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Retail property group Vicinity Centres has identified about $750 million to $1 billion of asset sales opportunities, subject to market conditions. 
The proceeds will be redeployed into value-accretive development and acquisition opportunities, it said, such as the recently announced $319 million acquisition of The Shops at Ellenbrook and Livingston Marketplace in Perth.
“Vicinity’s strategy is to own high-quality assets across the retail spectrum that are well-positioned in strong catchments and where we can add value through our intensive asset management and development capability," Angus McNaughton, CEO and Managing Director of Vicinity, said.
Vicinity has $22.2 billion in retail assets under management across 93 shopping centres, making it the second largest listed manager of Australian retail property, the announcement said.
McNaughton said the group would target an annual total return in excess of 9 % and underlying earnings growth of more than 3%.
Vicinity will also cancel its $1.8 billion bridge facility by the end of the calendar year. This follows the establishment of $700 million of new bank debt facilities and the issuance of A$433 million of US Private Placement (USPP) Notes which will settle next week.
“Our development pipeline currently stands at $1.5 billion on balance sheet – projects at Chadstone Shopping Centre, Warriewood Square, Colonnades and Halls Head Central are underway and we expect works at Mandurah Forum to commence in the first half of next year," said Michael O’Brien, the company's chief investment officer. 
"These developments are forecast to generate internal rates of return of 10% to 15+%. 
He added that the company will look to selectively acquire assets and cited the examples of The Shops at Ellenbrook and Livingston Marketplace in Perth. 
The company — formed out of the merger of Federation Centres and Novion Property Group — is on track to achieve 75% of merger operational cost synergies by June 2016, McNaughton said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Vicinity plans asset sales of up to $1 billion as portfolio rejig 

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Two retail properties anchored by Westpac were sold under the hammer in Ballarat and Bendigo in Victoria.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-ballarat-501765658" target="_blank">302-306 Sturt Street</a> property in Ballarat (above) fetched $5.7 million for a yield of 6.5%, while the one at 49-53 Mitchell Street in Bendigo sold for $4,575,000 on a 4.22% yield.
Both properties are anchored by Westpac, with other smaller adjoining retail spaces forming part of the whole property.
The Ballarat property is opposite the local town hall and Myer building.
Selling agent Andrew Lewis of Colliers International said 2015 had been a year of strong investment sales across the region.
“Low interest rates have fuelled increased interest in commercial real estate, particularly in the retail sector,” he said.
“We have sold in the order of 10 properties around the region in the last 12 months at yields of between 6% to 7%.
"This is some 1% to 1.5% lower than 12 months ago.
"We see this trend continuing into 2016.”
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Two regional Victoria bank retail sites sold at strong yields

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Wholesale electrical supplier Rexel has agreed terms on a new lease over a showroom/warehouse facility at Dandenong in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. 
The 45 Greens Road property comprises an 1,120 square metre showroom and warehouse building, located within a trade showroom complex.  
According to Savills’ director Keith Kooloos, who negotiated the deal with Tsimos Commercial’s Ron Jones, Rexel signed a five-year lease with two five-year options.  
The rental was not disclosed but believed to be circa $100,000 per annum net.  
Kooloos said the property ticked all the boxes for Rexel. 
"Rexel had several requirements including exposure in the right location for tradespeople. The new building in a trades complex on one of the south-east’s key arterials was just the right fit providing excellent client accessibility and frontage to Greens Road,’’ he said.  
The lessor is a private Melbourne family.
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Rexel takes new lease at Dandenong through Savills

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A premium freehold building in South Melbourne has been snapped up by a multinational IT firm for $2.74 million. 
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-south+melbourne-501743510" target="_blank">93-95 Palmerston Crescent</a> property comprises a 530 square metre three-level freestanding building with rear access. The property is located on a 248 metre site.
The sale was brokered by CBRE with vacant possession.
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IT firm secures $2.74 million slice of South Melbourne 

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A Yarraville fresh fruit shop, Dominic’s Fresh Fruit Supply at 27 Anderson Street fetched a top bid of $1.511 million, some $311,000 above the recent auction's reserve price. 
The auction attracted 31 bids from five groups. 
The property is fully leased to renowned <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-yarraville-501756390" target="_blank">Yarraville grocer</a>, Dominic’s, which has been trading in the area for more than 30 years. 
The property has a net annual income of $54,000 subject to a four-year lease term. 
The sale through CBRE set a strong land rate of $10,070 per square metre and yield of 3.6%.
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Fresh fruit shop in Melbourne's Yarraville exceeds reserve price at auction

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A successful family-run motel in the western metropolitan area of Melbourne has been bought by a Chinese investor. 
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-ardeer-501619905" target="_blank">608 Ballarat Road, Ardeer</a>, the Sunshine Motor Inn is a 3.5 star motel, owned and operated by father and son team of John and David Swain for two decades. 
CBRE Hotels’ Scott Callow and Joseph Du Rieu brokered the deal for the Swain family via an expression of interest campaign. 
The motel consists of 44 refurbished accommodation rooms, a two-bedroom manager’s residence, swimming pool, public bar, restaurant, a modern commercial kitchen with wood fired pizza oven and an extensive bitumen sealed car park. 
“Although situated in a primarily industrial area, the Sunshine Motor Inn is popular within the fast growing northern and western suburbs industrial areas, providing easy access off the Western Ring Road,” Du Rieu explained as the reason for the sale.
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Chinese investor snaps up motel in Melbourne

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The planned development and expansion of the Busselton Central Shopping Centre has been approved by Western Australia’s Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).
The shopping centre is owned by the Australian Unity Diversified Property Fund (DPF), an unlisted property fund that invests in retail, office and industrial properties in Australia.
Busselton is about 230 kilometres south-west of Perth. 
Over the five years to June 2013, Busselton has experienced an average annual growth rate of 3.9%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.7% over the same period. The residential growth area is also a popular seaside tourist destination and is recognised as one of Western Australia's premier tourist spots and events capital.
Nikki Panagopoulos, property portfolio manager with Australian Unity Real Estate Investment, said JDAP’s approval was a significant milestone.
“This is the first step in developing Busselton’s main shopping centre, increasing in size by 40% to 16,000 sqm. The expansion will include a discount department store, additional specialty shops, and an entertainment precinct with cafes and a restaurant."
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Australian Unity development of Busselton Central Shopping Centre approved

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The median rental for properties in Sydney's rental heartland, Randwick was unchanged in September-October from the previous quarter, but the average days on the market came down. 
According to a report by <a href="https://www.rent.com.au" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a> the median rental price for a 30-day period was $580 per week, same as the previous quarter, it said.
Surrounding suburbs of Centennial Park, Queens Park, Waverley, Clovelly, Kingsford, Kensington, Coogee and South Coogee, however, commanded a higher median rental of $600 during the quarter, and also the previous one, the data showed.
The average days on the market for rental properties advertised in Randwick in the 90 days covered by the report was 17 days, four days less than the last quarter and about half of the 33 days on the market for properties in nearby suburbs.
There were 102 rental properties advertised in Randwick in the last 30 days before the report came out in mid-October - this is up six from the previous 30 days, the report to landlords noted.
The total number of rental properties in the suburb was 5,230, making up 47.8% of all properties in Randwick, according to ABS data in 2011.
The property composition in Randwick is made up of about 68 percent apartments and 32 percent as houses. 
<a href="/images/2015/12/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-16%20at%2011.52.40%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Randwick rentals constant at $580 per week: Rent.com.au report

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Two private local investors have snapped up separate boarding houses in Bondi Junction for $2.25 million each, reinforcing the view that Sydney’s eastern suburbs are one of the city’s most sought-after investment areas for boarding houses. 
Both 2B Ben Eden Street and <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-bondi+junction-501635489" target="_blank">89 Old South Head Road</a> were offered to the market separately or in one line. 
The sales represent yields of 4.2% for Ben Eden Street and 4.6% for Old South Head Road.  
The selling agents were Tony Braham and Simon Lytton of CBRE’s Metropolitan Investment Properties team. 
The 242 square metre site at 2B Ben Eden Street offers six self-contained modern studio apartments, each with its own bathroom and kitchenette, whilst the 272 square metre Victorian terrace at 89 Old South Head Road offers11 rooms over two levels. 
The sites benefit from R3 Medium Density Residential zoning, providing future development potential. 
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Bondi Junction boarding house sales achieve record results

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The number of residential vacancies nationally picked back up slightly during November, in line with seasonal trends, latest figures by property research house SQM Research show.
The vacancy rate was 2.3% nationally, and there were 71,737 vacancies, the data shows. 
Vacancies appear to be following the common seasonal trends expected at this time of year, where rental accommodation tends to become more available for a variety of factors.
The most predominant of these is the departure of university students from their regular rental accommodation over the four-month summer break.
Over the last year vacancies in both Perth and Darwin have almost doubled, with November figures showing a yearly rise of 59% for Perth.
Most other capital cities remained stable year-on-year, with Hobart and Melbourne recording yearly declines.
The falls in Hobart most likely relate to the recovery in its local economy, in turn being benefited from the lower Australian dollar helping its local tourist industry, says SQM.
Year-on-year results for Sydney reveal a tight residential market, with a vacancy rate of 1.7% based on 10,045 vacancies in November.
<a href="/images/2015/12/15/eb23b8cc-baf5-4976-8155-0351a86438d8.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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November residential vacancies pick up as holiday season sees foreign student exodus: SQM 

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.

Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.

The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" />

Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.

As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."

Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" />

The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.

As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.

Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" />

The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.

Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.

Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.

Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
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Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
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"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

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"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
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"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

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PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
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"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
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"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
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With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
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As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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