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The Laundy hotelier family is behind a new $45 million hotel and brewery coming to the Sydney Business Park in Marsden Park.
To be known as The Marsden, it will add to the group’s stable of about 29 hotels, pubs, bars and hospitality venues across Sydney. 
The brewery will allow patrons to tour the facility and taste the beers onsite.
Other amenities at the hotel will include a bistro, bars, gaming room, function centre, a modern state-of-the-art children’s playground, an outdoor sports lounge, a conference and function centre and TAB facilities. 
The new 256 hectare business park is currently about 20% complete with approximately $600 million in investment to date.
The broader project is expected to bring $3 billion in investment and around 30,000 jobs to the area.
Laundy Hotels Managing Director Arthur Laundy said the hotel will be a draw card for Western Sydney.
“We believe this hotel will be a destination hotel where people from all over Sydney will travel to it,” he said.
“We wanted to create a precinct in which the communities of Western Sydney can be truly proud and enjoy for generations to come. I have every confidence the local communities won’t be disappointed. 
“People from all over Sydney will be attracted to this precinct. It will become a vibrant, stylish and sophisticated new hospitality venue and function centre which is a much needed amenity in Sydney’s rapidly growing western communities.  
“Today, our construction company FDC has worked tremendously well to be months ahead of schedule to mark the topping out of our 5,900sqm facility which is due to open to the public in February 2019.”
“I look forward to buying them all a beer in a couple of months. They’ve done a tremendous job with zero injuries on site and for that I am incredibly thankful.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Laundy Group bringing new hotel and brewery coming to Sydney Business Park

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Curve Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast has announced that it has reached $13 million in sales.
The $37 million waterfront project from Cube Developments features 55 one, two and three bedroom apartments.
Construction is expected to start on the project in December.
<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/2018/8/27/Rooftop%20REVIEW%2001F_small.jpg" alt="">
Cube Developments’ Scott Juniper said the project’s freehold ownership is attracting retirees and empty nesters and the past eight weeks had seen a surge of sales activity.
“The last two months has seen 30% of the project sold as owner occupiers see the benefits of targeted waterfront living within walking distance to new hospitals and other world class social infrastructure,” Juniper said.
“Stockland new $100 million dollar shopping centre with Coles and Aldi as major tenants, six restaurants and 40 assorted retailers opens on December 6, adding strongly to the developments’ appeal.
“For empty nesters, retirees or buyers looking to get a foothold in the booming Birtinya market with a view to settling here in the future, Curve Birtinya has so much to offer.
“Residents can paddle on the lake, jog around the shorefront boardwalk, visit local restaurants and cafes, workout in the onsite gym or enjoy a Sunday morning coffee in the beautiful park next door.
“Plus it’s pet friendly and walking distance to the beach.”
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Sunshine Coast residential development Curve Birtinya hits $13 million sales

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Aloha, a Spanish Mission-style Elsternwick home built by the Reece plumbing family has been listed for sale with a $2,395,000 asking price.
Built in the mid 1920s, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-128722518" target="_blank">the home</a> is described as Miami-style. It comes with the first Italian mosaic tiles imported into Australia in the downstairs powder room.
A restoration maintained the many glamous features from the era, including its classic terrazzo porch, the lead light windows and doors, Degue-designed light fittings and a copper Arts and Crafts fireplace.
Aloha is etched above the covered carport at the three bedroom St Georges Road address which has been restored since last sold at $480,000 in 1998.
Its first floor was originally built as a dance studio, which is now two bedrooms, a living area, kitchenette, bathroom and a terrace balcony for entertaining.
Rodney Morley and Rochelle Butt at Rodney Morley Real Estate have the listing. There have only been three owners with the Reece family selling in 1974 for $444,500.
The company was created by Harold Reece who sold plumbing products from the back of his truck. His first store was in nearby Caulfield with the company now having more than 450 outlets nationally.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. 
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Aloha! Reece plumbing family's former Elsternwick home on the market 

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A four bedroom house on 5.63 hectares in Cooyar, a town in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, has been listed by mortgagees with a price of $249,000.
It has been offered by Judy Robison from Yarraman Real Estate. 
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-qld-cooyar-7982978" target="_blank"> Lot 26 Avery Court</a>, the house comprises of four bedrooms, two bathrooms and verandah, along with the double garage.
It is 5 kilometres from Cooyar State School and 11 kilometres from Tanduringie State school. 
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Four bedroom Cooyar home listed by mortgagees

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EXPERT OBSERVER 
Despite the well-documented cooling of Melbourne house prices in recent months, down almost two percent over the June quarter, Melbourne’s median house price is still an eye-watering $882,082 according to Domain’s latest research. For the vast majority of first-time buyers, whether owner-occupiers or investors, that puts Melbourne property ownership way out of their financial reach.
So where else can these hopeful buyers get a foothold into the property market?
Reventon has been securing property for clients in Geelong for a number of years now. However, land prices have appreciated over $150,000 in the last two years, making it difficult for investors and first home buyers to continue purchasing in Geelong.
For those buyers who purchased an investment property or family home in Geelong one to two years ago, they now have generated enough equity in their property to look at their next investment purchase. But where should that be?
Ballarat is the next hotspot. Land prices are low, from $130,000, making it affordable for first home buyers and investors alike to purchase. We have seen a significant increase in land value over the last three months’ alone, and this is likely to continue alongside the growing market demand.
So why is Ballarat my top pick?
1. Affordability – With land prices averaging between $130,000 -$150,000, Ballarat land is at a far lower price point than in any of the major capital cities or in Melbourne's outer suburbs. Full turnkey House &amp; Land packages start from $410,900, again still very affordable.
2. Transportation – Ballarat has the benefit of an express train service. Those who work in the city can commute to Melbourne in around 60 minutes, which is faster than many outer suburban commutes. 
3. Population growth – Increasing numbers of new residents to the city are fuelling demand. Ballarat has experienced a massive growth of 27.9 percent within the past 24 months due to growing employment opportunities and the regional lifestyle appeal it offers to many city dwellers.
4. Infrastructure spend – The Victorian Government has committed to spending billions of dollars on infrastructure investment in the Ballarat region. This spending includes:
o Road infrastructure projects - $7 billion
o Rail upgrades - $551.7 million
o City transformation and relocation of government departments - $47.8 million
o Health investment including hospital refurbishment - $461 million
o Private sector investment is also contributing to the creation of thousands of new jobs
5. Lifestyle - Ballarat has so much to offer in the way of lifestyle, cultural, culinary, sporting and entertainment options. It is Victoria's third largest precinct and only one hour from Melbourne.
6. Low stamp duty - Due to the current low base land price, average stamp duty is only around $3,200, adding to the overall affordability for buyers. This is far lower than duty paid for higher priced locations and especially apartments, where investors now have to pay full stamp duty on an off the plan purchase, which equates to 5.5 percent or $27,500 in stamp duty payable on a $500,000 apartment, even more for foreign buyers once additional taxes are added.
7. Rental Demand – Ballarat has a population of just over 100,000 people, and around 27 percent of its occupants live in rental accommodation, so plenty of demand, especially for new properties. Ballarat’s vacancy rates are low also, at around 1.1 percent.
8. Rental Yields – Investors are attracted by attractive yields, which are averaging 4.4 percent* on houses and 5.2 percent on townhouses and units,* which compares favourably to Melbourne’s ever-dropping yields as house prices increase.
So, there are my eight sizzling reasons why Ballarat is Victoria’s next property hotspot. For those looking to secure their first property in the region, my advice is to move sooner rather than later...
Chris Christofi is the Founder and CEO, Reventon, a company he built from the ground up in 2005
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Why Ballarat is Victoria’s next sizzling hotspot: Chris Christofi

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<div>Variable rate customers who have their mortgage with Westpac and some of their subsidiaries will be forking out an average of $35 extra per month and $420 per year.
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<div>This is thanks to Westpac hiking rates by 14 basis points.</div>
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<div>The new Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has demanded Westpac justify its out-of-cycle interest rate increase.</div>
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RateCity research director Sally Tindall said Westpac had held out longer than the market expected before caving into the pressure to hike rates.</div>
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<div>"Westpac has today decided to use variable rate home loan customers to help ease their cost of funding pressures. Most households will be able to absorb the rate hike, however anyone who overstretched to get in the market will feel burdened by this extra cost," she said
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Now that Westpac has hiked, taking the brunt of the bad PR, it is expected the other three banks will match them.
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<div>“Ironically the banks are desperately seeking out customers to boost their lagging profit margins. They’re doing this by offering rock bottom rates, but only to new customers so if you’ve got a bit of equity in your home, now is a great time to consider refinancing,” she concluded.</div>
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Westpac is the first of the big four banks to hike out-of-cycle

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Marketed as Carlton's best kept secret, an apartment in Station Mews has been scheduled for forthcoming auction.
It comes with a $1.4 to $1.5 million price guide.
The 107 Station Street, Carlton offering is set at the front behind original factory walls.
The home opens to living and dining zones with double-height north facing windows &amp; ceiling, adjoining the kitchen, laundry and bathroom.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/30/Station%20Mews%201.JPG" alt="">
Featuring timber stairs leading to three double bedrooms, the homes is being marketed as a 119 sqm inner-city haven.
It is situated within a residential development of six.
Nicholas West of Nelson Alexander has the listing which last sold in 2003 for $610,000.
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Carlton trophy unit Station Mews under the hammer this weekend

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Savills Australia’s Adam Hartley and Zandra McGee have been appointed to arrange the lease for the top floor office located in the Naylor House at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-sa-adelaide-502760986" target="_blank">191 Pultney Street, Adelaide</a>.
The office is located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD and they expect to receive a high volume of interested tenants.
“This lease vacancy is reflective of the high standard of the building and how content previous tenants have been with the space provided by the owner,” Mr Hartley said.
The 568sqm office is located on level four of the building which has been restored with new lighting and flooring.
The space is said to be able to provide for split tenancies and the building has a café situated in the lobby.
“The tenancy is currently a blank canvas, with scope for tenants to design their dream office as they wish,” Ms McGee commented.
Tenants are expected to pay $465 per sqm including outgoings and expected interest groups will include engineering, finance and legal firms.
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Savills is marketing an Adelaide office for lease for the first time in a decade

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Immigrants are underpinning Australia's largest house and land market, Oliver Hume research suggests.
"Any cut to immigration would have a negative momentum in the market," Oliver Hume head of research George Bougias has said.
Oliver Hume's latest national land market report shows that Melbourne's rising prices are encouraging a larger proportion of Indian-born Australians, who have been overwhelmingly based in Melbourne, to go to Queensland.
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"What we're seeing now is that 10 per cent of our buyers in Queensland are Indian-born," Mr Bougias said.
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"South-east Queensland is becoming more like Melbourne and Sydney in some respects – from employment, whether professional or white-collar workers. Queensland today is very different to what it was 20 years ago."
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The report found more than 65 per cent of second-quarter greenfield land sales in Melbourne to buyers born outside Australia.
The proportion has come back from its peak of 77 per cent last year, Bougias told Fairfax Media, who noted broadening in the type of buyers, including owner-occupier and downsizers, was occurring in the largest trend in greenfields buyers – Indian-born immigrants.
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Immigrants are underpinning Melbourne's land boom: Oliver Hume

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A historic Toowong house has been sold after securing development approval for $5.3 million.
The property is one of the suburb’s largest private landholdings.
The 3,655 square metre elevated ridgetop parcel of land at 28-30 Woodstock Road was bought by a local childcare centre owner-operator.  
It has been granted development approval for redevelopment as a 142-place childcare centre which will occupy the existing residence.
Two residential lot subdivisions totalling 849 square metres have also been approved on the site.
Endrim House has six bedrooms, three bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, two garage spaces, a pool, wine cellar and gardens.
It was built in 1905 by Joseph Badger, an American who moved to Brisbane to modernise the city’s tram system.
JLL’s Senior Executives in Sales and Investments, Sam Byrne and Blake Goddard, had the listing.
“The purchaser, a local owner occupier in the childcare industry, will operate the centre following an extensive refurbishment, adding to their existing portfolio of other centres across South East Queensland,” Byrne said. 
“The sale reflects the ongoing demand the childcare market is experiencing, particularly in areas which are under-supplied.
“Toowong provides the perfect demographics, and no doubt the new buyers will create something very special, setting themselves apart from competition in the area.
“Brisbane continues to experience unprecedented development and infrastructure spending that will see the city redefined and transformed.
“Toowong is particularly well-placed for continued growth.
“Over the coming years, residents will see significant growth in the local area, driven by the suburb’s access to high-frequency public transport, shopping centres and medical facilities.” 
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Historic Toowong home sold for $5.3 million to childcare centre operator

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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