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The former Lower North Shore McGrath franchisee Dean Mackie seems set to open a Di Jones office next year.
Mackie has been recruited by Di Jones chief executive Rob Ward.
Now with a network of five offices, Ward has long signalled plans to expand the group to 10 offices by 2021.
The Mackie-led franchise lost its McGrath operations last Friday when McGrath Estate Agents provided the stockmarket with an update regarding the April 2019 renewal of its Sydney Lower North Shore franchise office arrangement.
McGrath announced it had withdrawn its offer to extend the franchise agreement beyond April.
Mackie, who had headed the LNS operation since 2005, was in the news mid year when a Kirribilli waterfront property attracted a premium price.
A one-bedroom apartment on the market for the first time in more than 50 years sold for $125,000 above reserve at $1,875,000.
The 65-square-metre apartment sold to the final bidder to jump in, Dean Mackie, who bought the home shortly after inspecting it for the first time. 
Mackie addressed the 2009 AREC when he present the winning strategies he had implemented in growing his property management business from zero to 1000 properties in two years.
The McGrath franchise decision puts the future of one of the McGrath group's top performers, Michael Coombs in play with whispers that he's heading to LJ Hooker Avnu.
McGrath is currently considering the "optimum" structure for the continuation of the McGrath presence in the key markets of Mosman, Neutral Bay, Chatswood and Northbridge.
Their decision was couched as providing the opportunity of strengthening the profitability for the publicly listed estate agency.
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“We have a clear plan to rejuvenate our presence in the region," McGrath chief, Geoff Lucas said.
The shareholders were told by Lucas the LNS profitability had "fallen below expectations in recent years.”
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There has been no formal announcement by the Di Jones group which has been dealing with the loss of its own top seller in the eastern suburbs, <a href="/news/jane-schumann-quits-di-jones-for-r-h-double-bay">Jane Schumann this week to Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay.</a>
Mackie will step into an agency where its longtime Woollahra village-style origins had a women's influence.
Newspaper reports in the late 1990s suggested Di Jones was the doyenne of the female brigade in Sydney, at a time when ABS figures showed the percentage of female sales staff in real estate sat at around 40 per cent, way down on the US industry where eight in 10 are women.
The Di Jones office, with its French country style, avoided the hard edges often found in rival estate agencies.
She had her female staff dress to create an air of sober authority.
"I don't think the sexy look works very well," Jones explained.
"Everyone in our office dresses very business-like. I normally wear a suit because I think you need to look business-like to be taken seriously.
"I wouldn't like to think the girls in my office used their sexuality to sell a property but I'm sure some women do. But no, that's not our image at all." 
Its website traffic indicated almost twice as many women as men visiting <a href="http://www.dijones.com.au/"></a>with almost 80,000 total visits per month. 
The office has since been incorporated into the upper North Shore business of the former LJ Hooker Wahroonga agent Rob Ward in 2016.
Ward had founded LJ Hooker Wahroonga in 2003.
The landmark Woollahra office relocated from Queen Street this week to shop top premises on Paddington's Five Ways, with administrative staff now relocated to Wahroonga.
It now sits amid its team on the North Shore, the Northern Suburbs and in the NSW Southern Highlands, along with the lower North Shore seemingly from early next year.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Dean Mackie set to take Di Jones office option after losing McGrath franchise

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ASIC has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against Port Phillip Publishing Pty Ltd (PPP), an online financial publisher and Australian financial services licence (AFSL) holder, and its director and CEO, Kris Sayce.
The proceeding concerns an article promoting an investment strategy which, according to PPP, consumers could adopt to “piggyback”, or mimic the performance of, the Australian Government’s Future Fund. 
<a href="https://newslettercollector.com/newsletter/wednesday-how-you-could-pocket-an-extra-540-to-6-667-every-month/" target="_blank">The 2017 article</a> which said that the investment strategy would generate monthly income of $540 to $6,667 was not written by Sayce, but Matthew Hibbard.
Sayce promotes himself as "never one to pull punches, especially when it comes to Australia’s hapless bureaucracy and special interest groups."
Once dubbed the ‘Jeremy Clarkson of Australian finance’, Sayce began as a London finance broker specialising in small-cap stock analysis on London’s Alternative Investment Market — which covered everything from Kazakhstani gold miners to toy train companies. 
Sayce is a fully accredited advisor in shares, options, warrants and foreign-exchange investments, who spent several years at a leading Australian wealth-management company before he began working at Port Phillip Publishing, where he is the publisher and CEO of the Albert Park-based company. 
The article, which included client testimonials purportedly supporting the strategy, was targeted at retirees.
It was published on two of PPP’s websites and emailed to some 120,000 subscribers. It's open rate has not been revealed.
Readers were able to access the promoted investment strategy by purchasing a detailed guide from PPP for $49.
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The document entitled “Your Quick Start Guide to ‘Piggybacking’ the Future Fund” was sent to 833 of PPP’s subscribers during the relevant period between September 2017 and January 2018.
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ASIC alleges that the article and the guide were misleading and deceptive because consumers could not mimic the performance of the Future Fund by adopting the promoted investment strategy.
ASIC allege PPP did not disclose that the touted returns could only be achieved by investing approximately $154,286 and $1.9 million.
ASIC allege the article did not represent the opinions of Matthew Hibbard, the PPP retirement investment expert.
"Instead, it was substantially copied by one of PPP’s copywriters from an article published by an American related entity of PPP in the United States entitled, Americans Now Legally Piggybacking Canadian Social Security ... And Collecting Extra Monthly Checks from $400 to $4,700.”
ASIC further allege Hibbard had not conducted, as outlined, "research in the order of 900 hours in relation to the investment strategy; and had not connected with over 5,400 people who had generated income by adopting the investment strategy."
ASIC also allege that the three testimonials contained in the article were false.
The testimonials were advised as "folks like":
<ul>
<li>77 year-old M H a retired farmer living in South Australia, he stumbled across this weird - but lucrative - income strategy a few years back. Since then he’s open to monthly income amounts like $575 and $1,362...</li>
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<li>Retiree Leon M switched on this secret strategy inside his self-managed super fund...and now collects a monthly income stream of around $540...</li>
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<li>Or Jolly, who – on average – collects $6,667 each month using this loophole.</li>
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ASIC alleges that PPP and Sayce breached various consumer protection provisions of the ASIC Act and Corporations Act, that PPP breached its AFSL obligations, and that Sayce breached his duties as a director of PPP. 
In addition to declarations and financial penalties, ASIC seeks corrective advertising orders, injunctions and disqualification orders against the Frankston South-based Sayce. 
The first hearing of the matter is listed for 22 February 2019.
It is regulatory guide 234 Advertising Financial Products and Services (including credit): Good Practice Guidance (RG234) that provides guidance to help promoters comply with their legal obligations not to make false or misleading statements or engage in misleading and deceptive conduct, ASIC advised.
Port Phillip Publishing claims with its 20 subscription services and five free daily emails that its readers get a "comprehensive insight into the ideas that the mainstream media frequently neglects – or is too lazy to research."
PPP's most recent addition to the stable was Harry Dent Daily, which offers the thoughts of <a href="/expert-insights/investing/harry-dent-says-he-was-early-with-his-dire-sydney-price-collapse-forecast">the controversial doomsday property analyst</a>.
Port Phillip Publishing was established in 2005 as the Australian outpost of US publisher, Agora Inc, which was founded by best-selling author and entrepreneur Bill Bonner.
Many of its subscription newsletters are paid: 
• Australian Small Cap Investigator – A$99 annually • Secret Crypto Network – A$99 annually • Exponential Stock Investor – A$99 annually • Phillip J Anderson Cycles, Trends and Forecasts – A$99 annually • The Gowdie Letter – A$99 annually • Global Investor – A$99 annually • Harry Dent Boom &amp; Bust letter – A$99 annually • Wealth Eruption – A$99 annually • Money Morning Trader – A$49 monthly • Crisis &amp; Opportunity – A$149 annually • Gowdie Family Wealth – A$449 annually • Revolutionary Tech Investor – A$1,499 annually • Quant Trader – A$3,499 annually • Gold &amp; Commodities Stock Trader – A$2,499 annually • Microcap Trader – A$4,999 annually • Crash Market Investor – A$2,999 annually • Crypto Tech Investor – A$2,499 annually • Extreme Crypto Trader – A$2,999 annually • Billion Dollar Breakout Trader – A$2,999 annually • Microcap Global Trader – A$2,999 annually • Phil Anderson’s Time Trader – A$2,999 annually • Options Trader – A$3,499 annually
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ASIC seek to take financial services licence off Kris Sayce, the Port Phillip Publishing boss

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A four bedroom, one bathroom Mount Isa house has been sold by its mortgagee.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mount+isa-129547962" target="_blank">5 Mill Crescent, Mount Isa</a> the home sold for $140,000 after 66 days on the market.
Last sold in 2012 for $278,000 after spending 590 days on the market without success, the late 2018 sale was just over half that 2012 price.
Prior to that it had sold in 1999 for $93,000.
The home features front and back verandas accessed via sliding glass doors.
Set on a 705 sqm block the property is fully fenced.
It was sold by City and Country agents, John and Kieran Tully.
Situated in the suburb of Pioneer, the median price for a home in <a href="/developments/pioneer-qld-4825">Pioneer</a> is $151,000, according to CoreLogic data.
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Mount Isa home sold by mortgagee for half last sale price

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Bogus property developer Maureen Johnston, of Carrum Downs, Victoria has been sentenced in the County Court of Victoria to five years and six months imprisonment.
An ASIC investigation found Mrs Johnston, a former director of Small Business Management Pty Ltd and Investman Nominees (USA) Pty Ltd, deceived victims into investing money in various bogus property developments in the United States and Australia.
The funds were not used for investment purposes, but instead were spent gambling at the Melbourne Crown Casino and paying her personal credit card debt.
The sentencing comes after Mrs Johnston pleaded guilty to three counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, totalling $1,027,000.
Many of the victims met Mrs Johnston and her husband, Douglas Johnston, through their close association with the Collingwood Football Club, where friendships were developed before the Johnstons first raised the idea of investing personally through them.
Mrs Johnston must serve a minimum of two years before being eligible for parole.
In sentencing, Her Honour Judge Wilmoth stated Mrs Johnston’s actions were, “intentionally dishonest and blatantly opportunistic” and if it was not for her early guilty plea, the sentence would have been seven years with a period of three years before being eligible for parole.
Judge Wilmoth noted that Mrs Johnston befriended the victims, who included Mrs Johnston’s house cleaner and a patient whom she had met in hospital, before exploiting them for financial gain. Her Honour commented that one of the victim’s description of Mrs Johnston as “absolutely ghoulish, atrocious and heartless” was completely understandable. 
The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
On 8 October 2014, charges against Mr and Mrs Johnston were issued.
On 16 December 2015, after a three-day contested committal hearing, Mr and Mrs Johnston were committed to stand trial, entering into pleas of not guilty.
The trial date for Mr and Mrs Johnston was set down for 23 January 2017, however it did not proceed, as Mrs Johnston offered a guilty plea which was accepted on 20 December 2017.
Maureen Johnston was accused of using players from the Collingwood Football Club, including Andrew Krakouer, to strike up friendships with fellow club members who then became her targets.
The Herald Sun reported Mrs Johnston was a member of the exclusive “Black Room”, an invitation-only club where Crown’s biggest spenders can play pokies.
A trial date for Doug Johnston was set down for April next year.
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$1 million deception against Collingwood AFL supporters sees bogus property developer jailed

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The big fines and directorship bans on Octaviar executives over the dishonest use of investors’ funds have been upheld by an appeals court.
The Queensland Court of Appeal has published reasons for judgment dismissing the appeals of Craig Robert White and Guy Hutchings, who were officers of MFS Investment Management Limited (MFSIM), the former responsible entity of the Premium Income Fund (PIF). 
An appeal by Marilyn Anne Watts, a former funds manager of PIF, was also dismissed. 
White, Hutchings and Watts were ordered to pay ASIC’s costs of their appeals.
In a separate appeal brought by Michael Christodoulou King, the court partially allowed the appeal finding that King had not contravened the Corporations Act as an ‘officer’ of MFSIM at the relevant time. The court found that his contraventions were limited to his being knowingly concerned in MFSIM’s contravention by the misapplication of $130 million of PIF’s money.
The court has given further directions to King and ASIC in relation to the finalisation of his appeal.
The proceedings relate to breaches committed in connection with the misappropriation of $147.5 million of funds that had been held by the PIF on behalf of unitholders.  The misappropriated funds were used to pay debts owed by other entities in the MFS Group (also known as Octaviar) and false documents were created, some backdated and used to purportedly justify the use of the funds. The MFS Group collapsed in 2008 owing approximately $2.5 billion.
In May 2016, the court found that King, White, Anderson, Hutchings and Watts had collectively committed 217 contraventions of the Corporations Act (16-158MR).  The court found that King, White, Anderson and Hutchings had breached their duties as officers of MFSIM to act honestly and in the best interests of members of PIF.  Watts was found to have been involved in MFSIM’s breach of its duty to act honestly and in the best interests of members of the fund.
In May 2017, after more than 70 days of hearings, excluding interlocutory hearings and appeals, Justice Douglas made orders, imposing substantial disqualifications from managing corporations, pecuniary penalties and other relief in relation to the officers and the funds manager.
In June 2017, King, White, Anderson, Hutchings and Watts each appealed from the decision of the court at first instance
Anderson filed a notice of discontinuance of his appeal in September 2017, agreeing that his appeal be discontinued and that he pay ASIC’s costs of his appeal.
The remaining appeals were heard over 11 days in June 2018.
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Appeals dismissed over convictions following MFS Group collapse 

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Vail Resorts, which already owns Perisher in NSW, is planning to buy Victoria's Mount Hotham (top) and Falls Creek (below) ski resorts.
The acquisition is estimated to be for about $120 million.
It is being sold by the British-listed Merlin Entertainments, according to a Nine Entertainment report.
Merlin Entertainments, the world's second-biggest visitor attractions group behind Walt Disney, took over the failing Living and Leisure Australia (LLA) Group’s interests including the Melbourne Aquarium, Underwater World Mooloolaba, the Victorian ski resorts of Hotham and Falls Creek, in 2012.
<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/2018/12/21/Falls1.jpg" alt="">
It was 2015 when the US-based Vail Resorts bought James Packer's Perisher ski resort for $176.6 million.
The deal includes Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega resorts on a lease until 2048 with a 20-year option.
Kerry Packer bought the Perisher ski fields in 1972 with the takeover of Murray Magazines.
The mooted acquisitions of the Victorian resorts comes days after Vail's financial update that its fiscal 2019 first quarter net loss included the $1 million of headwind from currency translation related to operations at Perisher.
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Falls Creek and Mount Hotham to be sold to Vail Resorts

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A father of four children has bought them all an apartment for Christmas.
The Sunday Telegraph reported finance worker Majed Akil was afraid his adult children would never be able to save up a deposit on their own, so used his savings and equity in the family home to put down deposits on four apartments in Liverpool.
They are in the Coronation’s The Paper Mill project at Liverpool.
The four siblings are aged 19 to 30.
Two have taken over the mortgages with their partners.
The other units will be rented out until the younger two complete their university studies and are ready to move in.
“I wanted to give them a head start because I think it has become impossible for our kids to save $100,000 to $150,000,” Mr Akil said.
He bought the two bedroom units off the plan for between $487,000 and $546,000.
The similar apartments are on different floors.
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Dad buys four kids an apartment each for Christmas in Coronation's The Paper Mill

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Over the past five years, "strategic leasing initiatives" have saved taxpayers an estimated $80 million on office rental costs in the Sydney CBD.
Property NSW CEO, Brett Newman, said effective management of the portfolio, a combination of moving from premium buildings and negotiating below-benchmark new deals on CBD office space, had delivered savings for the Government.
“Prime Gross Effective office rents in Sydney’s CBD have increased by more than 55 per cent in the last three years and are forecast to increase significantly over the next three years amid constrained supply,” Mr Newman said 
The Government's plan has involved moving out of premium buildings and into A Grade buildings as well as increasing its presence in the Southern CBD.
Mr Newman said the Government has moved from paying around 15 per cent above the Prime Industry Benchmark in 2014 to more than 30 per cent below in 2018."
The NSW Government is the State’s largest tenant, occupying more than one million square metres of office space across metropolitan and regional NSW.
Property NSW is has made progress on reducing CBD office space by a goal of 100,000 sqm by 2021.
It has made a reduction of more than 70,000 sqm to date.
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NSW Government saves $80 million on Sydney CBD leases

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JD Sports Fashion has opened in Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall at 400 George Street.
The successful fashion retailer signed a 10-year lease for 1,200 sqm of space across both the ground floor and level one.
The ground floor is functioning as a sporting footwear department store, while the upper level showcases a range of sports clothing and active wear.
Michael Cook, Group Executive, Investa said, the new JD Sports store located within 400 George Street and fronting Pitt Street Mall was the perfect fit.
"If the first few weeks are any guide, JD Sports will emerge as one of the strongest retailers in the city,” 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/2018/12/20/JD%202.jpg" alt="">
400 George Street is a 51,000 sqm office and retail complex located in the centre of the Sydney CBD.
Adjoining the office building, Sydney Arcade incorporates over 5,500 sqm of retail space and accommodates leading Australian and international retailers such as Hugo Boss, Telstra Discovery Centre, Mont Blanc and a Woolworths Metro store.
Leasing agent, Alex Alamsyah of Knight Frank completed the leasing transaction in conjunction with Invest.
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JD Sports opens in Pitt Street Mall

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As auctions volumes across the country shrink, hopefuls still remain in almost every state for the upcoming Saturday December 22nd auctions.
The eleventh hour auction offerings number in the dozens, rather than thousands that go on a typical Saturday.
Among the listing in the ACT is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-act-nicholls-130003766" target="_blank">5/149 Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls</a> (pictured above).
This three bedroom two bathroom townhouse comes without a price guide.
Set on 146 sqm this home is located at the back of a Gold Creek complex and features a two car lockup garage.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/Auction%20hopefuls%202.JPG" alt="">
In Queensland there is <a href="https://www.eplace.com.au/property/QLD-Sherwood-R2-1745693" target="_blank">38 Lance Street, Sherwood</a> (pictured above) set for auction this Saturday.
This holding is a vacant allotment set on 405 sqm.
The lot is situated within walking distance of local schools, public transport links, and amenities.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/Auction%20hopefuls%203.JPG" alt="">
One Saturday auction hopeful in Victoria this week is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-roxburgh+park-130004822" target="_blank">4 Korab Place, Roxburgh Park</a> (pictured above).
Set on a 580 sqm block the house has an indicative price guide of $540,000 to $580,000.
The four bedroom two bathroom house has a crescent driveway with room for 7 vehicles.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/Auction%20hopefuls%204.JPG" alt="">
Carlingford is host to the NSW auction of <a href="http://tracyyap.com.au/1P9232/60-14-16-freeman-place-carlingford" target="_blank">60/14-16 Freeman Place</a> (pictured above).
The three bedroom two bathroom apartment is accompanied by an indicative price guide of $745,000 to $795,000.
Featuring a tandem lockup garage the unit is located near public transport links and other amenities.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/Auction%20hopefuls%205.JPG" alt="">
A home in South Australia set for auction this weekend is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-marino-130007318" target="_blank">43 Trumara Road, Marino</a> (pictured above).
Set on 1,123 sqm the home features views of the coast and Trumara.
The three bedroom one bathroom home is located within 30 minutes of the city.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/20/Auction%20hopefuls%206.JPG" alt="">
The final state with a Saturday auction is Western Australia, with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-wa-attadale-129972726" target="_blank">5/240 Burke Drive, Attadale</a> (pictured above) set to go under the hammer.
Set on 137 sqm the waterfront unit is located on an A class reserve.
The three bedroom two bathroom unit hasn't been offered to the market since the late 80's.
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Hopefuls list on weekend before Christmas

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Joel Robinson

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

The wave of apartment proposals sweeping through Mosman shows no signs of slowing, with another major residential development lodged through the NSW Government's State Significant Development pathway.

Developer First Quadrant Properties, which recently completed Willoughby Grounds and has several projects in planning across the North Shore, has unveiled plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cove-on-ourimbah-40-56-ourimbah-road-mosman-nsw-2088">Cove on Ourimbah</a>, a 63-apartment development on Ourimbah Road, adding to the growing pipeline of projects reshaping one of Sydney's most tightly held harbour suburbs.

The proposal would consolidate nine properties at 40-56 Ourimbah Road into a part eight, part nine-storey apartment building, continuing the momentum created by the NSW Government's accelerated planning pathways that have seen several significant developments emerge across Mosman over the past 12 months.

Designed by Doroch Architects, the project would deliver 63 apartments, resident wellness facilities including a gym, pool and sauna, landscaped communal spaces and basement parking, while using recessed upper levels, generous setbacks and extensive planting to reduce the perceived scale of the building.

<img alt="First look: First Quadrant Properties eyes nine-storey Mosman apartment project under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ee68e4-141e-4a10-8f83-48e961a5e71e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ourimbah%20Road%2C%20Mosman%20a.png?VersionId=CUeILFc6APlwXPc.iplElbxHvREKwjig" />

Doroch Architects said the building had been designed to reinforce Mosman's established character.

"The building's aesthetic is grounded in the existing residential character of Ourimbah Road and the broader Mosman context," the architect noted in the planning documents submitted to the NSW Government.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette of natural stone, textured concrete and brown concave metal cladding, complemented by integrated planters and deep balconies. The podium incorporates softened curved concrete forms, while increased setbacks have been provided adjacent to the heritage-listed property at 60 Ourimbah Road to create a more sympathetic transition.

The site sits around 330 metres from Mosman Town Centre, placing it within the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy area, where increased residential density is being encouraged close to shops, transport and services.

The proposal follows a string of major apartment projects lodged or declared State Significant in Mosman in recent months, including Abadeen's 100-apartment Honeysuckle Garden redevelopment on Military Road and several other developments across Awaba Street, Redan Street and Muston Street from the likes of Time &amp; Place, HELM and Prosker Property.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Time &amp; Place to take on Mosman apartment market</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-abadeen-plans-100-apartments-on-former-honeysuckle-garden-site-in-mosman">First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman</a>

&nbsp;

Staff reporter

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