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A purpose-built OneSteel Reinforcing property in Bundamba’s Citiswich Business Park in Brisbane has been sold to a Sydney-based private investor for $3.784 million.
The 48 Hawkins Crescent property is spread over 5,586 square metres in one of Brisbane’s fastest growing industrial growth corridors.
The Citiswich Business Park is a retail and manufacturing hub designed to cater for heavy industrial users.
It is home to companies such as The Reject Shop, Australian Pharmaceutical Industries and Masters.
Sam Stewart and Shaun Canniffe of JLL Industrial brokered the sale of the property, which attracted close to 50 enquiries.
Despite being purpose built for OneSteel Reinforcing, the 2,045 square metre facility hosts a generic floor plate packed with features to suit a wide range of industrial users.
With a guaranteed income until September 2019, and high levels of long-term growth predicted in the area, the property offers attractive future returns.
“The buyer saw significant value in the sites proximity to transport infrastructure and direct exposure to the Warrego Highway,” Shaun Canniffe said. 
For vendor Investec Australia Property Fund, the deal was about exiting a non-core asset at a good price.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Industrial property in Brisbane's Citiswich sells for $3.78 million

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Stockland has announced it will expand its Green Hills Shopping Centre at East Maitland in the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales.
It comes with an estimated $377 million cost.
Upon completion by mid-2018, the gross lettable area (GLA) will more than double to about 70,000 square metres. 
It has secured an agreement for lease with David Jones, which will open a 6,225 square metre single-level department store at the centre in 2018.
Other tenants include Big W, Target and the biggest Dan Murphy’s store in the trade area.
A concept JB Hi-Fi Home store is also planned and another by South African retail group Pepkor’s Harris Scarfe, which will have homeware and clothing.
Stockland Green Hills is already home to Coles and one of the best-performing, full-line Woolworths supermarkets in Australia.
An additional 141 speciality stores will take the total number to more than 225 stores. The centre’s existing mini-majors will be retained and improved, including Best&amp;Less, Reject Shop, Blooms the Chemist and Hot Dollar.
Preliminary site establishment works will start immediately, but the major construction works will be deferred until the new year so as not to disrupt the pre-Christmas retail trading season.
Brookfield Multiplex is the lead contractor on the project.
The new precinct will have a garden courtyard, outdoor pavilion dining area fronting Mitchell Drive and the car parking will be nearly doubled to 3,100 spaces. 
“We’ve identified Stockland Green Hills as a highly accretive redevelopment opportunity. It’s already one of the most productive centres in Australia and this expansion will enable us to capture a portion of the estimated $867 million of escape expenditure that leaves the primary trade area every year,” said Mark Steinert, managing director and CEO of Stockland.
The recamp is expected to deliver an incremental internal rate of return (IRR) of more than 12 % in the 10 years post-completion and an incremental, stabilised funds from operations (FFO) yield of just more than 7 %.
The project is estimated to create more than 1,350 direct jobs during construction and more than 2,150 indirect jobs. On completion, the centre will create more than 1,250 jobs in retail, customer service and hospitality and an estimated 1,200 indirect jobs for local suppliers and service providers within the regional economy.
Stockland Green Hills's current specialty retail sales productivity is $14,275 per square metre.
In November 2014, Shopping Centre News named Stockland Green Hills as the top performing centre for specialty sales in its Little Guns survey of shopping centres between 20,000 and 50,000 square metres.
As part of the redevelopment, Stockland also plans to invest around $1.6 million to increase the centre’s solar power generation capabilities with the installation of a 700kW photo-voltaic system and is aiming for a minimum 4 Star Green Star Retail Design and As Built ratings for the project.
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David Jones heads to Maitland as Stockland embark on $377 million Green Hills redevelopment

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The last remaining commercial development site at 310-312 Governor Road in Melbourne's Braeside has sold for $3.3 million, inclusive of GST.
It was a 1.02 hectare site.
The property designated as Stage 2 of the development, was bought by developer Hermal Group.
“The green field site, the last available development property facing the busy Governor Road, sold with a development plan and permits in place for 22 warehouses and five showrooms, the latter along the Governor Road frontage,” said selling agent DBRE’s James Davie.
The property has a planning permit approved by the local Kingston City Council. It adjoins an initial Stage 1 development of office-warehouse units.
Davie says the permit provides for a set back from the main Governor Road frontage with the warehouse lots with site areas ranging from 170 to 450 square metre with onsite car parking. 
“The Hermal Group is proposing to start construction of the office-warehouse units on site virtually immediately and they will be available for pre-completion purchase commitments in a range from $350,000 to $650,000,” he said.
DBRE will also market Stage 2. 
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Commercial site in Melbourne's Braeside sells for $3.3 million

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Canberra’s office market is showing tentative signs of recovery, with leasing up threefold on the last 12 months, according to Savills’ latest Canberra office briefing.
It follows recent major cuts in public sector jobs and workspace ratios along with new green office requirements, which had seen the vacancy rate reach 15.3 %.
While the market was currently experiencing negative net absorption, the speculative development phase had ended and the 2015 federal budget did not indicate more public sector job cuts, according to Savills’ NSW research analyst Houssam Yakzan.
"The situation that the Canberra office market finds itself in at the moment is the result of a coincidence of opposing forces, including the election of a conservative government, which traditionally sees a reduction in the size of the public sector workforce, and the occurrence of a speculative construction cycle," he said.
"Both of those factors now appear to have come to a head. Over the next 10 years we expect to see a forecast rise in white collar employment delivering positive net absorption and we could see the beginning of that improvement in 2015/2016, however that improvement will also be tempered by negative net absorption in C and D grade buildings,’’ Yakzan said.
According to figures from Deloitte Access Economics, white collar employment is expected to grow at an average of 1 % per annum from 2017/18 to 2024.
Yakzan said less than 10,000 square metres of new and refurbished space was currently under construction with no further development in the pipeline. He said any other mooted supply would require significant pre-commitment for construction to take place.
"We expect any tenant demand during this period to be predominantly satisfied by existing stock given the current availability of space,’’ he said.
Savills divisional director, sales and leasing, Theo Dimarhos, said the market was showing signs of recovery with leasing in the 12 months to September tripling from the 12 months prior to 106,724 square metres, and also up on the five-year average of 100,300 square metres.
"These are already translating into lower vacancy rates in some areas of the market, indeed the high vacancy rate can be a little misleading in that it does not accurately reflect vacancies across the markets."
He said it was the secondary stock at 16% plus which distorted the overall picture.
"In the A Grade market Barton, and Belconnen, Woden and Tuggeranong town centres are performing quite well recording sub-5% vacancies, a result which compares well with most other capital city markets,’’ Dimarhos said.
The Canberra market had grown by 1.4% in the last 12 months, the second largest rise nationally behind Perth, the report said.
It found net face rents in Civic had not moved over the last 12 months and ranged between $328 and $390.
As for investments, office transactions totalled $152 million during the period with A Grade yields in Civic – which accounts for nearly 30 % of the market – currently between 6.75% and 8.5%.
Trusts were the key buyers with 53 % of purchases.
The most recent sales include that of 64 Allara Street, which sold for $16.8 million, 54 and 60 Marcus Clarke Street, which sold for a combined $63.26 million, and 20 Allara Street, which sold for $20.5 million.
Dimarhos said he expected yields for prime assets with secure lease profiles to remain strong.
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Canberra office market shows tentative recovery: Savills report

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Australian construction company Built has won a site safety award for its refurbishment of a high-rise office building at 20 Martin Place, which is part of a $1-billion renaissance of Sydney’s central business district.
Built won the Site Safety – Commercial Projects $50,000,001 &amp; Over award for the second year running at a Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards ceremony. This was Built’s fourth MBA Site Safety award, and the third award recognised in NSW.
The $110-million refurbishment presented a number of challenges like the necessity to retain the building’s structural steel frame. Overcoming this challenge was critical to ensure the developments commercial viability, achieve its environmental objectives and preserve 20 Martin Place’s sizeable 21 storey stature in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
Built partnered with cloud platform provider Aconex Ltd for the revamp of the building.
The firm wanted to deploy the neutral, cloud-based Aconex collaboration platform at 20 Martin Place because its project team was separated by far-flung geographies and multiple time zones.
Building owner Pembroke Real Estate had several stakeholders in the United States, and the building façade envelope was designed by James Carpenter Design Associates, based in New York. The architects, Crone Partners, were based in Australia.
“It was very important to be able to move information seamlessly between geographies,” said Daniel Graham, Built’s design director.
Built stripped the existing 22-story building down to the underlying steel structure and relocated the core of the building to the north side. This allowed for larger and more flexible office floor plates.
Other changes included the replacement of inefficient building systems and a new, high-performance glass façade that cut operating costs by minimizing the energy needed for lighting, heating and cooling.
With these changes, 20 Martin Place will offer 19,080 square meters of office space and is expected to earn a 5-Star NABERS Energy rating and a 5-Star Green Star As-Built rating.
With help from Aconex, the project team of more than 500 was able to easily access the most up-todate versions of documents and drawings from anywhere. Centralizing correspondence on the platform further improved communications, while limiting rework and cost overruns. By the end of the A$100-million project, more than 230,000 documents were registered on Aconex and nearly 160,000 pieces of correspondence were received.
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Built wins safety award for refurbishing Sydney's 20 Martin Place

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A $200-million mixed-use project combining residences, serviced apartments and retail is planned in North Adelaide, according to its application.
In a dress circle location on Brougham Place with views across the city, the more than 90 high-rise residences are intended to provide living and lifestyle retirement accommodation options through modern and spacious low-maintenance apartments.
The application also includes a 100-key serviced apartment building, ground floor retail, restaurants and cafes.
The planned project is in line with the state government’s plan to reactivate the Adelaide CBD and near-city suburbs such as North Adelaide by attracting more people to live and play in the city.
The two and three-bedroom apartments are expected to be priced mostly in a range of $750,000 and $1.5 million.
 “There are very few options for people in Adelaide’s fringe suburbs looking to downsize their family homes and move into a lock-up and leave lifestyle environment whilst staying close to the things they enjoy - and they’re the needs we’re looking to meet,” says architect Paul Pruszinski.
Pruszinski has previously worked with Adelaide heritage architect Ron Danvers on plans to reinvigorate old stone stables on Ward Street as a licensed café; develop a health and wellness centre on Ward Street; and reinvigorate a heritage-listed period home at 49 Brougham Place as the premier residence in the complex. 
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Plans for $200 million North Adelaide mixed-use project

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Smaller, online and non-bank lenders like ING DIRECT and Queenslanders Credit Union were the winners of Mozo’s People’s Choice Banking Awards, based on reviews from almost 35,000 customers over the past 12 months.
Overall, satisfaction with banks fell slightly to 7.82 in 2015 from 7.85 last year. 
ING DIRECT won Best Bank for the sixth year in a row, Greater Building Society took home its third award for Best Building Society and NAB held its mantle for Best Big 4 for the fifth year running.
“Each year, Mozo recognises the banks we love and trust, giving us a report card of just how we feel about our bank,” said Mozo director Kirsty Lamont.
The awards, in their sixth year, invite Australians to have their say on their banking experience. Customers rate their banking provider on overall satisfaction, price, features, customer service, convenience and trust. Mozo then aggregates these scores to determine the winners. This year more than 170 providers were rated. 
For the favourite banking products, transaction and savings accounts top the charts (8.19 and 8.11), while high interest charging credit cards and personal loans were the least loved (7.10 and 7.19).
“Interestingly, a family’s biggest debt burden, the home loan, had people feeling relatively happy (scoring 7.42) thanks to a low interest rate environment,” said Lamont.
Females aged 18-24 and earning less than $35,000 a year are the happiest with their bank (8.35), while those aged 45-54 and those earning over $180k gave their bank the lowest scores (7.5 and 7.12).
“Interestingly, we’re happiest at the start of our banking life-cycle and over time we become less satisfied the older we get and the more money we have,” said Lamont.
Among the states, Queenslanders were the happiest state, rating their bank an average 7.87 out of 10, followed by South Australia (7.80), Tassie (7.75) and NSW (7.71).
The least happy with their banks were Victoria (7.64), the ACT (7.62), and NT (7.58). 
Mozo People’s Choice Banking Awards overall winners
<table style="width: 424px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Category
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Winner
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Score
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
ING DIRECT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
9.05
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Big 4 Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
NAB
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7.96
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Credit Union
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Queenslanders Credit Union
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
8.99
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Building Society
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Greater Building Society
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
8.72
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Mutual Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Hume Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
9.30
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Mozo People’s Choice Banking Awards product category winners
<table style="width: 424px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Category
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Winner
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Score
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Savings Accounts
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
ING DIRECT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
9.29
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Bank Accounts
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
ING DIRECT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
9.24
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Home Loans
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Queenslanders Credit Union
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
9.05
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Credit Cards
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Bendigo Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
8.44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Personal Loans
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Queenslanders Credit Union
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
8.85
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Best Term Deposits
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Bendigo Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7.89
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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ING DIRECT tops Mozo's banking awards for sixth year

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Despite some cooling, Melbourne was the hottest housing market in the nation, with Sydney in second place over the past quarter, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Melbourne and Sydney saw continued easing in the rate of capital gain during October, as values rose modestly by 0.3%, and 0.6% respectively over the month, according to the CoreLogic RP Data Hedonic Home Value Index.
But over the three months Melbourne's 3.1% growth outperformed Sydney's 1.5%, taking their annual growth to 12.8% for Melbourne and 15.6% for Sydney.
National dwelling values across the combined capital city index rose 0.2% over the month of October, were up by 1.4% over the quarter, and 10.1% higher over the year.
<a href="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-02%20at%2012.21.31%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-02%20at%2012.21.31%20PM.png" alt="">
 
The annual rate of growth across the combined capitals index has been easing since July when the index was rising at 11.1% per annum.
Adelaide and Hobart, the perennial laggards, led the nation in monthly growth during October.
According to CoreLogic RP Data head of research, Tim Lawless, a range of factors are contributing to the big capital city slowdown.
“It’s not just the fact that mortgage rates have recently risen outside of any lift in the cash rate. 
"We are also seeing approximately a 30% premium on investment-related mortgage rates, tighter lending standards and borrowers generally requiring a larger deposit.
“Gross rental yields at record lows and affordability constraints are acting as a further disincentive, particularly in Sydney where the median unit price is equal to, or higher than the median house price in every other capital city.
"Additionally, new housing supply is moving through record levels which should help to ease the upwards trajectory of home values.”
Lawless said since the end of 2008, the Sydney housing market has recorded a cumulative capital gain of 77%, while Melbourne values have moved a cumulative 66.6% higher.
"Based on the median selling price at the end of 2008, Sydney home owners have made a gain of about $316,000 from the housing market compared with around $246,000 in Melbourne.”
“While the rate of growth is significant, it is important to remember that this growth is across two cycles; dwelling values were broadly tracking backwards during both the 2008 calendar year and between late 2010 through to mid-2012.”
“The only capital city where home owners have seen the value of their homes move lower since the end of 2008 is Hobart where the CoreLogic RP Data index is down 0.4% (approximately $1,155) since the end of the GFC,” Lawless said.
The weakest housing market conditions are found in Darwin and Perth where dwelling values are down 3.7% and 3.6% respectively over the past year.
The slowdown in resources-related infrastructure spending has hurt the economy and is likely to persist for some time, he said.
“Capital expenditure relating to the mining and resources sector has fallen substantially which means tougher labour conditions and little in the way of migration which has previously fueled housing demand in these areas.”
<a href="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-02%20at%2012.12.18%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-02%20at%2012.12.18%20PM.png" alt="">
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Melbourne notches up strongest quarterly growth: CoreLogic RP Data October index

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An investment property leased to fast-food giant McDonald’s at Norlane in North Geelong fetched $3.05 million at Burgess Rawson's portfolio auction.
Twelve bidders went head to head for the property at the $35 million auction, pushing the yield down to 3.7 percent.
Reflecting strong investor appetite for blue-chip assets on long leases, 400 Melbourne Road was expected to go for more than $2,000,000.
“The low, affordable rental of $117,434 per annum reflects the property being subject to a ground lease with McDonald’s owning the building and all other above ground improvements” said Raoul Holderhead, managing director of Burgess Rawson ahead of the auction.
“With McDonald’s having re-built the building in 2003 and in recent years adding a McCafe, it is safe to say McDonald’s plan is to stay.” 
The lease is for 5 years plus 20 years of options through to 2038 with rental reviews annually to CPI and to market, the next due in 2018 upon the exercise of option.
<a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/3P1137#.ViSSoLSqqko" target="_blank">The 3,277 square metre </a>site with 48 onsite car spaces is almost double that of a normal fast-food outlet.
"The busy and proven location is evident by some 37,000 cars passing the property each day," he said.
The site has been a McDonalds since 1980.
Greater Geelong is a growing regional city of 220,000 plus, predicted to double by 2050, according to the G21 Regional Growth Plan.
Beginning in 1975, Burgess Rawson established a nationwide network of offices and is Australia's largest locally owned and operated commercial property agency, marketing more than 10,000 properties and generating sales in excess of $25 billion over the past 40 years. fro more information, <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/portfolio-auctions" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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North Geelong McDonald's reaps $3 million at auction

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Believed to be the only remaining convict built dwelling on Sydney’s eastern beaches, the Coachman's House at 34A Yanko Road, Bronte will be sold as part of a property auction on 9 November. 
The heritage listed, freestanding sandstone coachman’s house built around 1859 is being auctioned by Paul Baker of Network Real Estate.
The home occupies the site of the former<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bronte-120920841" target="_blank"> Yanco Estate</a>. ‘Yanco’ is a Wiradjuri aboriginal language word meaning the sound of running water.  The coachman’s house is part of the legacy of the former grand residence Yanco House, built for Charles Simmons, who was one of the early councillors of Waverley Council. 
Built in hand hewn sandstone, the coachman’s house complete with kitchenette and en-suite could function as a converted artist studio, teen retreat, creative space, granny flat or guesthouse fifth bedroom.
The main residence, built around 1960 after the Yanko estate had been subdivided, is a double story four-bedroom family residence with an ocean view. 
The spelling of ‘Yanco’ changed to Yanko in 1915, when John McLaughlin became owner of the Yanco house estate and changed the name to ‘Yanko Park’. McLaughlin was a solicitor and Member of Parliament. His son Geoff McLaughlin was a Captain in the Australian army during WWI. He served at Gallipoli and died on the Western Front in 1917.
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Heritage listed Coachman's House up for sale at Bronte

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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<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. 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"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. 
&nbsp; 
"<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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
"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. 
&nbsp; 
"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

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