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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Master Builders is calling on the Federal Government to fund a new initiative, CommunityBuilder Grants, in the October Federal Budget to activate the construction of community and non-for-profit facilities, in its Pre-Budget Budget Submission released today.
We are calling for the Federal Government to adapt the highly effective HomeBuilder scheme model to do for the commercial construction sector what they done for the housing sector.
Commercial construction activity will suffer a major fall of more than 17% in 2020/21 according our latest forecasts.
This will put under the viability of thousands of SME commercial construction businesses and the jobs of the thousands of tradies they employ, unless the Government steps in with measures such as CommunityBuilder.
We propose that CommunityBuilder would involve the Federal Government providing applicants from the not-for-profit and community sector with grants to fund 25% of the construction, up to a capped amount for example $5 million, for facilities such as community centres, toilet blocks, libraries and training centres.
Grant recipients could supplement CommunityBuilder grants with state and local government grants, but they would need to come up with the rest of the funds. Grant recipients with ‘skin in the game’ increases the impact of taxpayer’s stimulus measures and ensures projects will be constructed with value for money in mind.
Our modelling shows that an investment of $3.8 billion in CommunityBuilder would return a $6.8 billion boost to GDP and create 13,000 new jobs.
Since the onset of the pandemic the Prime Minister has always advanced the protection of jobs as his highest priority. The Governor of the Reserve Bank has consistently shared the PM’s sentiment and he reinforced it again on Friday when he told the Parliament that government’s should more worried about unemployment than anything else and that “fiscal spending with get people back to work".
Our industry has more businesses on JobKeeper than any other sector of the economy and Master Builders is gravely concerned about their continuing viability and the livelihoods of the people they employ.
That is why we are calling on the Government to including funding of our the CommunityBuilder grants proposal in the October Budget. As the sector with the third largest economic multiplier effect in the economy, commercial construction is vital to building a bridge to economic recovery and saving jobs.
DENITA WAWN is the CEO of Master Builders Australia
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Master Builders Australia call for new CommunityBuilder grants: Denita Wawn

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Master Builders Australia is calling for an extension of the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder grants scheme in its Pre-Budget Submission released today.
We want to see the Federal Government extend what has been the most effective government stimulus measure in a decade for an additional 12 months,
Despite the undeniable success of HomeBuilder so far, we have downgraded our forecast for the housing sector by 25% for 2020/21 so that we are now predicting a 27% fall in homebuilding activity compared to 2019/20.
This will be calamitous for many of the nearly 370,000 home building businesses that are vital to local economies and communities throughout Australia unless the Government steps in with extension of HomeBuilder and other stimulus measures.
Our modelling shows that, based on the Government’s estimate that HomeBuilder Mark I will cost $680 million, that a one year extension, or HomeBuilder Mark II, will require an investment of $1.3 billion, return a boost to GDP of up to $4.5 billion, create more than 4,500 additional new jobs and result in the construction of more than 6,000 new homes in addition to those created in HomeBuilder Mark I.
The Federal Government showed its commitment to builders and tradies when it announced HomeBuilder Mark I and they must be given credit for that. They should now double down to secure to further jobs by including HomeBuilder Mark II in the October Budget.
DENITA WAWN is the CEO of Master Builders Australia
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Master Builders Australia call for HomeBuilder extension: Denita Wawn

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There was a 60 percent clearance rate from the 103 reported weekend auction results in Melbourne.
With many homes selling prior and 39 properties withdrawn, agents in Melbourne had 124 scheduled auctions.
Auctions and inspections can be held only online.
There were 545 auctions on the same August weekend last year, according to Domain.
More than 520 properties were scheduled for auction in Sydney on Saturday, with agents securing a preliminary clearance rate of 65.9 per cent from 330 reported results.
There were 83 properties withdrawn from auction.
Pre-auction Friday night buyer competition saw a northern beaches property sell at $7.05 million.
It was a five-bedroom home at 3 Wood Street. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/14/CL%20AUG%2016.JPG" alt="">
There were 1,042 homes up for auction across the combined capital cities this week, down from 1,150 over the previous week and 1,228 this time last year.
Preliminary results show that of the 810 results collected so far, 64.3 per cent have recorded a successful result, down slightly from last week’s preliminary clearance rate of 65.9 per cent, which revised down to 58.4 per cent on final numbers. This time last year, the combined capital cities recorded a final clearance rate of 73.0 per cent.
The number of auctions held across Melbourne was averaging around 530 each week prior to the implementation of new restrictions. 
There were 668 homes scheduled for auction in Sydney this week, up from 640 over the previous week and 446 this time last year. Sydney hasn’t recorded this many auctions over a week since the first week of April.
Preliminary results show the city recorded a clearance rate of 67.8 per cent this week, slightly higher than last week’s preliminary result of 65.8 per cent, which later revised down to 58.8 per cent. This time last year, a final clearance rate of 76.2 per cent was recorded across the city.
Across the smaller cities, Canberra came in with the highest preliminary clearance rate over the week (75.9 per cent), followed by Adelaide (60.0 per cent).
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60 percent Melbourne clearance rate from 103 auctions

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Australia’s east coast gas users are paying prices significantly above export parity prices, the ACCC’s latest gas report reveals.
The ACCC’s Gas Inquiry 2017-2025 Interim Report, released today, shows that prices offered to domestic gas users in late 2019 and early 2020 ranged from $8 to $11/GJ.
While this was down slightly from the $9 to $12/GJ range observed earlier in 2019, this price decline was not in line with the significant and sustained drop in LNG netback prices, which were for 2021 delivery below $6/GJ by early 2020 and have been below $5.50 since May.
“The ACCC is very concerned with the widening gap between domestic and export parity prices, which will have an inevitable impact on Australia’s industrial sector during what is already a difficult economic period,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.
“Queensland LNG producers sold 18 LNG spot cargoes into international markets in late 2019 and early 2020, equivalent to more than 10 per cent of annual domestic east coast demand. This gas was sold at prices substantially below domestic gas price offers, showing the importance of our continuing work to understand the drivers behind the price levels we are seeing across the domestic market.”
“It is also clear that recent Australian contract gas prices do not reflect overseas forward prices.”
“I am yet to hear a compelling reason from LNG producers as to why domestic users are paying substantially higher prices than buyers in international markets.”
“When we have lower gas prices around the world, and the Australian market linked to world gas markets, it is vital that Australian gas users get the benefit.”
Recommendations to address price concerns
The ACCC recommends the extension of the existing Commonwealth Government’s Heads of Agreement with LNG producers, due to expire at the end of 2020, because of the demonstrated capacity of LNG producers to supply additional gas into the domestic market when needed.
“As well as extending this Heads of Agreement, we think the government should consider strengthening the agreement’s price commitments,” Mr Sims said.
“For example, reference could be made to LNG netback price expectations and the prices LNG exporters could expect to receive for uncontracted gas in overseas markets over the relevant period.”
“Extending the Heads of Agreement is one measure that can be adopted now. Further measures are also needed to ensure adequate supply of appropriately priced gas over the longer term,” Mr Sims said.
With the southern states facing the greatest risk of shortfall in the future, the ability of market participants to transport gas from Queensland into southern markets remains critical.
The ACCC therefore recommends governments consider whether further measures are needed to see timely investment in north-south transportation infrastructure particularly, or import terminals on the east coast.
The ACCC also recommends that governments seek to increase the diversity of suppliers when granting new tenements, as greater competition between suppliers would be more likely to bring down domestic prices. Measures such as active tenement management should also be used to ensure producers bring gas to market in a timely manner.
Gas supply for 2021 and COVID-19 impacts
Australia’s east coast gas market is expected to have sufficient supply in 2021, with the LNG producers in particular having surplus gas, but the risk of a shortfall in the southern states in the medium term has increased, the ACCC’s report finds.
More than 20 per cent of southern states’ production in 2021 is expected to come from undeveloped ‘2P’, or proven and probable, reserves. At the same time last year, only eight per cent of southern supply had been forecast to come from undeveloped 2P reserves in 2020.
“The impacts of COVID-19 and the collapse in oil prices are being felt at all levels of the gas supply chain, and they have highlighted key areas of dysfunction in the market,” Mr Sims said.
“The cumulative effect on gas users is significant and exacerbates the difficulties being experienced by many commercial and industrial users.”
The report is available at <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/regulated-infrastructure/energy/gas-inquiry-2017-2025/july-2020-interim-report" target="_blank">Gas Inquiry</a>
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Domestic gas users paying too much: ACCC

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The REIV is expecting about 150 auctions in 102 suburbs this week. 
Down on 188 auctions held last week, excluding the 24 that were postponed and the 66 that were withdrawn.
This week last year saw 529 auctions.
The top auction suburb in Melbourne this week are Northcote with 7 auctions. South Morang, Craigieburn, Preston and Pascoe Vale follow, each with 4 listings.
In contrast, Sydney auctions volumes are trending higher. 713 auctions are scheduled across the city this week, a 11% rise on last week’s volumes (640) and 59% higher than scheduled volumes from one year ago (446). This week’s auction volume is set to be the highest for Sydney since the first week of April.
Across the smaller auction markets, Adelaide is the only market expected to see a rise in auctions held over the week, with Brisbane and Canberra set to host fewer auctions and Perth volumes are to remain steady. Tasmania has one scheduled auction this week.
There are 1,085 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities this week, down slightly on the 1,150 auctions last week and lower than the 1,228 last year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/13/CL%20AUG%209.JPG" alt="">
Despite restrictions in Victoria, August’s auction results have remained steady after a record July Ray White.
This week Victorians face the first full week of Stage Four restrictions in which online auctions from anywhere but the auctioneers’ homes have been banned.
However, Ray White Victoria offices have entered the week on a high after recording an 80 per cent auction day clearance rate last weekend. Ray White auctions in Melbourne also attracted an average of 4.5 registered bidders, proving that buyer confidence is hard to rattle.
Ray White Cheltenham Director Kevin Chokshi is set to auction off 5 Gilford Grove (pictured in title).
Mr Chokshi said houses in the tightly-held Pennydale Estate of Cheltenham have always done well with buyers.
“It’s a really highly sought after pocket of Cheltenham and the sellers have maintained the house really well including repainting, refurbishment and styling for sale,” Mr Chokshi said.
Meanwhile, 7 Bishop Avenue, Diamond Creek is also set to sell successfully under the hammer through Ray White Diamond Creek Director Narelle King. The auction will be called by Ray White Victoria Chief Auctioneer Matthew Condon.
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Northcote is Melbourne's busiest auction suburb this weekend

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The Border Express distribution centre in South Australia has been purchased by Primewest.
The Border Express property is located within the Northern Adelaide industrial Precinct and returns a net passing income of $1.439 million.
“Border Express was a significant acquisition for the trust enabling it to uphold a 7% pa cash distribution to investors,” said Primewest Managing Director David Schwartz.
“A new five year lease was signed at settlement and of the 50,000 plus square metres of land, only 41% is occupied, allowing for further development potential.”
“We are looking to raise more funds for our acquisition pipeline.”
Mr Schwatz said Primewest remained confident in the future of key industrial and logistics markets nationally, as they continued to benefit from Australia’s growing exposure to on-line retailing and e-commerce as a result of COVID 19.
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South Australia's Border Express distribution centre purchased by Primewest

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A freehold industrial food manufacturing site in Coburg North has sold for $2,090,000, representing a building rate of $1,104 per square metre.
John Nockles and Craig McKellar, from CVA Property, had the listing.
CCC Operations Pty Ltd have been in occupation of the Hocking Street premises since 2014 and have recently renewed the lease, which represents a 7.35% yield on the recent sale price.
In addition, the tenant occupies the neighbouring building directly behind this premises.
They currently own and manufacture product lines for Ernest Hiller and Newman's and manufacture their chocolate products that have been produced for over 100 years.
The campaign attracted over 50 enquiries over its 8-week campaign with both interstate and Victorian investors participating.
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Coburg North food manufacturing site sold for $2 million

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The world's largest manufacturer of conveyor belting for mining and industrial applications, Fenner Dunlop, has been secured as a tenant at Nexus Industrial Estate, in Dandenong South.
Salta Properties had the listing.
Fenner Dunlop has pre-committed to the 6998 square metre site on Portlink Drive, which comprises a 6560 square metre warehouse with heavy duty cranes, a 438 square metre DDA compliant office (over 2 levels), 3 No. Rapid Roller Doors and B Double Access.
An additional 5506 square metre speculative development connected to Fenner Dunlop, which comprises a 5055 square metre warehouse and 451 square metre office with an estimated completion date of September 2021.
Salta Properties Managing Director, Sam Tarascio, welcomed Fenner Dunlop as its latest tenant at the industrial precinct and highlighted the importance of tailored solutions for tenants and clients.
"The agreement with Fenner Dunlop reinforces the appeal of the Nexus Industrial Estate. Remaining sites are still available for high performing companies looking for a strategic base for their distribution centres, light manufacturing and warehousing solutions," said Mr Tarascio.
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Fenner Dunlop secured as tenant at Nexus Industrial Estate

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A large scale industrial and logistics distribution centre in Adelaide has been purchased by Primewest for $22 million.
The sales reflects a yield of 6.54%.
Paul Tierney, Gavin Bishop and Sean Thomson of Colliers International listed the 19,020 square metre facility in Salisbury South, on behalf of Tarranganda Pty Ltd.
It was sold with an existing lease to Border Express - a third-generation, family business, which has occupied the property as the sole tenant in excess of ten years.
"Amidst the current Covid-19 health crisis, the focus for investors has now become the occupancy, tenure and covenant solvency for well-located, income producing industrial real-estate", said Gavin Bishop, Head of Industrial Capital Markets for Primewest.
"Given the low interest rate environment and robust underlying fundamentals of the Australian industrial and logistics market, accompanied by the weight in capital chasing defensive industrial investment product, we have seen continued demand from investors domestically and out of Asia, Europe and America."
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Adelaide logistics facility sells for $22 million

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National builder Vaughan Constructions has completed an $11 million warehouse facility for national warehouse and fulfilment business McPhee Distribution Services at Berrinba in Queensland.
The circa 13,000 square metre, Bardon Road, building comprises a 12,000 sqm warehouse, offices totalling nearly 700 sqm, hardstand of 6000 sqm and a 2200 sqm carpark. 
Vaughan Director, Mark Byrne, said the facility, Vaughan’s first completed project in South-East Queensland, was developed by McPhee on behalf of tenant Rinnai to accommodate their future growth. Rinnai will occupy around 60 per cent of the facility with the balance of the area occupied by McPhee.
Mr Byrne said Vaughans’ project management team, including senior site manager Will Lindsay, had been able to deliver the new facility ``within a sharp timeframe’’ despite six weeks of ongoing rains through February and March and in the thick of the pandemic where social distancing for work groups had been especially challenging.
He said Vaughans had been more than impressed with Logan City Council’s efficient planning process. 
"Logan City Council’s development friendly attitude greatly facilitated the delivery of this project. The relative ease of the planning process, combined with a rapidly evolving industrial market, has us keenly focussed on the south-east Queensland market,’’ Mr Byrne said. 
The new Berrinba facility represents Stage 1 of a planned circa $60 million, three stage McPhee development which will include another two warehouse buildings of around 15,000 sqm each on two adjoining sites next door.
"We are delighted to be partnering with McPhee on this project as it builds on our existing relationship – including further projects we are working on in Melbourne - and has provided us with an exceptional opportunity to springboard our expansion into Queensland,’’ Mr Byrne said.
 
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Vaughan completes $11 million Queensland warehouse for McPhee Distribution

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

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