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The Chinese apartment developer HPG, a subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate Hailiang, has declined to deny a report the Chinese government has sought the divestiture of its One Sydney Park project.
It is a slow selling 400-apartment project spanning 2.1 hectares in Erskineville, six kilometres from the Sydney CBD.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/16/Interior%20HPG%202.JPG" alt="">
Chinese companies have been told to relinquish investments outside China, to strengthen its economy as the trade war with the US escalates, the Australian Financial Review advised.
It reported HPG had been "shopping quietly off-market for a partner or a buyer" for its $600 million flagship apartment project, One Sydney Park.
HPG acquired the former Goodman Group industrial site in 2015.
There have been around 50 sales so far at the 205-213 Euston Road site. will end its presence in Australia, which started in 2014.
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<div>HPG declined to comment.</div>
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<div>The paper speculated the Chinese government was tightening up its capital reserves to cushion potential blows to the Chinese economy.</div>
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<div>It follows an earlier round of capital recall in 2017 when Beijing sought an end of powerful Chinese conglomerates including Dalian Wanda with their debt-laden international spending spree.
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<div>HPG reportedly sold about 50 of the 100-unit first stage launch of One Sydney Park in February this year.</div>
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<div><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/16/Interior%20HPG%203.JPG" alt=""></div>
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<div>Nearly all the buyers of the project's apartments were intending owner occupiers.</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

HPG told to divest One Sydney Park: report

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A two bedroom unit in Alstonville,  a town in northern New South Wales, has been sold for $225,000 by mortgagees.
It was sold by Robbie McRae from LJ Hooker Alstonville.
The unit situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-alstonville-128725466" target="_blank">3/21 Kyla Street</a> comes with two spacious bedrooms, lounge at the entrance, open style kitchen, and internal laundry with access to both rear courtyard and garage.
Set on an 816sqm block, the unit is close to schools, parks and shops. 
It had last traded at $260,000 in 2010.
The suburb's median unit price sits at <a href="/news">$335,000</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
 
 
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Two bedroom Alstonville unit sold for a loss by mortgagee

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A development site in the Adelaide CBD has hit the market.
The 496 square metre L-shaped site at 399 King William Road is being marketed as a potential residential and mixed-use space.
Savills Australia’s Steve Bobridge, Peter Isaksson and Rino Carpinelli, who have been appointed to market the property, say they expect different buying groups to be interested in the property.
“Expected buying groups will include residential developers and commercial owner occupiers who could adapt the plans to suit their business with residential apartments above,” Bobridge said. 
“The vacant site has prepared plans for a 21 level mixed use development comprising residential, commercial residential and high quality residential penthouse suits with the benefit of basement car parking available.”
The site has frontage to King William Street and Gilbert Street, along with rear access to Tapleys Lane, which Isaksson believes will be attractive to prospective buyers.
“The property enjoys a commanding corner position in an area that has transformed over recent times, with a mixture of office, residential and commercial activities in close proximity,” Isaksson said. 
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Adelaide CBD development site hits the market

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Villa World has delivered a fifth year of double digit growth.
Villa World recorded a net profit after tax of $43.6 million (34.4 cps), up 15% on last year's result of $37.8 million.
Villa World chairman Mark Jewell said the S&amp;P/ASX 300 company’s year-on-year growth demonstrated that its financial strategy and commitment to delivering its core affordable house-and-land and land-only product was on track.
“The board has now turned its attention to the next phase,” he said.
It has welcomed a new board member, former Nike Inc Vice President, Lisa MacCallum, who takes up the independent non-executive director role.
“The addition of Lisa MacCallum to the Board will help us achieve this,” Jewell said.
During 13 years with Nike, she led major business turnarounds in the company’s US retail sales and growth initiatives.
With a background in accounting and consulting with KPMG in Australian and the US, MacCallum co-founded a Tokyo-based multimedia and broadcasting company.
She is a board member of British Telecom (BT) PLC.
Jewell said MacCallum’s global corporate experience and perspective would enhance the Villa World Board and help drive the company as it begins implementing a newly-endorsed purpose and beliefs focused on people, customers and community.
At its annual results announcement, Villa World reported a 39% increase in sales, up from 1,207 lots in FY17 to 1,678 lots.
Revenue increased to $441.6 million in FY18, up from $386.8 million last year.
The Villa World Board declared a full year dividend of 18.5 cents per share fully franked, representing a yield of 8.6%1.
Looking ahead, the company is targeting a statutory profit after tax of approximately $40 million in FY19.
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Villa World announces fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth

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The Cairns office market is relatively shallow and experiences limited sales activity and has had limited new development, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) commercial report. 
The last large office building constructed in Cairns was the State Government office tower completed in 2010. There are no known new developments in the pipeline.
Commercial property sales in Cairns, inclusive of retail and commercial office premises, remain well below the peak levels achieved in the 2005 to 2007 period.
Prices paid for secondary strata titled premises have been relatively stable since 2010 at around $2,500 to $3,000 per square metre of floor area.
Most new office space leasing demand is for smaller areas and for modern, good quality green star rated premises, however there is only a handful of such buildings in Cairns.
These buildings achieve high levels of occupancy and are experiencing stable rent levels typically of $350 to $400 per square metre per annum.
Demand for lesser quality space remains limited and there is a large oversupply of good quality non-inner CBD and well exposed secondary space in the $200 to $275 per square metre per annum rental range. These conditions have placed downward pressure on secondary rents and seen the emergence of incentives.
Overall the Cairns office market has experienced little change thus far during 2018 and is expected to see little change for the remainder of the year.
A current listing is a Cairns City commercial office priced at $150,000 (pictured below).
It has been listed by Chris Gay Real Estate. 
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-qld-cairns+city-502846810" target="_blank">Located at 23/25-31 Grafton Street</a>, the 50 square metre office is currrently tenanted with a return of $12,785 per annum.
<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/2018/8/8/cairns%20city.jpg" alt="">
Another offers around $900,000 is Cairns City building with long term tenants in place (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-qld-cairns+city-502783394" target="_blank">Situated at 22 Minnie Street</a>, it is two blocks from the Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
It features 410 square metre land area, 359 square metre floor area and four off-street parking spaces. 
<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/2018/8/8/cairns%20city%202.jpg" alt="">
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Cairns office market experiences limited sales activity: HTW

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Data released by SQM Research has revealed the national residential vacancy rate dipped to 2.2% in July 2018.
But the vacancy rate in Sydney remains at its highest level in 13 years, which has pushed down asking rents in the nation’s biggest city. 
The number of vacancies Australia-wide sat at 72,458 properties.
Sydney’s vacancy rate was unchanged at 2.8% from June, the highest level since SQM started recording the data in 2005, and well up from 1.9% a year ago with 19,114 properties available for rent. 
In contrast, to Sydney, Melbourne’s vacancy rate is much lower, just 1.6% in July, though unchanged from June and a year ago. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/14/SQM%201.png" alt="">
Brisbane is enjoying a sustained reduction in its vacancy rate, falling to 2.9% in July, down from 3.0% in June and 3.6% in July 2017. The decline in Brisbane follows five straight monthly declines in rental vacancies in the first half of 2018.
Canberra’s vacancy rate slipped to 0.8%, down from 0.9% in June and 1.1% a year ago. Hobart's vacancy rate was steady at 0.7% in July, but up from 0.5% a year ago. Adelaide’s vacancy rate fell to 1.3% from 1.5%, and down from 1.8% a year ago.
Darwin’s vacancy rate fell to 3.4% from 3.5% in June. Perth’s vacancy rate slipped to 4.0%, and is well down from 5.2% a year earlier as the oversupply of rental properties eases in that city. 
Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research, said asking rents had eased in Sydney given the greater supply of rental accommodation – and he expects rents to keep falling.
“The supply of rental accommodation, especially of new units, has jumped following the building boom in the city. Sydney has also experienced slowing population growth, which has helped to push asking rents lower, as landlords increasingly struggle to fill properties. In contrast, the tight rental market in Hobart is continuing to push rents higher,” Christopher said.
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents for houses fell over the month to 12 August 2018 by 0.2% to $548 a week. Unit asking rents dropped 0.9% to $440 a week. Over the year, asking house rents rose just 0.2% and unit rents rose a modest 0.5%.
The asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney is the highest nationwide at $707 a week, but fell 0.3% over the month to 12 August. Asking unit rents now stand at $515, down 1.2%. Canberra asking house rents stand at $626 a week and $437 for units. Hobart’s unit asking rents jumped 3.7% over the month to 12 August to $360 a week while house rents rose 0.4% to $400.
<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/2018/8/14/SQM%202.jpg" alt="">
 
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Sydney vacancy rate remains at 13-year high: SQM Research

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The South Australia State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has given its approval for Starfish Development’s land subdivision application for Dock One.
It forms the first phase of the project, comprising townhouses and apartments.
Starfish is billed as the first developer to reach this stage in the re-invigoration of Port Adelaide.
Starfish managing director Damon Nagel said the plans envisaged a reduced number of cars, turning the main street through the centre of the development allowing a lineal park and communal garden.
It has opted to retain the former Marine and Harbours building for residential and commercial use, along with the old Customs House.
Remediation and early earthworks have already begun on site and scheduled to be completed by the end of the year when Starfish plans to release the townhouses and apartments onto the market.
Work on roads and other infrastructure is expected to commence early next year, before construction on the townhouses in the second quarter.
The new train link to Dock One will give access to the city centre.
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Starfish Developments given subdivision approval for Port Adelaide residential project 

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Rockworth Capital Partners have purchased a freehold office building, 100 Edward Street, set within Brisbane’s Golden Triangle financial precinct.
It was acquired from an investment partnership managed by Evolution Private (“Evolution”), in an off-market transaction valued in excess of $60 million.
The acquisition of 100 Edward marks RCP’s first entry into the Brisbane CBD office market, and builds on the Group’s existing Queensland retail presence including Town Square Redbank, Everton Park and Rothwell shopping centres.
Following this acquisition, RCP’s portfolio now comprises office assets in Australia’s four largest commercial real estate markets, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
Strategically located at the junction of Edward and Mary Streets, the property is situated on a sizeable corner site of circa 1,400sqm.
Comprising approximately 7,120 sqm of office space, the 17-storey tower has 109 car park spaces and prominent ground floor retail tenancies. 
Rob Carter and Mark Russo, Principals of Evolution stated that “100 Edward Street has been a leasing success with 25 tenants currently occupying around 95% of the building"
It was recently refurbished and has undergone lift interior and building services upgrades.
Located withing walking distance of over A$10bn of planned redevelopment and infrastructure spending, the property sits at the crossroads of the premium ‘Golden Triangle’, upcoming Queen’s Wharf and Eagle Street Pier redevelopments. 
Lim Kin Song, Chief Executive Officer of the Group stated, “the acquisition is a timely opportunity to participate in a fast-evolving gateway city in Australia, with a strategically located asset at the centre of major rejuvenation and infrastructure projects."
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“RCP continues to look for investment opportunities of a similar value-add nature or counter-cyclical propositions, to provide compelling risk adjusted returns for its investor base.”
“As a mid-to-long term investor, RCP maintains a positive outlook for both the Brisbane and broader Queensland markets, particularly given the pipeline of committed infrastructure projects."
RCP 's national portfolio for Australia contains 14 office and retail assets.
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Rockworth Capital buys Brisbane office tower for $60 million

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CoreLogic has reported a weakening in the Geelong auction market.
Last weekend 30 homes went to auction but there was only a clearance rate of 52 percent.
It was sitting at 83 percent just last week.
 
<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/2018/8/13/corelogic%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
Indicative of this falling clearance rate, a 3 bedroom 1 bathroom home with $899,000 hopes passed in at auction on August 11.
Located at 72 Aberdeen street, Geelong West the 828 sqm holding (pictured below) has 4 car spaces and clear water views.
It is within walking distance of several colleges, primary and secondary, and just a short drive from major shopping centres.
<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/2018/8/15/72%20geelong.jpg" alt="">
Another dwelling that went unsold at auction was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-highton-128848458" target="_blank">1 Ficinia Mews, Highton</a> (pictured below) which went to auction with a price guide of $680,000 to $730,000.
The four bedroom two bathroom home just a month ago had a price guide of $700,000 to $750,000.
The 700 sqm holding last sold in December of 2007 for $147,000.
Situated near Geelong bypass and Waurn Ponds shopping centre, the home is open for inspections again.
<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/2018/8/16/Mews%20Ficinia.jpg" alt="">
A third property that failed at auction was a 1237 sqm land bank with a price guide of $580,000 to $638,000
Located at 264 Roslyn Road, Highton (pictured below), it last sold for $265,000 in 2005.
It was passed in at auction following a vendors bid of $690,000.
<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/2018/8/16/Landy%20banky.jpg" alt="">
Properties that did sell include, a $605,000 sale on August 11 of a Geelong West four bedroom timber cottage (pictured below).
It was sold by Peter Fort from Whitford Newtown.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong+west-128862082" target="_blank">44 Crofton Street</a>, it comprises of four bedrooms, spacious lounge, timber kitchen and adjoining dining, as well as large covered timber deck.
It is located within easy access to Pakington Street shopping precinct, Newtown colleges and transport. 
<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/2018/8/13/geelong%20west%20.jpg" alt="">
Another Manifold Heights two bedroom house has been sold for $420,000 at auction on Saturday (pictured below).
It was listed by Graeme Taylor and Edward Arthurson from Graeme Taylor Estate Agents.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-manifold+heights-128823650" target="_blank">Situated at 3 Merton Grove</a>, the home consists of two bedrooms, a separate lounge, gas kitchen/casual dining area and rear yard.
It is within close proximity to supermarkets, medical centre, public transport, fine primary &amp; secondary schools, Pakington Streets shops, cafes and The Ring Road.
<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/2018/8/13/manifold%20heights.jpg" alt="">
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Geelong's auction clearance rates drop from 80 percent to 50 percent

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A three bedroom house in Warragul, a town east-south east of Melbourne, has been sold for $360,000 by mortgagees.
It was listed by Brendon Van Eyk from Harcourts.
The home last sold for $220,000 in 2005.
Nestled on a 627sqm allotment in Warragul North,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-warragul-128715570" target="_blank"> 20 Montrose St</a> features master room with ensuite, two other bedrooms with BIR's, large L shape lounge, as well as separate kitchen and dining. 
It is less than 300 metres from Warragul North Primary School, 600 metres from BP Petrol Station/Convenience store and 2km from the Warragul CBD. 
The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/developments/warragul-vic-3820">$415,000</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
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Mortgagee Warragul three bedroom mortgagee sale

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Joel Robinson

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<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/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of 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."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

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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Staff reporter

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