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Design studio Studio Ongarato has created four Brisbane-inspired design narratives for W Brisbane, the first 5-star hotel to open in Queensland’s capital in more than 20 years.
Studio co-founder Fabio Ongarato says that creating immersive environmental design narratives, as at W Brisbane, is an emerging trend in the hotel and hospitality space.
“Our first narrative-led hotel was for the W Hong Kong back in 2010," Ongarato says.
"Using narrative at that time was uncommon.
"It successfully injected greater vibrancy into the brand and rewrote the rulebook for narrative-led hotel design.
"It also successfully set the tone for all the W hotels since.”
Ronnen Goren, who with Ongarato has led the studio for the past 25 years, says that Studio Ongarato’s engagement with W Brisbane represents the studio’s ability to marry creative design outcomes with commercial objectives.
It comes at a time of international expansion for Studio Ongarato, with recent projects in China, Hong Kong and the Middle East.
W Brisbane is located overlooking the Brisbane River and marks the W brand’s re-entry into Australia.
Featuring 312 rooms with views over South Bank and west towards Mount Coot-tha, as well as dining, bar, pool, spa and yoga facilities, the hotel opened in June, with others scheduled to open in Melbourne and Sydney over the next two years.
W Brisbane’s overarching theme A River Dreaming, developed by Nic Graham and Associates, pays respect to the Dreaming of the Turrbal people, which sees the river as the giver of life. A great snake making its way from the mountains through floodplains to the sea. In the serpent’s wake, a thriving and unique city has risen, one with a distinctive Australian character. 
Combining brand DNA, site context and the overarching river theme allowed Studio Ongarato to come up with four sub-narratives: Native Allure, Tropical Eden, Brisvegas and Dark Paradise. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Studio Ongarato creates locally inspired designs for new W Brisbane hotel

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A long held tree nursery has hit the market in response to high demand for approved boutique commercial sites in CBD Robina.
The nursery, which sits on a 6,763 square metre parcel of land at 299 Scottsdale Drive, has been used by Robina master developer, Robina Group, to cultivate trees for the group’s residential developments for more than 20 years.
The original parcel is in the process of being subdivided into two sites, with the largest - Lot 1 - now available. 
Lot 1 measures 3,874 square metre, features 80 metres of street frontage to key arterial road Scottsdale Drive and is pre-approved for a wide range of commercial uses.
Robina Group Development Manager Darrell Irwin said the decision to subdivide and release the nursery site followed more than $17 million in sales of development-ready parcels in CBD Robina over the past year. 
The arterial road location is set to appeal to commercial developers.
It would be suitable for everything from a service station or showroom to a fast food outlet or commercial offices. 
Colliers International’s Geoff Lamb and Samuel Biggins will be handling the sale of the site under an offers to purchase campaign ending on November 22. 
The site is just a few minutes’ drive to Robina Town Centre.
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Long-time Robina tree nursery hits market to meet strong boutique commercial site demand

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The retail markets in Rockhampton and Gladstone have been similar in their evolution over the years, from their original beginnings in the heart of their respective CBDs, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) commercial report.
The valuation firm took a look at the changing faces in the retail sector across the nation. 
The report suggested whilst retailers continue to occupy these traditional areas, the changing demands of retailers and shoppers, the lack of parking, supply, and general retail economic conditions have resulted in ongoing vacancies within these precincts (East Street and Goondoon Street precincts).
Most tenants within these precincts are now generally local retailers and food outlets supporting the commercial businesses in the area. Rentals within this precinct are substantially less than those within shopping centres and the area therefore attracts new retail and commercial businesses that are sensitive to the affordability of the rental.
The HTW valuers note: "There are a handful of neighbourhood shopping centres that have evolved from the more traditional convenience centres. Convenience centres were typically anchored by a small grocer and supported by other convenience tenants such as butchers, bakeries, fish and chip shops, post offices etc.
"The changing way people now shop, including the introduction of online grocery shopping, and the emergence of the larger players in the local markets has resulted in a number of changes including a shift towards larger neighbourhood shopping centres generally anchored by an IGA, Coles or Woolworths supermarket.
"This has resulted in increased vacancies and issues with rental affordability within the smaller traditional convenience centres. We consider that the retail space will continue to evolve with new challenges created by technology."
As rental levels and affordability have become a critical factor for local retailers and smaller convenience grocers have made way for larger neighbourhood supermarkets, it has also seen a shift in the profile of tenant that retail centres appear to be trying to attract.
In many centres, there has been a slow shift from traditional retail outlets to medical and health focused tenants, who typically can afford the higher rentals that these centres demand.
In terms of what tenants are looking for now as opposed to 10 years ago, some of the most notable items are good exposure, good on-site car parking, disability access and single level tenancies. It is becoming increasingly difficult to lease retail tenancies that have no parking or are in double storey walk up buildings.
"We have seen a softening of rentals in recent years and an increase in incentives required, seen to a greater extent in Gladstone than in Rockhampton as a result of the local market conditions," the valuer noted.
"We consider that these have now stabilised to a new norm, however for tenancies in secondary locations or with poor presentation, leasing is difficult and extended periods of vacancy are being seen." 
A Rockhampton City retail property has been listed for lease with the price of $25,00 per annum (pictured above)
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-rockhampton+city-502968730" target="_blank">300 Bolsover Street</a>, the 210 square metre property consists 60 square metre of cafe, 150 square metre of storage and car park.
Other features include refrigerator display cabinet, stainless steal and cold room.
<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/2018/10/4/berserker.jpg" alt="">
Another Rockhampton site is now on the market with the sale price of $780,000 (pictured above).
The site situated at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-berserker-502718514" target="_blank">59-61 High Street, Berserker</a> consists of two lots including one with a 653 square metre block of three shops and the other 645 square metre vacant one for lease. 
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Ongoing vacancies in the Rockhampton and Gladstone retail markets: HTW

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Rams Financial Group featured prominently in home loan disputes dealt with by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) during the 2017/18 financial year.
FOS received 43,684 disputes from consumers of financial services in the year to June, up 11% on the previous year.
There were 11,295 credit disputes, accounting for 43% of the disputes accepted into case management – an increase of 3% over the previous year. The main products in dispute were credit cards and home loans.
Rather than publish the raw number of disputes for each financial institution, FOS provides a measure called “chance of a dispute coming to FOS”, which shows the number of disputes relative to the size of the business.
For example in home financing, Rams Financial Group had the highest chance of a home loan dispute, with a rating of 66, meaning the likelihood of a Rams home loan customer taking a dispute to FOS is 66 in 100,000.
Other home lenders with relatively high dispute ratings were Bank of Queensland, at 45.3, Suncorp (39.6), ANZ (37.4), Bankwest (36.3) as well as Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (33.9).
Another indicator of user dissatisfaction with Rams is that almost a third of those who left reviews for Rams services gave them 1 star, with the most common complaints being a lack of communication, unexpected fees and rate hikes that were higher than advertised rates.
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Think before dealing with RAMS, BOQ, Suncorp and ANZ for home loans

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New research by ING reveals 51% of all Aussie home loan holders fear they’ll never be able to pay off their home loan.
Some 40% are concerned they’ll carry their mortgage into retirement.
The research confirmed that 82% are paying down more than what’s required most years.
The research comes as ING launches Everyday Round Up for Home Loans, a digital tool that enables ING customers to round up the loose change from their card purchases to pay down their ING mortgage. 
Card purchases made through ING’s Orange Everyday account are rounded up to the nearest $1 or $5 and the extra amount is automatically shifted from the customer’s Orange Everyday account to pay down the mortgage. 
ING’s head of retail banking, Melanie Evans says the loose change in less than a year has helped over 160,000 customers collectively save $32 million.
ING estimates that customers who round up $50 each month to their 30 year owner occupier Mortgage Simplifier mortgage of $350,000 could shave 19 months or save $14,000 in interest by rounding up their loose change.
It assumes the customer puts down a 20% deposit and makes principal and interest repayments.
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Anxious home loan holders seek fast lane to pay off their mortgage early

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The Wollongong Mall building leased to CBA is set for October 23 auction.
Located at 141-145 Crown Street, the three level building is leased to the bank until 2022 with options to 2032.
The building was built in 2012 to CBA's corporate standards.
Positioned in the Central CBD near Wollongong train station, the 858 square metre building has double retail frontage to Crown Street Mall.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/15/Wollongong%201.JPG" alt="">
The property is set on a 569 square metre site an hour south of Sydney.
The net income on the property is currently $610,382 per annum plu GST and the listing, held by Burgess Rawson, notes the building has "substantial tax depreciation benefits".
In 2010, the holding sold for $3.41 million.
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CBA's Wollongong Mall premises to go under the hammer 

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DealCorp has secured planning approval for a new development that will repurpose land created at the recently revamped Gardiner Train Station in Glen Iris.
The infill development repurposes the 2,700 square metre site opposite the new Gardiner Station forecourt, created as part of its recent multi-million-dollar upgrade.
The project opposite Gardiner Station, titled The Residences at Glenarm Square, will deliver around 120 apartments along with a gym, 15 metre indoor pool, communal lounge and luxurious business centre for residents, with an end value of approximately $100 million.
DealCorp’s plan for the development pays careful attention to the objectives for the area’s overlay including setback and notably, integration with the station and retail plaza, to deliver a new community heart for the bustling Glen Iris locale.
Designed by Plus Architecture with interiors created by Hecker Guthrie, the development will feature 1000 square metre of retail and commercial space over two levels with a range of services for the local community including plans for a provedore, café, and deli/grocer.
DealCorp executive chairman, David Kobritz says the project will deliver an affordable apartment product to a location where the median house price is currently over $2 million.
With over a 30-year history of urban development experience, DealCorp is an experienced mixed-use developer that has completed 16 projects since 2011 with total gross revenue of $550 million.
Other current projects include the substantial Polaris 3083 urban regeneration project that is transforming the former Larundel Hospital into a $500 million retail, residential and hospitality precinct.
DealCorp will launch The Residences at Glenarm Square to the market in the coming weeks with the project set to include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom offerings.
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Development approval granted for $100 million Glen Iris repurposed land project 

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Following its acquisition of Emporium Hotel in January, the Ovolo Hotel Group has announced Brisbane’s newest hotel will open as Ovolo The Valley in November.
Rooms at the hotel will start from $300 per night.
The project is being undertaken by the architecture firm Woods Bagot.
The Fortitude Valley location will draw guests into a "whimsical oasis of colour, art, and surprising hints of quirk", curated throughout its 103 rooms.
CEO and Chairman of the Ovolo Group, Girish Jhunjhnuwala (pictured below) says Ovolo has invested approximately $55 million.
“There are many new comers to the Brisbane hotel market, but Ovolo’s biggest point of difference is our exceptional customer service and design,” he said.
“There is an element of fantasy, escapism and play in The Valley.
"We’re positioning it as the perfect contemporary oasis to escape our busy urban lives.”
<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/2018/10/12/CEO%20of%20Ovolo%20Group%20.jpg" alt="">
Following on from the Ovolo Inchcolm opening last year at Spring Hill, it will be the group’s second hotel.
Woods Bagot’s Bronwyn McColl, says the design of Ovolo The Valley celebrates Fortitude Valley’s eclectic mix. 
“We started by exploring the spaces behind The Valley’s indiscernible facades and the spaces in-between and translated them into playful yet sophisticated experiences that take the Ovolo guest by surprise – including the most incredible rock star suites in honour of the late David Bowie with 1970s inspired velvet lounges and a gold bar for those who dare!” said McColl.
 <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/2018/10/12/ovolo%202.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://ovolohotels.com.au/ovolothevalley/" target="_blank">Ovolo The Valley</a> will work by Woods Bagot in collaboration with former Brisbanite, Chloe Want from AvroKO in New York, will continue on the hotel’s standalone restaurant and bar concept to open on the ground level of the property early next year. 
Food and drink is a big part of the Ovolo Hotel Group concept, with award-winning restaurants at their other Australian properties, including; Alibi at Ovolo Woolloomooloo (Sydney) fronted by restauranteur Matthew Kenney, and Monster Kitchen &amp; Bar at Ovolo Nishi (Canberra).
The group recently opened Mister Percy at Ovolo 1888 (Sydney), a Mediterranean-style wine bar fronted by renowned chef Justin North.
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New $55 million hotel Ovolo The Valley in Brisbane to open in November

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An ANZ retail banking facility in Mona Vale failed to sell at Burgess Rawson auction this morning.
It was passed in at $5.7 million
Situated at 10-12 Bungan Street, the building is leased to ANZ for 10 years until 2025 with options to 2040.
The building recently underwent building upgrades as well as an ANZ fitout to bring it up to corporate standards.
Net income on the property is currently $260,549 with 3.5% annual rent increases.
The tenant pays all outgoings.
The listing notes there is proposed zoning uplift allowing future development potential (STCA).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/15/ANZ%202.JPG" alt="">
Set on a 294 square metre block, the two storey building last sold for $2.02 million in 2000.
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ANZ premises in Mona Vale fails to sell

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An ANZ retail banking facility in Mona Vale is set for October 23 auction.
Situated at 10-12 Bungan Street, the building is leased to ANZ for 10 years until 2025 with options to 2040.
The building recently underwent building upgrades as well as an ANZ fitout to bring it up to corporate standards.
Net income on the property is currently $260,549 with 3.5% annual rent increases.
The tenant pays all outgoings.
The listing notes there is proposed zoning uplift allowing future development potential (STCA).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/15/ANZ%202.JPG" alt="">
Set on a 294 square metre block, the two storey building last sold for $2.02 million in 2000.
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ANZ premises in Mona Vale set for auction

A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

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Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

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.

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" />

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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.

Staff reporter

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