0=&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable"> Irymple</a> (pictured in title), which has an asking price of $424,000 – $466,000
Set on 8 hectares the vineyard is split between 4 hectares of Chardonnay and 4 hectares of Pinot Gris.
Irrigation on this property comprises drip irrigation throughout.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/30/Vineyard%202.JPG" alt="">
The second vineyard hitting the market is <a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGEjAjM1FjzvcnYJRCiDi3vusiV3zF6DumhVpnlLeiP6Q=&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank">592 Pawson Avenue, Cardross</a> (pictured above), which has the lowest price guide of the four properties being offered of $374,000 – $411,000
Set on 6.8 hectares this established property produces solely Cabernet varietal.
Irrigation on this property comprises drip irrigation throughout.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/30/Vineyard%203.JPG" alt="">
The second Cardross property and the first table grape farm is <a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGEjAjM1FjzvckO2rjSnSP8s47YvhEJXl4Al+GjVy0LfU=&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank">8 Ponde Street</a> (pictured above).
With an asking price of $499,000 – $548,000 this property's grape production comprises 6.4 hectares of Crimson Seedless and 1.2 hectares of Red Globe.
On elevated red loam soils, according to the listing, "the farm has undergone extensive redevelopment including re-trellis, wires and posts, along with new plantings of Crimson Seedless".
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/30/Vineyard%204.JPG" alt="">
The final property being offered is <a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">L</a><a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">ot 2, Cowanna</a><a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable"> A</a><a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">venue,</a><a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable"> Merb</a><a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">ein</a><a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable"> Wes</a><a id="LPlnk778394" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGknEeG1Aa9drqoS4GJHxgfMXrtKiQ3pFCYznC+SxxoOUNLmyuEhrmYA==&amp;rh=ff0046588d027172c940d3230b4db68dc45c9cf5" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">t</a> (pictured above).
With a price guide of $765,000 – $840,000 this 12 hectare property is a table grape farm.
The established property comprises 10 hectare of table grape varietal including Crimson Seedless, Midnight Beauty, Flame Seedless and Menindee Seedless.
There is also 70 megalitres of water available to purchase.
</body></html>

Four grape producing Mildura properties listed

<html><body>
<div>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
</div>
The December Quarter CPI printed 0.5%qtr, compared to the market median of 0.4% and Westpac’s forecast for 0.3%. At two decimal places, the rise in the CPI was 0.53%qtr, so a hard 0.5%. With base effects, the annual rate has eased back to 1.8%yr compared to 1.9%yr in Q3, 2.1%yr in Q2 and 1.9% in Q1. But with another sub 0.6% print, the six month annualised pace is down to 1.2%yr (using seasonally adjusted data – raw CPI six month annualised is 2.0%yr but this incorporates a seasonally stronger pace in H2). Inflation continues to bump along just at, or just under, the bottom of the RBA’s target band.
Following the December quarter 2017 CPI, we argued that searching for inflation in the Australian economy has been as fruitless as Vladimir and Estragon’s wait for Godot. While this report does suggest we have at least found a bottom in the disinflationary pulse, it is still too early to call an inflationary pulse is underway and there are some hints in the December 2018 report that the current scenario has much longer to run.
The average of the core measures, which are seasonally adjusted and exclude extreme moves, rose 0.4%qtr meeting market expectations. In the quarter, the trimmed mean gained 0.43% while the weighted median lifted 0.36%. The annual pace of the average of the core measures printed 1.8%yr which is the same as the September quarter print.
Incorporating revisions, the six month annualised growth in core inflation is 1.8%yr which is well below the bottom of the RBA target band and the slowest pace June 2016.
<img src="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/image/bulletin/Justin_Images/JanFeb19/Dec2018CPI.jpg" alt="CPi">
<div>
A small number of upside surprises but nothing that changes the fundamental picture
</div>
Some standouts in the quarter – on the positive side there was a stronger rise in alcohol &amp; tobacco (3.2% vs 2.8% expected), a surprising rise in utilities (0.1% vs –0.3% expected), a smaller fall in auto fuel (–2.5 vs –4.2% expected), a surprising jump in household contents &amp; services (0.5% vs –0.5% expected) and a stronger bump in holiday travel (2.6% vs 1.6% expected all due to strong domestic holiday prices). On the downside, food rose just 0.9% (1.2% expected) due to a smaller than expected rise in fresh fruit &amp; vegetables, clothing &amp; footwear fell –0.2% (a small rise was expected). Everything else came in close to expectations or just slightly stronger.
We think is worth noting the continued modest gains for housing expenditure. Housing costs overall rose as expected (0.2%) rents rose 0.2% (we thought they would be flat), dwelling prices rose just 0.4% (as we expected) while utilities rose 0.1% vs our –0.3% expected. The surprise in utilities was the jump in electricity prices that outweighed the normal seasonal fall in gas prices. 
There remains a number of near term negative risks for both rents and dwelling purchase costs in NSW and Victoria. Given that rents and dwelling purchases are worth around 15% of the CPI on their own, this is significant for headline inflation, and even more so for core, where their weight is somewhat higher.
Tradables fell 0.3% in the December quarter. The tradable goods component fell –0.1% due to automotive fuel (-2.5%), audio, visual &amp; comp equipment (-3.3%) and wine (-1.9%). The tradable services component fell 0.7% due to international holiday travel &amp; accommodation (-0.8%).
Non-tradables component rose 0.9% in the December quarter. The non-tradable goods component rose 1.5%, due to the excise tax increase for tobacco (9.4%). The non-tradable services component rose 0.6%, due to domestic holiday travel &amp; accommodation (6.2%).
<img src="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/image/bulletin/Justin_Images/JanFeb19/DecCPIComp.jpg" alt="CPICop">
<div>
Low inflation remains embedded in the economy
</div>
For the first time in two years inflation forecasters have underestimated the quarterly rise in the CPI. Does this signal a turnaround and the return of a more sustainable inflationary pulse? We don’t think so. While there are some isolated inflationary pressures; tobacco prices are clear standouts as well as embryonic indicators that the disinflationary pulse in retail, particularly in the household goods &amp; services and domestic holidays &amp; travel, may be ending. But, we are still seeing weakness in clothing and footwear while the moderation in housing costs (rents and dwelling purchases in particular) is a significant offset. We are, however, watching the surprising bump in electricity prices to see if this continues.
As housing has a significant group weighting in the CPI (15%) it has a meaningful impact on the estimates of both inflation and core inflation. As such, with core inflation below the bottom of the RBA’s target band we can find little to suggest any risk of a meaningful acceleration.
Justin Smirk is senior economist at Westpac.
</body></html>

An upside surprise but inflation remains well contained: Justin Smirk

<html><body>
The sale of the newly completed Westin Perth Hotel broke both the 2018 and the overall Perth record for largest single single asset transaction, according to JLL.
In a deal negotiated by JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group's Managing Director, Mark Durran, Malayasia's YTL group has acquired the Westin Perth from developer and owner BGC.
The hotel is said to have sold for over $200 million.
The 28 story five star hotel is situated just East of the Perth CBD in the City's heritage quarter.
Located 12 km from Perth international airport the hotel features 368 guest suites and 2,300 sqm of convention facilities including the largest ballroom in the CBD.
The sale of Westin Perth also includes Hibernian Place offering an outdoor plaza of 2,000 sqm.
Hibernian place has an existing DA 36,545 sqm of Grade A office.
Mr Durran said, "despite competitive market conditions the Westin Perth has performed strongly since opening in April 2018."
"Given Perth's positive future market outlook over the longer term, major investors are currently seeking quality hotel investments," he added.
YTL first entered the Australian hotel market in 2012 with their $415 million purchase of the Marriot Portfolio, including hotels in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
</body></html>

Westin Perth sale breaks both Perth and 2018 records

<html><body>
The Melbourne developer Gurner has revealed the first design details for its proposed Saint Moritz project.
It is its most ambitious project to-date with a $550 million end value.
It will have 120 beachside residences along with venues anchoring the ground level.
The pricing of the residences average $3.5 million.
Gurner is currently amending the exisiting permit for 14 – 16 The Esplanade, St Kilda, to halve the number of apartments from 240 to 120.
“ We believe the luxury end of the market has been waiting for something like this to come along," Tim Gurner said. 
Fender Katsalidis is the lead architect, with Koichi Takada Architects appointed to design one of the three buildings.
The interior designer is David Hicks.
Jack Merlo has been tasked with the landscapes. 
The first of the three buildings, Pacific House, is set to launch mid-year, featuring 45 residences averaging $4 million. 
 <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/2019/1/29/GURN10030_The%20Esplanade_IN26_BLD%20A_Penthouse_Bay%20View.jpg" alt="">
The $30 million penthouse that sits atop Pacific House will offer 650sqm of internal space along with a substantial 175sqm terrace with private pool, six bedrooms, a seven car private garage with direct access lift, four living rooms, in-home sauna and gym. 
The double-storey penthouse will have a cascading two-storey water feature surrounded by marble-clad walls, a solid Nero Marquina bathtub with 180 degree water views, another internal pool that submerges into the rooms below - complete with transparent glass that can be viewed from the lower level - a floating fireplace and a 1000-bottle, temperature-controlled wine cellar, accessible via a sculptural spiral staircase.  
Tim Gurner is confident they will achieve a Melbourne record.  
“We initially designed the penthouse with a floorplan of over 1,300sqm and an even bigger price-tag however the early feedback we have received from our local and international clientele was that a penthouse of this size would be too big even for them,” he said.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/29/GURN10030_The%20Esplanade_IN19_BLD%20A_Penthouse_Pool%20%20Dining.jpg" alt="">
Gurner will offer a full design customisation package included within the purchase price. 
"The service will allow purchasers to work directly with David Hicks and Tim Gurner to create interior spaces that are only limited by one’s imagination – bowling alleys, infra-red sauna and steam-rooms, cigar rooms, poker rooms, art galleries or perhaps even sound-proofed home offices or recording studios," said Gurner. 
“Literally anything is possible at Saint Moritz,” he said.
The 120 private residences encompassing two, three bedroom, four, five and six bedroom offerings, comes with prices ranging from $1.4 million to $30 million-plus. 
The project is currently taking registrations of interest with sales to launch in mid 2019. 
<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/2019/1/29/GURN10030_The%20Esplanade_IN24_BLD%20A_Penthouse_Bath%20to%20Bedroom.jpg" alt="">
 
</body></html>

Gurner's Saint Moritz, St Kilda will offer full design customisation

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

&nbsp;

FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

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

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

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

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

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News