<html><body>
Having the best and most up-to-date research findings delivered by AHURI’s eight leading university research partners will enhance decision making that effects many of the most vulnerable Australians, as well as supporting the economic recovery from the crisis, according to Adrian Harrington, Chair of AHURI. 
The research, which will be fast tracked to deliver findings in the second half of 2020 examines topics across the housing continuum including: 
After the pandemic, can building homes rebuild Australia? 
By freezing the economy and social interactions, Australia has shown great success in reducing the spread of the virus, however it has come at a huge cost to employment.
The housing industry has been widely promoted as an ideal mechanism for delivering economic stimulus, but how should does it actually have the capacity to deliver economic stimulus in periods of economic crisis and what forms should such response take? 
Renting in the time of COVID-19: understanding the impacts.
The economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has placed many in the rental market at risk; they face uncertainty, tenure insecurity and financial hardship.
Guided by the needs of policy, this project rapidly generates a nationwide dataset and essential reporting on the impact of COVID-19 on tenants. 
Housing affordability stress during COVID-19
This examines the impacts of COVID-19 on housing affordability stress (i.e. paying more than 30 per cent of income for housing) for home buyers and tenants across different housing types and household configurations. 
Other projects will consider pathways to regional recovery, understanding the impacts of policy responses to the pandemic, impacts on landlords as well as tenants, and impacts on those in marginal housing settings. 
"This is the first time that AHURI has funded rapid research projects on this scale and reflects the urgent need for quality research to support urban and housing policy innovation given the significant impact that COVID-19 is having on Australia's urban environments and housing markets," said Mr Harrington. 
"The Agenda was launched in collaboration with AHURI’s partner universities." 
"We’re very proud at how quickly our research teams came together to develop these projects’, says Dr Michael Fotheringham, Executive Director of AHURI. 
"Having the best and most up-to-date research findings will enable governments at all levels to develop policies that support Australians during and beyond the pandemic, and help deliver safe, secure and affordable housing for all."
The eight rapid-response projects will be published by AHURI in the second half of 2020.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Eight COVID-19 research projects to inform housing policy response: AHURI

<html><body>
Plans for a major industrial precinct on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney Airport have been approved by the NSW Government, paving the way for a significant boost to jobs and investment in the region. 
Approval of the $2.6 billion Mamre Road Precinct, one of 12 key precincts in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, will unlock 850 hectares of new industrial land and see the creation of new public spaces and conservation areas.  
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the green light for the Precinct is a significant step forward in securing Western Sydney’s future as a global hub for logistics and advanced manufacturing. 
“We’re getting on with the job of building a new city around the airport well before the first plane takes off,” Ms Berejikilian said.
“This land release will provide opportunities for international and domestic businesses to invest in Western Sydney, enabling major warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and circular economy operations to be established.
“It will also bring a huge jobs boost to the region, creating opportunities for more than 5,200 jobs during the construction phase alone.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the Mamre Road Precinct will also include 50 hectares of open space, including new cycling and walking paths that will open up previously inaccessible land to the public. A further 70 hectares of conservation land, including the Cumberland Plain Woodland, will also be protected within the Precinct. 
“Not only does this rezoning secure much-needed productive industrial land, it also safeguards critical environmental areas and provides some fantastic new public spaces for the future residents of the Western Parkland City,” Mr Stokes said. 
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the rezoning is another milestone in the transformation of the Western Parkland City into a thriving hub, with new jobs, homes, infrastructure and open spaces.  
“We already have interested businesses from the transport and logistics, pharmaceutical and data storage industries ready to move into the precinct and capitalise on its future connections to local, regional and overseas markets,” Mr Ayres said.
The first industrial estates for the Mamre Road Precinct are expected to be occupied from mid-2021. 
The Mamre Road Precinct was one of 24 projects included in Tranche 2 of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assessments to keep people in jobs and the economy moving during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 16,400 direct  jobs and almost $11 billion worth of economic investment across NSW.
</body></html>

$2.6 million Mamre Road Precinct to boost jobs in Western Sydney

<html><body>
James Ledgerwood has quit The Agency at Bondi Beach to join Ray White Double Bay.
Before moving back home to Sydney, he started his real estate career selling property at Surfers Paradise for Ray White.
His real estate career started in 2004 and then from 2011 with McGrath on the Gold Coast.
Over the past year realestate.com.au data suggests he sold 24 properties, with 20 houses at a $4 million medium and four units at a $1 million median. 
His most recent sale was in early June at Bondi with a $1.045 million apartment preceded by an $855,000 Bondi sale in early April.
Some of his sale results during his time at The Agency have included;
<ul>
<li>307 ‘Pacific’ 186 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach - $6,000,000</li>
<li>13 Darley Road, Randwick - $5,550,000</li>
<li>Lighthouse 516 ‘Pacific’ 186 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach - $4,550,000</li>
<li>6 Kings Road, Vaucluse - $4,100,000</li>
<li>310 Bondi Road, Bondi - $3,800,000</li>
<li>90 Ocean St, Bondi - $3,738,000</li>
</ul>
 
</body></html>

James Ledgerwood quits The Agency

<html><body>
JLL's recent ‘Will Melbourne’s city Fringe keep kicking goals’ report explores vacancy and rental scenarios for the market, post pandemic.
In recent years, Melbourne’s Fringe office market has recorded strong rental growth in prime and secondary assets, in some cases outperforming CBD markets nationally.
In 2020 the new supply to the Fringe markets is expected to be more than 9 times the 20-year-average. By the end of 2024, Melbourne’s Fringe office market is forecast to have a net increase in stock of close to 305,300sqm, taking the total market to 1.87million sqm, JLL research forecasts. 
While 1Q20 represents the peak of the net face rental growth cycle in the Fringe, the impact the health and economic crisis could have on the Fringe vacancy is still to be determined, particularly due to the variable and flexible component of the Fringe office supply pipeline.   However, as vacancy increases with the onset of new supply and downward pressure on demand, JLL predicts we will see effective rents in older and secondary stock recording more pronounced corrections.  
JLL Research is tracking 55 projects &gt;1,000sqm that could deliver an additional 272,700 sqm of office space to the market by 2024.However many of these are unlikely to proceed without pre-commit and therefore may be deferred or put on hold.
The projected supply, withdrawals and likely demand will all impact the Fringe office vacancy which is predicted to rise to 13.7 per cent by the end of 2021 and reach a second peak in 2024 at 14.3 per cent.
Several factors will impact the variance in predicted vacancy scenarios;  
<ul>
<li>Revised Scenario V shaped recovery assumes the supply pipeline is more substantially reduced or delayed and demand bounces back strongly in 2022. Vacancy peaks in 2023 are in the region of 12.8 per cent .</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Revised Scenario longer term impact assumes a reduced or delayed supply pipeline but also continuing inactivity for the next four years, minimal withdrawal of assets for any type of development and weaker demand. Vacancy peaks in 2022 are at approximately 15.4 per cent.  </li>
</ul>
<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/2020/6/3/3_JLL.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="480">
JLL’s senior research director, Victoria, Annabel McFarlane, said: “COVID-19 is expected to have a short to medium term impact on the Melbourne Fringe markets. After five years of very strong rental growth with prime net effective rents increasing by 9.2 per cent on average annually, we are projecting that net effective rents will contract by 9.1% from the peak in 1Q20 to trough in 4Q21. 
“As demand softens, developers may postpone or place projects without any level of pre-commitment on hold as softening rents and yields impact the long-term viability of these projects. Shorter build periods and smaller project sizes gives the Fringe market a degree nimbleness as potential speculative supply is postponed in response to reduced demand.   
“However, it is not all negative and we predict some sectors to expand post pandemic, which will particularly affect the Fringe market given the occupier range. The fringe market will have an important role to play in the post COVID environment as some businesses look to split workforces and increase flexibility for staff.”
JLL’s head of metro office leasing, Victoria, Josh Tebb added, “Sectors including Technology, Health Care and the Public Services sector which are predicted to expand already have strong footholds within the Fringe markets, and these precincts are well placed to absorb these rapidly growing sectors in the recovery. 
“We are only beginning to witness the impact of COVID-19 on the Victorian office market but in these early stages, we believe the cost savings and controlled building environments of smaller buildings in the immediate fringe may appeal to some CBD tenants seeking to separate departments and project teams for the short to medium term.”
Ms McFarlane concluded, “Longer term, Melbourne is well positioned from a macroeconomic stance, with liveability, relative affordability, historic population and jobs growth and a strong education sector to support the recovery from this health and economic crisis. Office markets will need to become more metropolitan to accommodate the changing and growing workforce.”
</body></html>

Large Melbourne supply hits post COVID-19 

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Oxford Properties Group (‘Oxford’), a leading global real estate investor, developer and manager, announced it has lodged its Development Application (‘DA’) for its 39 storey, build-to-rent residential building, marking a major milestone for the Sydney Metro Pitt Street over station development. 
The building represents the first large scale build-to-rent project in Sydney’s CBD, and is part of Oxford’s wider development plans that also include a 39-storey office building at the Pitt Street north metro station entrance. The build-to-rent project marks the first step in Oxford’s strategy to create, over time, a leading multifamily platform in Australia, with a focus on Sydney and Melbourne.
Key features of the south building revealed in the DA include: 
<ul>
<li>More than 20,000 sqm of gross floor area including residential accommodation and a publicly accessible restaurant;</li>
<li>234 apartments with a range of dwelling sizes and types from one to three-bedroom apartments, all with balconies or terraces;</li>
<li>Three floors of resident amenities including a 20m pool with health and wellness facilities, resident lounge providing space to relax or work from home; and,</li>
<li>Multiple communal outdoor terraces including a dedicated resident rooftop dining room.</li>
</ul>
“We are excited to share our detailed plans for Pitt Street south building with the public for the first time. We have been working closely with our delivery partners and the project’s world-class consultant team, including leading Australian architects Bates Smart, to develop plans for a transformational project that will set the bar for purpose- built rental in Sydney’s CBD. The quality of apartments and extensive amenities will create an unmatched experience for residents,” commented Nellie O’Keeffe, Project Director for Pitt Street over station development at Oxford Properties.
“In line with Sydney Metro’s vision of forming a vibrant hub that will shape the city’s future, the wider Pitt Street project will deliver an enhanced midtown precinct incorporating office, retail and residential with a seamless transfer to public transport. The proposed design for a premium build-to-rent development will elevate this precinct as a landmark project and create a strong sense of place. The successful lodgement of the south building DA is progress towards our timeline to begin construction.”
As detailed within the DA, the design of the south building seeks to create a singular elegant and cohesive form, which brings together the Metro station, retail, residential and amenity uses. Philip Vivian, Director of Bates Smart, commented, “The south building has been designed to strengthen midtown’s historic brick character. Its clustered form reflects the scale of nearby buildings, while the podium sensitively steps to integrate with the historic context. Precast masonry facades reinterpret the colouration of the variegated brickwork of the surrounding buildings. The facade creates a midtown feel, with solidity providing privacy and environmental performance for residents. It’s architecture that is sympathetic to historic and present-day Sydney, and it enhances the city’s urban fabric.”
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Residents of the south building will benefit from Oxford’s institutional ownership that provide longer, more flexible lease terms, security of tenure and homes that are cared for by real estate management professionals.
“At Oxford, we are committed to combining global best practices and the knowledge of our on-the-ground team to deliver projects that positively impact our communities through job creation and that create a vibrant sense of place. Pitt Street metro station is a landmark project for the city and, as the first purpose-built build-to-rent building in the CBD, the south building serves as a major step forward for the residential market in Sydney,” commented Alec Harper, Head of Australia at Oxford Properties.
“The residential market in Australia has been evolving in response to housing affordability, population growth and changing demographic sentiment to home ownership. This is driving demand for professionally managed rental residential accommodation in urban centres. Build-to-rent offers a more affordable and flexible solution than homeownership for many Australians but, through surety of tenure, allows residents to put down long-term roots. As our first project in Australia as lead developer since entering the market in December 2018, it demonstrates our commitment to creating a leading multifamily platform in Australia with a focus on our core markets of Sydney and Melbourne.”
Oxford’s plans for the south building draw on its global experience and track record of delivering landmark projects around the world. Oxford currently owns over 12,000 rental residential apartments globally. It is currently developing build-to-rent communities across London, New York, Toronto, Boston and Washington D.C.
Construction on the south building is expected to begin in 2021 and scheduled to complete in 2023 with Metro services beginning in 2024. During construction, Oxford anticipates that around 350 jobs will be created through the construction of the south building over a 24-month period.
Pitt Street Project Background
Oxford Properties was named lead developer and equity investor for the office and build-to-rent residential buildings above the new Pitt Street metro station, announced by Sydney Metro in September 2019. Oxford’s consortium partners CPB Contractors are responsible for delivery of the station. Oxford is also working closely with Investa Property Group, which it has engaged as Co-Development Manager to assist in delivering the project.
Collectively, the Pitt Street north and south buildings will deliver approximately 65,000 sqm of new space and create a vibrant new commercial and residential hub around Pitt Street, between Park Street and Bathurst Street.
Oxford plans to lodge the DA for the north building, a 39-storey premium office tower and retail plaza on the corner of Pitt and Park Street, in July this year.
<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/2020/6/3/18_Oxford.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

DA lodged for build-to-rent-building at Pitt Street south metro station 

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The cost of insurance claims from four natural disaster catastrophes declared over the 2019-20 summer has passed $5.19 billion, with more than 15,000 new claims worth $270 million lodged in the past four weeks.
ICA Head of Communications Campbell Fuller said: “Thousands of new claims and property loss assessments have pushed total claims to more than 288,100 and the estimated damage bill to more than $5.19 billion.
“Insurers have already paid more than $2.85 billion for emergency accommodation, business interruption, repair and rebuilding work, replacement of motor vehicles and goods, services and settlements. This is despite the widespread impact of the natural disaster season and the handbrake effect of COVID-19.
“Almost 50 per cent of claims from the four storm, bushfire and hailstorm catastrophes have been closed by insurers – an extraordinary result for households and businesses affected by these disasters.”
The COVID 19 pandemic was declared a Catastrophe on March 11, 2020. The industry is assessing the impact it is having on claims and customers.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Insurance bill for season of natural disasters climbs over $5.19 billion for 2019/2020

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Major construction for the Parramatta Light Rail has begun on ‘Eat Street’ in the first step towards the revitalisation of the famous dining strip.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the light rail works in Eat Street have started this week. They will include the removal of the existing pavement and road surface, deep excavation and moving or replacing underground utilities including water, gas pipes and telecommunication services.
A micro-tunnelling machine beneath the ground will reduce noise and impact compared to street-level work, moving up to 10 metres a day.
“We know the community is eager to see this light rail built and we will be working hard over the next five months to make the most of this time,” Mr Constance said.
“Our construction timetable together with innovative engineering techniques will see this precinct through to a fantastic new light rail network that will bring passengers into the heart of Parramatta.”
A construction grace period will see works cease on November 1, 2020 until February 1, 2021 and outdoor dining restored over the busy warmer months.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the precinct, closed to car traffic in February ahead of light rail works, had been impacted by COVID-19 lockdown measures and would benefit from a vibrant program of events and activities planned to celebrate the distinctiveness of the area.
“We’re pleased to give businesses certainty that hoardings will come down at the beginning of November, giving everyone a break from construction,” Mr Lee.
“This is in addition to the many other ways we’re proudly supporting Eat Street.” Further NSW Government support measures will include:
Nearly 2000 metres of colourful shadecloth and hoarding will highlight the array of local retailers and reflect the popular dining area’s rich cultural diversity.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<ul>
<li>
‘Activate Parramatta’, a new app, will be launched to attract the community, residents and visitors to dine or shop at businesses along the light rail route, as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease.
</li>
<li>A ‘Dine, Scan, Win’ shop local campaign will give the community a chance to win weekly prizes from participating restaurants, cafes and takeaway shops.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Realise Business, appointed by Transport for NSW to deliver free business support services, continues to provide guidance to businesses affected by light rail construction.</li>
</ul>
The $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is expected to open in 2023.
Main Photo: <a href="http://www.turnerstudio.com.au/eat-street-merrylands-urban-design/" target="_blank">TURNER STUDIOS</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

'Eat Street' light rail transformation underway

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Rental prices have fallen in Metropolitan Melbourne following a month of some improvement in vacancy rates across the State.
The monthly rental data from the REIV shows median rents for houses are now more affordable at $470 per week, down from February’s $480 per week, but still higher than the same time last year.
Metropolitan units are also now cheaper to rent, from $450 per week in February down to $430 per week.
The Regional Victorian vacancy rate climbed from 1.8% to 1.9% over the month, however median house rents remain unchanged on $350 per week, with units rising to $295 per week.
In Geelong, house rental prices shrunk by $10 to $400 per week, the Ballarat region remained steady on $340 per week, while house rents increased in the Bendigo region by $7 to sit at $350 per week.
Although there has been some improvement in vacancy rates with Metropolitan Melbourne recording 2.3% for two consecutive months, Victoria needs vacancy rates of 3%- 4% to maintain a healthy market.”
The numbers released today reflect the strong market in the lead up to the State of Emergency, and are consistent with our March quarter median prices.
REIV President Leah Calnan said Victoria’s that the temporary measures in place due to COVID-19 make it challenging to gauge the real situation but the underlying strength of the Victorian property market is undeniable.
“Victoria’s rental accommodation supply is growing, more rental homes are now available but there remains a need for more properties to be listed to cater for growing demand.” Ms Calnan said.
“The State Government needs to work more closlely with property owners, to help build a reliable supply of rental accommodation in Victoria.
 
<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/2020/6/3/17_REIV.jpg" alt="" width="337" height="499">
Source: REIV Rental Data
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Victoria vacancy rates improving: REIV

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The NSW Government has released an awareness campaign to remind DIY enthusiasts to plan, prepare and check for asbestos if they are renovating an old home.
Renovation works may disturb asbestos, particularly in houses and sheds built before 1990, and the tagline Asbestos lurks in more places than you think, reminds DIY renovators and tradies to check for asbestos before renovating or building.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said this long weekend provides an ideal opportunity to tackle a DIY project but only if it is done safely and carefully.
“You can’t always tell what products contain asbestos just by looking,’’ Mr Kean said today.
Even though it has been banned in Australia since 2003, at the height of its use asbestos was in over 3,000 products with many of these products still in homes and workplaces – especially those built before 1990.
“We want homeowners to make use of Government’s Asbestos Finder asbestos.nsw.gov.au or arrange an assessment from a licensed asbestos assessor before starting a renovation to best protect your family, neighbours and the wider community,” Mr Kean said.
“Checking before you start will keep you and your family safe.”
Everyday products that could contain asbestos include:
<ul>
<li>
roofs, eaves, downpipes and insulation
</li>
<li>
interior walls (often with a non-asbestos covering on the outside)
</li>
<li>
kitchen splashbacks
</li>
<li>
under lino, some carpets and tiles (and the cement compounds used to fix tiles)
</li>
<li>
lagging around pipes, inside fuse boxes or as part of ventilation shafts
</li>
<li>
fences, garden sheds and small outdoor construction like chicken coops
</li>
<li>
bonded cement sheeting that make up walls, which can be disturbed when sanded in preparation for painting.
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Old homes can be an Asbestos hotspot

<html><body>
The April 2020 Lending to Households and Business figures, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, show the value of loans for housing fell by 5.0 per cent (in seasonally adjusted terms), with the decrease being driven by owner occupiers purchase of existing dwellings, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA).
“The value of new loan commitments for both owner occupiers and investors displayed the largest fall in twelve months and the purchase of existing dwellings experienced the largest fall in over a decade,” said Mr Adrian Kelly, President of the REIA.
“Not surprisingly ABS reports that lending institutions have indicated that COVID-19 impacts were being seen through both reduced demand from borrowers and tighter lending criteria. What is more sobering is that ABS says COVID-19 operational impacts experienced by some lending institutions resulted in a backlog of March housing loan applications being processed in April, which moderated the April fall in loan commitments.”
The total number of owner occupier first home buyer loan commitments dropped by 3.8 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms but the proportion of first home buyers, as part of the total owner-occupied housing finance commitments was 36.7 per cent. 
Despite the fall in new commitments for first home buyers, the series is 20.2 per cent higher than the most recent low point in December 2018.
“Feedback from agents suggests that worse is yet to come on housing finance figures as restrictions on movements throughout May and caution about the economy impact on activity in the housing market,” concluded Mr Kelly.
 
</body></html>

Value of loans fell by 12 month high: REIA

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News