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Frasers Property Australia’s Discovery Point estate has been designed to encourage an outdoor lifestyle for residents and their dogs.
Nigel Edgar, the general manager Residential NSW at Frasers Property Australia, says the dynamic of the family was changing.
So new communities needed to meet evolving needs.
“Discovery Point reflects our emphasis on building communities for residents and their families, including their precious pets, to create an inclusive environment for families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy,” says Edgar.
“Pets are a very important part of peoples’ lives and we’re consciously building our communities to encourage pet owners to feel welcome.”
“Walking around the community with your pet not only does great things for your health, it helps you meet other residents. You’ll even find most coffee shops have a water bowl for dogs.”
For residents Jane and Roger, living in a pet friendly community was a must when looking for their new home.
“Our little 13-year-old dog has adapted to apartment living well. We take her down to the park every day soshe can do her own thing,” says Jane.
Jane says it’s nice to see the community thriving with other residents and their dogs too.
“Quite often, I’ll look onto the park and notice about 30 people playing with their dogs. You can tell they’rehaving a good time just being outside.”
With nine hectares of parklands at Discovery Point, Jane, Roger and their dog like to make the most of the surrounding walkways up the Cooks River.
There are a limited number of apartments remaining for sale at Discovery Point.
In Marq, the two remaining three-bedroom apartments offer views over expansive parklands.
They are priced at $1,135,000 and $1,150,000.
In Icon, the final residential building planned for Discovery Point, there are only three remaining three- bedroom apartments available, which boast park and Cooks River views and are priced between $1,210,000 and $1,335,000.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Pet friendly developments triggers dogs at Discovery Point

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Sydney's north-west corridor has suffered the greatest decline in apartment values since their peak, according to data from Corelogic shows.
Re-sale prices of apartments have dropped 19% compared with their original selling prices at different times of their peaks over the boom over past few years. 
Apartments in the Hills and Hawkesbury area in the north-west corridor of Sydney peaked last year.
The downturn has impacted on new and established apartments.
Recently a three bedroom unit in a 1990s building at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-baulkham+hills-127841946" target="_blank">4/32-38 Linton Street</a> in Baulkham Hills sold for $790,000, having traded six months ago for $820,000.
A nearby two bedder in a newer 2016 block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-baulkham+hills-127440366" target="_blank">110/1 Meryl Avenue</a> (top) recently fetched $690,000, down on its $728,000 off the plan sale in 2014.
<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DezG1M2UYAEqLZE.jpg" alt="" data-aria-label-part=""> 
"While values may have bottomed for now there is still a lot of new unit stock to be completed over the coming years which could create more downwards pressure on values over time despite the stronger conditions recently," Corelogic senior analyst Cameron Kusher told The Australian Financial Review.
"I'd suggest it will take a long time for unit values in that region to recover back to their previous peaks," Kusher said.
"At their peak the median value of a unit in the Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury region was in excess of $900,000 when you consider the distance from the city centre and the fact that house values are not that much more expensive it is not really a surprise to see large unit value falls in that region."
Apartment developers have flocked to the northwest region buoyed by the construction of the new Sydney metro, a fast train that runs as far as 50 kilometres from the CBD.
As for standalone houses, since the peak of their prices in July last year, prices in Sydney's inner city, inner south such as Alexandria, Waterloo and Zetland and the inner west such as Balmain have fallen between 10 to nearly 14%.
Values of standalone houses in North Sydney and the northern beaches have come down between 7 to 9%.
House prices in the eastern suburbs have fallen nearly 5% since last July.
Apartment values in Sydney overall, however have held strong mainly because of its affordability, Corelogic says.
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Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury apartment values tumble 19% off peak pricing

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A Chinese syndicate has paid $39.4 million for Mornington Village as the yield for shopping centres in Victoria approaches 5%.
The syndicate of Chinese investors purchased it on a 5.26% yield.
According to CBRE agent Mark Wizel, the centre was making $2.071 million per annum.
The centre contains holds several large contracts including Woolworths and Aldi.
The two level, 7963 square metre (GLA), neighborhood centre, is the fifth neighbourhood centre to be sold the past two months through CBRE’s Retail Investments team, making a total of just under $180 million at on average 5.09% yield.
Mornington Village last sold in January 2014 for $25.8 million on a yield of 7.47%.
Wizel said vendors were confident of getting a good price for their asset while purchasers were buoyed by strong population growth to various parts of Victoria,
He noted the retail assets in high demand were those that had underlying land value with development upside.
He said the national average trend for neighbourhood centres remained above 6% in the year to March, according to CBRE’s Australia Retail Q1 2018 report.
"Eighteen months ago yields for this retail asset class were approaching 6 to 6.5% and they have now firmly settled on an average of marginally above 5% and that is a reflection of the peculiar characteristics of the Victorian market,’’ Wizel said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/6/Screen%20Shot%202018-06-06%20at%2010.36.35%20am.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/6/Screen%20Shot%202018-06-06%20at%2010.36.35%20am.png" alt="">
Dowers said the residential population growth factor along with tourism had driven a string of retail investment sales on the Mornington Peninsula in recent years attracting a broad range of purchasers including institutions, syndicates and private investors.
A strip of retail properties sold recently for just over $6 million, exceeding its reserve price of $4.9 million, as seven buyers contested the 2229sq m 671-677 Point Nepean Road, McCrae offering.
The three leases to retailers Kobi Jacks, Alatonero and Merchant Maker café were recently renewed for five years.
A local investor bought the property across two titles at a yield of 3.6%.
Recent sales include Hastings Central Shopping Centre purchased by Henkell Brothers for $32.1 million.
Bentons Square half-share purchased by Vicinity Centres for $38.25 million.
Bunnings Warehouse Hastings purchased by a local syndicate for $15.16 million
Somerville Mall purchased by a private investor for $42.05 million.
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Chinese syndicate pays $39.4 million for Mornington Village

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Melbourne has the strongest housing market, when it comes to retaining boom time gains, according to CoreLogic.
Since its peak last November, the harshest hit property are standalone houses in inner, inner east and inner south Melbourne.
It is where prices have declined between 4 and 6.1%.
Elsewhere across Melbourne both houses and unit prices have fallen no more than 3%.
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Inner Melbourne apartment holding value after market peak: CoreLogic

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Astra serviced apartment boss Peter Davis and his wife Rachel have secured a record Clontarf house sale.
Their beachfront home has sold for more than $11 million.
The Walter Barda-designed, Monash Crescent sold just a week after it was listed with a $10.5 million to $11.5 million guide through Cherie Humel and Michael Clarke, of Clarke &amp; Humel.
The agents confirmed the price was at the top end of the guide. 
The Clontarf beachfront has had a run of top-end sales in recent months including Rock Lee for more than $10 million by Hedge fund manager Robert Benz, of Whitecove Capital, and Malin Larsson.
The Davis's Walter Barda-designed residence was built after the couple bought the 639 square metre property in 2010 for $4,225,000. 
The Davis family sale tops the prior high of $11 million set in 2016 when Madina Phara –  wife of Mongkol Phara, of one of Cambodia’s ruling families – bought the nearby modernist landmark Portovenere from the estate of the late arts patron and Transfield co-founder Franco Belgiorno-Nettis and his wife Amina.
The mortgage broker John Kolenda recently paid $8.5 million with his wife Milenka for a house they saw while sailing past on a yacht.
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Record $11 million plus Clontarf beachfront sale

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An overseas investor has snapped up a childcare centre in Bentleigh East.
The <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=359-361+Chesterville+Road,+Bentleigh+East&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g" title="">359-361 Chesterville Road, </a>offering in bayside Melbourne sold for $5.6 million just after auction.
It has a new 20-year lease with options to childcare operator Think Child Care.
The 451 square metre building on a 1184 square metre sold on a 5.85% yield.
Savills Australia's Julian Heatherich, Benson Zhou and Mark Stafford secured the sale for a private investor.
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Bentleigh East childcare centre sold for $5.6 million 

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Armadale is set for a new luxury development, on one of its most prestigious streets.
Orrong, named its prominent position on Orrong Road, is a bespoke collection of nine luxury townhouse residences.
Designed by local architecture firm David Watson Architect, each townhouse has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and space for two cars.
<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/2018/4/26/Armadale%202.jpg" alt="">
A variety of floorplans are on offer. Some emphasize indoor and outdoor entertaining, while others provide flexibility and privacy.
The townhouses complete with Roger Seller bathrooms range from $2.15 million to $3 million. Some have rooftop terraces.
The median house price in Armadale is $2.05 million with apartments having a $630,000 median, according to CoreLogic.
The 1350 sqm double block traded in 2016 when it was offered as one. On the site has been two two level houses, each comprising five and six bedrooms.
Castran Gilbert South Yarra agent Tim Brown is marketing the properties off the plan.
For more information on Orrong, <a href="http://castrangilbert.com.au/jrea_listing/527-orrong-road-armadale-vic-3143-1395306/" target="_blank">click here.</a>
We have a free ebook on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/component/content/article?id=82173" target="_blank">property investments in Melbourne. </a>
<div class="h5"> </div>
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Armadale set for luxury townhouse project Orrong

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A South Yarra apartment has been sold for $315,000 by mortgagees after spending over a year on the market.
The one bedroom apartment in a 2012 block was leased for $389 per week in 2016.
It last traded for $434,000 in 2012.  
Lan Williams and Steven Lee from Dixon Kestles secured the sale.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-south+yarra-128088158" target="_blank">The 1601/50 Claremont Street</a> apartment features the modern kitchen, secure entrance, swimming pool, gym and comom area facilities. 
Located in Inner Melbourne, it is close to schools, shops and transport.
The suburb's median unit price sits on $577,000, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
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South Yarra one bedroom apartment sold by mortgagee

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Hurstville, one of Goulburn landmark house has been recently listed for sale for sale at $2.45 million.
It is offered by Justin Gay from Ray White. 
Built in 1891, the<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-goulburn-127722526" target="_blank"> 244-266 Cowper St </a>house has been restored to it's to original period splendour.
<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/2018/6/1/goulburn%202.jpg" alt="">
Positioned on a 2567sqm parcel, the house comes with five bedrooms, formal entertaining, multiple light-filled casual living spaces and two home office/studies.
Other features include marble bench laundry, separate parents' and teen retreats,  stone-flagged garden room and garaging for three cars.
<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/2018/6/1/goulburn%203.jpg" alt="">
It is only moments to Goulburn's vibrant CBD with shops, restaurants, Victoria Park and train station.
<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/2018/6/1/goulburn%204.jpg" alt="">
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Goulburn landmark house listed for $2.45 million

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Mortgage Choice has strongly refuted allegations in the media that its current franchise model encourages poor behaviour or practices.
 The company has robust compliance processes and credit policy controls in place that franchisees are required to adhere to, Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mortgage Choice said.
 “Our franchisees are very diligent and want to do the right thing for their customers. 
"We take any allegation of fraudulent behaviour extremely seriously and we have a very thorough and structured compliance regime in place.  
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PX1QGbvt4z8" frameborder="0" width="360" height="365"></iframe>
 “The wellbeing of our franchisees is our number one concern. We provide any business owner experiencing hardship with personalised support, including from our field-based teams. 
"We are well progressed in consulting with franchisees on a new remuneration model that will help them to succeed and invest in growing their businesses.”  While Mortgage Choice believes brokers in the network still highly value the services the company provides, it acknowledges that the balance between services offered and remuneration provided needs adjusting.  Mortgage Choice is in advanced discussions with franchisees and is aiming to have a new remuneration model in place by August 2018.   Mortgage Choice is not subject to any legal action, the broker pointed out.
The broker issued a video. 
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Mortgage Choice denies franchise model encouraged poor lending practices

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

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."

&nbsp;

[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]

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.

Staff reporter

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