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Given that Inner North suburbs of Melbourne tend to comprise older dwellings, at least relative to the outer north, it is within these suburbs – including Coburg, Reservoir and out to Greensborough and Bundoora that most likely to see homes undergoing renovations, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggest in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month’s HTW report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
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Older homes, often held in families for many years and kept in their original state will often undergo impressive modifications and upgrades once sold to owner occupiers looking to make their homes larger, modern, comfortable and better suited to modern life. 
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The report suggests renovators can often expect to see healthy capital growth as a result of these renovations bringing these properties up to meet the expectations of potential purchasers for these areas.
There are a number of areas in the Inner North where ‘pop up’ rear extensions to existing heritage facades are becoming more commonplace as a means of meeting the requirements of heritage protections. 
"We have seen numerous examples of these, where older homes with small and enclosed living areas have been opened up, increasing natural light and utilizing spaces in a more functional way," the valuation firm said. 
"In recent months as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have noted that the occurrence of larger renovations and extensions has reduced, bucking the trend of the past several years where renovations have been commonplace, particularly as a result of gentrification in many areas and a large number of homes constructed in the 1980’s becoming more obvious candidates for modernisation," the valuation firm said. 
Prime examples of this can be seen in Reservoir and Montmorency where homes with renovation potential can be purchased for between $700,000 and $850,000 and $800,000 to$900,000 respectively, the reported noted. 
"Once fully renovated, we are seeing homes in Reservoir achieve $1.1 million to $1.3 million and Montmorency, $1.1 million to $1.4 million," the valuation firm said. 
A three bedroom Clinker Brick Veneer house in Reservoir has recently been sold for $1.07 million.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-reservoir-133019962" target="_blank">31 Rubicon Street </a>home (pictured below) has been renovated and extended. 
It comes with open plan living, light-filled family room and decked entertainment area. 
It was last sold in 2007 for $476,000. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/15/reservoir%201.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is an updated four bedroom house in Montmorency priced at $1.05 million to $1.15 million.
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-montmorency-133636602" target="_blank"> 3 Reichelt Avenue</a> home (pictured below) comprises two living zones, two updated bathrooms and study. 
It's situated within walking distance to schools, shops and cafes. 
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Investors in the outer north suburbs, looking to attract tenants or sell are more likely to carry out more modest or cosmetic renovations for ‘easy wins’, partly as a result of homes in these areas being much younger, with layouts not differing too much from new homes being constructed today.
The report notes minor renovations in these areas will tend to be limited to painting, replacing floor coverings, and perhaps a new kitchen, bathroom or deck.
"Moving forward, we expect that the prevalence of major renovations will continue to remain in parity with the economy and if this continues to deteriorate, then it is reasonable to expect that renovators will become less willing to spend big," the valuation firm said. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

North Melbourne major renovations in decline: HTW residential 

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Dexus has announced that it has conditionally exchanged contracts to sell 45 Clarence Street, Sydney to Peakstone.
The sale will realise net proceeds of $530 million, which is consistent with the property’s book value at 31 December 2019.
It was bought in 1998 at $165 million.
45 Clarence Street is a 28-level, A-grade office tower across 32,000 square metres, located in the western corridor of Sydney’s financial district and was built in 1990.
On 31 December 2019, the property was 100% occupied and had a weighted average lease expiry of 3.3 years.
The sale was concluded following the receipt of an off-market unsolicited offer from Peakstone, a Singapore headquartered manager of Asian capital, and is subject to the purchaser receiving FIRB approval.
 “This transaction reinforces the resilience of prime quality office asset values in the Sydney CBD and enables us to recycle capital into higher returning opportunities that we expect will become more prevalent over the coming period,” said CEO Darren Steinberg.
The transaction follows the completion or exchange of more than $800 million of property divestments across the group during FY20.
The net sale proceeds will initially be used to repay debt.
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Dexus announces conditional contract to sell 45 Clarence Street to Peakstone

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A local Sydney/ Brisbane private syndicate has beaten locals to snap up a residential development site in Greenslopes, just 4kms south east of the Brisbane CBD for $2.45 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/100-nicholson-street-greenslopes-qld-4120-2015810068" target="_blank">100 Nicholson Street</a>, IVIE Residence is a boutique townhouse development site.
The 3,489sqm site is zoned LMR2 Low medium density residential (2 or 3 storey mix).
With bus services available within 300 metres, it was sold by Robert Dunne and Will Carman of Savills Australia. 
According to Robert Dunne, director, Commercial Sales, at Savills Australia, this is an exciting opportunity to develop the final stage of IVIE Residence, a multi stage development comprising 26 x 3-storey townhouses.
"Stage 1 has been completed and contains 5 x 4 bedroom townhouses with direct frontage to Nicholson Street and Stage 2 is approved and ready to go”. 
Stage 2 comprises 21 premium townhouses offering 9 x 3 bedrooms and 12 x 4 bedrooms, serviced by 43 car parks.
Mr Dunne said the campaign saw 192 interested parties and 69 Due Diligence distributed throughout the four week campaign. 
Greenslopes is an established residential suburb that has a population of approximately 8,936 residents, which predominantly comprises independent youth and maturing or established independents.
The median average weekly income in Greenslopes is $1,671, which sits above the Australian average.
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69 developers do due diligence on Greenslopes DA approved site

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Sherry and empanada bar operator, Double Tree International (Australia) Pty Ltd, has agreed terms on a new lease at South Yarra.
In a deal brokered by Teska Carson leasing agent, Reece Israel, the 47 sqm ground floor tenancy at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/leased/property-ground-floor-16-toorak-road-south-yarra-vic-3141-503307798" target="_blank">16 Toorak Road</a>, was let at $30,000 per annum on a three year term with two further three year options.
Mr Israel said the property benefitted from its prominent Toorak Road frontage.
He said the fully functioning kitchen with a large pizza oven had been a key factor for Double Tree.
"This is a great location for a food and beverage retailer with its close proximity to various transport options and excellent street exposure, while the premises is well suited to the client’s operational requirements,’’ Mr Israel said.
The lessor is a Melbourne based private investor. 
 
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Sherry and empanadas come to Toorak Road, South Yarra

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A new commercial building situated in a prominent corner position in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Ashgrove has sold in a deal representing a tight yield for Queensland.
The fully-leased medical and retail property at 9 Ashgrove Road, which also has frontage to Crawford street, was sold for $8.88 million at a passing yield of five per cent, with a passing net income of $444,300 per year.
It was purchased by GDA Diversified Property Trust having been listed by Eloper Group in a deal negotiated by Blake Goddard and Matt Barker of Knight Frank in conjunction with Michael Hedger, Darren Collins and Jack Morrison of CBRE.
Completed in May 2019, the Ashgrove building offers 618 sqm of medical/retail accommodation over two levels on an 800 sqm site with secure basement car parking for 26 vehicles.
It is 100 percent leased to three tenants including the Bank of Queensland, Ashgrove GP clinic and RecoverWise Physic, with 75 per cent of the income generated via the medical tenants, which are well- established in the precinct.
Mr Goddard said the campaign generated a suburban record for price per square metre of net lettable area of $14,369 and yield for an asset of this nature.
Mr Collins said the best interest came from the passive investors including numerous parties who work in the medical industry and were attracted to the strong lease covenants on this 100 per cent leased asset with an 8.5 year WALE (by income).
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It is set just 4.5km from the Brisbane CBD.
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Inner-Brisbane commercial building sold on tight yield during COVID-19

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Taxis have traditionally competed for kerbside space in our cities, but they now have many new competitors. <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805"> </a>
In case you missed it, 2018 was designated the <a href="https://mobilitylab.org/2018/06/08/managing-the-chaos-of-the-21st-century-curb/" target="_blank">Year of the Kerb</a> by Sabrina Sussman, <a href="https://www.zipcar.com/" target="_blank">Zipcar’s</a> public partnerships manager. This is because competition for limited kerb space has been increasing over the past few years, particularly in cities.
The kerb is the place that provides “access” between the street and the footpath. The definition tends to include the lane beyond the kerb that is used for car parking, bus stops, taxi pickups and dropoffs, and loading and unloading goods.
But kerb competition is increasing from a range of new users including: car sharing, ride sharing, e-scooter share, bike share and e-bike share, food delivery, online order deliveries and, in coming years, autonomous vehicles.
And this increasing focus on the kerb is highlighted in recent reports by the <a href="https://www.ite.org/technical-resources/topics/complete-streets/curbside-management-resources/" target="_blank">Institute of Traffic Engineers</a>, the <a href="https://www.itf-oecd.org/shared-use-city-managing-curb-0" target="_blank">International Transport Forum</a> and North America’s National Association of City Transportation Officials (<a href="https://nacto.org/tsdg/curb-appeal-whitepaper">NACTO</a>).
With this range of new users, cities need to rethink how they manage this contested real estate. Without better kerb management, cities will face increased congestion on local streets from vehicles circulating to access the kerb and on footpaths from a range of shared mobility devices.
One change cities will need to make to accommodate these new users is to repurpose kerb space, which has traditionally been used for parking, to other uses. This change will most likely have a significant financial impact.
<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/city-planning-curbs/" target="_blank">One survey</a> of the 25 largest US cities found parking-related revenues totalled US$5 billion in 2016, or about US$129 per person. While repurposing kerb space will not affect all of this revenue, it will have an impact on city budgets. To minimise this impact, cities will need to think about if, and how, to charge new users of kerb space.
To manage kerbs, first identify the uses
The City of Seattle is one of the leaders in kerb management. The city categorised kerb use into six key functions:
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mobility for travel lanes, bike lanes and bus lanes
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access for people using bus stops, bike parking and loading zones
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access for commerce to deliver goods
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activation for <a href="https://theconversation.com/people-love-parklets-and-businesses-can-help-make-them-happen-87172" target="_blank">small parks</a>, food trucks and public art
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greening for plantings, rain gardens and bio-swales
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storage for parking, bus layovers and construction.
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One of the first in-depth analyses of the kerb was in San Francisco. As part of <a href="https://www.fehrandpeers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SF_Curb_Study_2018-10-19_web-download.pdf" target="_blank">this 2018 study</a>, commissioned in 2018 by Uber Technologies, the consultants (Fehr and Peers) developed a Curb Productivity Index (CPI). The index considered three things to compare productivity of kerb use.
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number of passengers using kerb space by mode
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time period the activity was observed
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total space dedicated to that use.
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How to calculate kerb productivity
The CPI is a useful way of quantifying the various competing uses for the kerb.
It’s calculated by dividing the amount of activity by the amount of space used, multiplied by the unit of time. For example, the CPI for a bus stop that uses 45 metres of kerb for 250 arriving and departing passengers over four hours would be: 250 passengers/(45 metres x 4 hours), or 1.39 passengers/metre-hours.
Alternatively, the CPI for a car space that uses five metres of kerb that services two passengers over four hours would be: 2 passengers/(5 metres x 4 hours), or 0.1 passengers/metre-hours.
The CPI shows a bus stop is 13.9 times (1.39/0.1) more productive than a car park.
This analysis of usage data provides some rigour in developing a kerb management plan.
Base management on ‘measurement over myth’
As a way forward, <a href="https://www.fehrandpeers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SF_Curb_Study_2018-10-19_web-download.pdf" target="_blank">Fehr and Peer recommend</a> a management strategy with three components:
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relocation of existing kerb uses to other areas
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conversion, which involves eliminating some current uses and replacing them with new uses
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flexibility, so kerb uses change depending on the time of day.
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Trials of flexible kerb management are under way in Washington DC, San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale.
In changing how the kerb is managed, the <a href="https://nacto.org/tsdg/curb-appeal-whitepaper/" target="_blank">2018 report</a> from North America’s National Association of City Transportation Officials recommends a “measurement over myth” strategy when converting parking to other uses.
Surveys on arrival mode consistently show public transport and active travel modes deliver more customers to adjacent businesses than private motor vehicles. <a href="https://www.torontocycling.org/uploads/1/3/1/3/13138411/cycling_economies_eglinton_final.pdf" target="_blank">Before-and-after studies</a> confirm that replacing parking with public transport or bike lanes increases sales for area businesses.
To manage the conflicting needs of car and bike users for roadside space, San Jose has created kerbside bike lanes separated from the road by car parking. <a class="source" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.flickr.com/photos/willbuckner/45885808941"> </a>
While new mobility startups are part of the reason cities need to develop kerb management plans, other startups are developing new ways to manage this increasingly contested space. Some of these new companies include:
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<a href="https://www.coord.co/post/open-curbs-the-first-open-data-multi-city-platform-to-unlock-curbs" target="_blank">Open Curbs</a> from <a href="https://www.coord.co/" target="_blank">Coord</a>, a spin-off of <a href="https://www.sidewalklabs.com/" target="_blank">Sidewalk</a>, that provides wheelchair cuts, fire hydrants, bus stops and other physical kerb assets
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<a href="https://www.populus.ai/" target="_blank">Populus</a>, a San Francisco transport company that has developed a mobility manager that provides data on e-scooter and e-bike share parking data
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Remix, which has developed the <a href="https://www.remix.com/new-mobility" target="_blank">New Mobility tool</a> to analyse and visualise data-streaming feeds.
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These startups have raised millions of dollars, due in part to the recognised value of the kerb.
Cities need to make the transition from parking cities to pickup/dropoff cities and to flexible cities. For this to happen, cities will need to think strategically about how to manage their kerbs with the emergence of new users and new mobility management options.
One of the first steps in this transition is for cities to ensure data standards and data-sharing arrangements are established as part of the basis for giving new users permission to access the kerb.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neil-sipe-346144" target="_blank">Neil Sipe</a>, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/competition-for-the-kerb-is-rising-and-cities-are-going-to-have-to-manage-it-117410" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Competition for kerb is rising, cities have to manage it: Neil Sipe

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Rough sleepers across NSW are to benefit from the largest housing response dedicated to rough sleepers in NSW history with a program to secure homes rapidly from the private rental market underway.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the $36 million Together Home project would deliver stable housing and wrap-around support for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness.
“Part of this initiative is about finding people a place to call home, but the critical next step is supporting them with the services they need improve their health and wellbeing, and to rebuild their lives,” Mr Ward said.
“Our housing, homelessness and health providers will be working around the clock in coming months to help people take the first steps towards breaking the cycle of disadvantage and staying off the streets for good.”
Together Home will be delivered by the NSW Government, in collaboration with 19 community housing providers, specialist homelessness services and healthcare workers. 
The NSW Government has invested more than $70 million to prevent and respond to homelessness during the pandemic, on top of the more than $1 billion invested this financial year in housing and homelessness support.
The following Community Housing Providers will help deliver Together Home:
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<li>        Argyle Community Housing – South Western Sydney, Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW</li>
<li>        Bridge Housing – Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and Northern Sydney</li>
<li>        Community Housing Limited – Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and New England</li>
<li>        Compass Housing Services – Hunter Central Coast</li>
<li>        Evolve Housing – South Western Sydney, Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains</li>
<li>        Homes North – Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and New England</li>
<li>        Homes Out West – Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW</li>
<li>        Housing Plus – Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW</li>
<li>        Hume Community Housing – South Western Sydney</li>
<li>        Link Housing – Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and Northern Sydney</li>
<li>        Metro Community Housing – Sydney, South Easter Sydney and Northern Sydney</li>
<li>        Mission Australia Housing – Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and New England</li>
<li>        North Coast Community Housing – Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and New England</li>
<li>        Pacific Link Housing – Hunter Central Coast</li>
<li>        Southern Cross Community Housing – Illawarra Shoalhaven and Southern NSW</li>
<li>        St George Community Housing – Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and Northern Sydney</li>
<li>        Illawarra Community Housing Trust – Illawarra Shoalhaven, Southern NSW</li>
<li>        Wentworth Community Housing – Western Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains</li>
<li>        Women’s Housing Company – Sydney, South Eastern Sydney Northern Sydney and South West Sydney.</li>
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Community housing providers to assist NSW rough sleepers 

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Sentinel Property Group has revamped its executive leadership structure as its looks to take advantage of any opportunities in the commercial real estate sector arising from the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sentinel managing director and CEO Warren Ebert said with the Group also marking its 10th year of operations, the continued execution of its succession plan would coincide with the next phase of the non-listed real estate investment trust’s (REIT) growth.
"Many of our office, retail and industrial properties have a strong tenant base and provide us with a solid income stream, even in these challenging times," said Ebert who will become the group’s executive chairman and chief investment officer, effective from July 1, 2020.
Its chief operating officer (COO) Stacey Jones has been appointed CEO, effective from the same date.
Sentinel was established by Mr Ebert in 2010 when the commercial property market was still recovering from the global financial crisis.
Sentinel has since built a national portfolio of more than 50 retail, industrial, office, land, tourism infrastructure and agribusiness assets with a total value in excess of $1.13 billion.
“The Sentinel philosophy has been to see opportunity where others fear to tread and there were many instances post-GFC,” Mr Ebert said.
“How lucky are we to find ourselves with another opportunity to achieve more strong results for our highly valued investors.”
While Sentinel has still performed strongly since the COVID-19 outbreak, Mr Ebert said the strengthening of the management structure in line with the succession plan was timely with the impact on the economy prompting a review of the Group’s operations.
“This has been a good time to look at how we are doing things and I believe the move away from being CEO will allow me to step back and focus more on our investors, sales and acquisitions, leasing, value-add opportunities as well as Ebert family business,” he said.
“Our plan for Stacey to take on direct full-time responsibility for the management of the Sentinel office is timely: all staff are now all back to work full-time in our Brisbane CBD headquarters after mixing working from home with returning to the office two to three days a week.”
After almost a decade as a commercial property lawyer, Stacey Jones joined Sentinel in 2012 as an investor; her initial executive role was as General Counsel. She quickly moved to COO, where she demonstrated her leadership abilities and passion for the organisation. 
 
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Leadership revamp for Sentinel

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Falls from heights are the number one killer on NSW construction sites so construction sites across north-western Sydney can expect a visit from SafeWork Inspectors this week who will be targeting unsafe working systems across all building trades.  
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said following a number of incidents on worksites throughout the state, inspectors will be on the ground focusing on high risk activities, to ensure workers on construction sites are kept safe. 
“Inspectors will be undertaking a compliance blitz on construction sites to make sure those most at risk from workplace injury are protected by safe systems of work,” Mr Anderson said. 
“Far too often our inspectors identify concerns with the way scaffolding is set up and other dangers involving working from heights so we will be targeting this area in particular.
“Falls from heights are the number one killer on NSW construction sites with most people who are seriously injured or killed falling from a height of four metres or less,” Mr Anderson said. 
Following the NSW Government’s introduction of the strongest workplace legislation in the country earlier this month, heavy on-the-spot fines will be issued to anyone who puts workers’ lives at risk through unsafe or unlicensed work activities. 
“We’re lifting workplace safety in NSW by making it everyone’s responsibility, and sending a clear message that those who puts workers at risk can now face jail time,” Mr Anderson concluded.  
For more information on SafeWork’s operations and work health and safety advice, visit <a href="http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593473055413000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFWwqlyxcsqcO_Nbsrxa32Nns1PuA">www.safework.nsw.gov.au</a>
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Safety inspections planned for north-western Sydney construction sites

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The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has achieved the highest number of Green Star certifications for a non-property organisation, reaching 30 certifications across its bank branches.
Commonwealth Bank became one of the first users of the Green Building Council of Australia’s Volume Certification Program, and since 2016 has certified 30 branches to a 5 star rating or above.
CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, Davina Rooney, said this significant achievement has helped to advance better design and construction outcomes throughout Australia.
“Commonwealth Bank was one of the first users of Green Star and one of the early adopters of our volume certification program,” Ms Rooney said.
“They have paved the way for other financial institutions, as well as industrial facilities, retail stores and restaurants to achieve volume Green Star certification across a number of projects.”
“Commonwealth Bank’s adoption of Green Star, along with their participation in the Global Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment puts the bank at the forefront of green leaders worldwide.”
Jennifer Saiz, Executive General Manager Group Property and Security, Commonwealth Bank, said: “We aim to drive positive change through good business practice and one way we achieve this is through our sustainable branches.
“We are proud to be the first Australian financial institution to achieve a 5 Star Green Star certification for our retail design standards and we are thrilled that 30 of our branches have now achieved Green Star certification,” Ms Saiz said.
Volume certification allows the certification of a group of projects sharing similar features.
Ms Rooney said more companies are choosing volume certifications as it enables elements of a design to be certified once and then replicated on future projects to achieve a Green Star rating.
“Volume certifications for Green Star are growing rapidly as more companies see the value in reducing costs, future-proofing assets, and helping more people enjoy the many benefits working in a Green Star environment,” Ms Rooney said.
Commonwealth Bank’s office fitouts and bank branches use low chemical paints, Forestry Standard certified timber and water-efficient fixtures and fittings. They have also seen energy cuts of 40 per cent compared with typical branches.
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Commonwealth Bank leads the way in Green Star certifications

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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