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A new 7-Eleven store in Queanbeyan’s Jerrabomberra has been sold for $6,850,000.
It was sold on a 4.8 per cent net yield prior to its scheduled auction.
Home to Australia’s largest independent fuel retailer, the 2 Ferdinand Lane asset is secured on a new 15-year lease with two options of five years each extending to 2045.
There is and an annual net income of $334,000 + GST (after land tax).
Situated 17 kilometres from Canberra’s CBD, the newly completed 7-Eleven is directly adjacent to a brand-new McDonalds, KFC and Aldi, with the emerging precinct also welcoming a medical centre tenant, scheduled to be completed in late 2020.
The tenant will pay all outgoings.
There is a  3.5% annual rent reviews throughout the lease term.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brand new Queanbeyan 7-Eleven sells for $6.85 million prior to auction

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Melbourne Square developer OSK Property has unveiled plans for a 38,000 square metre 29 level office in Southbank that its architects say incorporates many of the key features tenants will be prioritising in the post COVID-19 era.
With a design that focuses on amplifying the workspace’s relationship with the outdoors in addition to the integration of some of the highest sustainability and wellness technology, MSQ Commercial places the health and wellbeing of its occupants at its heart.
Located within the developer’s award-winning Melbourne Square precinct, MSQ Commercial is designed by COX Architecture to an A-Grade standard with open floorplates of up to 1,870 square metres enabled by an innovative and practical side-core design.
COX Architecture Director Paul Curry said its design principles were representative of how offices would likely change in the post COVID-19 era.
“COVID-19 has accelerated workplace trends towards remote working and it has raised the question as to what the office of the future will look like. Long-term outcomes will likely lead to a greater need from workers to enjoy fresh air and light, with access to open space and a connection back to nature,” he said.
“Layouts will be more flexible than ever and common areas and spaces more humanising in their materials and textures. Buildings will need to offer more than just a place to work – people will work to make a life, not just a living.
He said MSQ Commercial’s north-facing orientation and design that maximises its relationship to Melbourne Square’s one acre park would set it apart, in addition to a number of external terraces that link workspaces directly to the outdoors.
The office is planned to feature gym and yoga studios, a plant filled multi-level atrium and a park programmable by a future Garden Events Committee.
It is further targeting one of the highest wellness ratings – the coveted and tough-to-achieve International Well Building Institute’s WELL Gold standard – a feature experts say will be essential post COVID-19 and in light of our most recent bushfire season.
<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/2020/5/22/12_MSQ%20Commercial%20hero%20image%20copy.jpg" alt="">
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Overseeing the leasing campaign is JLL and Lemon Baxter, with JLL’s Leasing Director, Richard Norman adding, “MSQ Commercial is well positioned to cater for the new requests and office requirements that come out of the current situation. It is truly flexible with an unparalleled work-life offering.”
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OSK Property launches 38,000 sqm commercial office at Melbourne Square

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An expanding Shaw Fabrics is the first new tenant to secure space in the 60,502sqm Forrester Distribution Centre in St Marys. 
The Stockland-owned facility at 40–88 Forrester Road was the home of O-l Glass.
Window-blind material manufacturer Shaw Fabrics has moved into a 5,540sqm space in one of the three buildings, for a net rent of $105/sqm +GST.
A five-year lease accompanies the firm’s existing, 11,000sqm building in St Marys.
Forrester Distribution Centre’s remaining 54,962sqm represents one of the largest A-grade industrial vacancies in Sydney this year, with CBRE’s Cameron Grier, Moshe Greengarten and John Micallef the leasing agents.
The 12ha site occupies a prime location near the St Marys town centre and train station, M4 and M7 motorways, Great Western Highway and backing onto the proposed St Marys Intermodal freight terminal.
It is also within range of key industrial and commercial estates at Eastern Creek, Erskine Park, Wetherill Park, Arndell Park and Marsden Park, and 16km from Sydney’s future second airport.
“With limited stock in core markets such as Eastern Creek, we are seeing significant interest in Forrester Distribution Centre due to the cost-effective nature of the A-grade space,” Mr Micallef said.
“There is significant flexibility in the configuration of the warehouses, and options from 5,000sqm to 55,000sqm can be available by October this year.”
Shaw Fabrics has moved into Building A at Forrester Distribution Centre, a 24,450sqm warehouse, with Buildings B and C offering 24,116sqm and 11,935sqm respectively. 
All feature full drive-around access, internal clearance of up to 11.2m and multiple roller doors and dock levellers.
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Forrester distribution centre secured by Shaw Fabrics

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National property investment group, Collective Capital, has snapped up one of the most significant office buildings in Melbourne’s south-eastern bayside with the off-market purchase of a Frankston property valued at circa $20 million.
In a deal brokered by CBRE Director Investments, Mark Wizel, with Director Melbourne Middle Markets, Josh Rutman, the largely government tenanted building was sold 78 per cent leased with a net passing income of nearly $1.24 million. The yield was not disclosed. 
The 454-472 Nepean Highway property comprises a five level, 6254 square metre (NLA) building with ground floor retail on a 2501 square metre site with three street frontages and parking for 142 cars. It sits on the corner of Wells Street, adjacent to the headquarters for South East Water, which was completed in 2015.
Mr Wizel said the sale result reflected the property’s quintessentially defensive tenancy profile, a characteristic which has become highly sought after as forecasted challenges around the office tenant market continue to gain momentum. 
 "This was an astute purchase which delivered a very satisfying level of income security at a time when income security is at a premium across all types of investment classes.
"Interest in this and other defensive income properties, especially non-discretionary retail, has risen markedly in recent times and should continue to escalate whilst uncertainty remains,’’ Mr Wizel said.
Mr Rutman said investors were also responding to the growing trend of a decentralised workforce where office workers preferred to work either at or closer to home to reduce travel times without compromising productivity.
"Investors are seeking out opportunities where they can reposition buildings to cater for these changing worker needs in strategic locations which will be able to service a specific tenant catchment or industry.
"This building, and others like it, are well placed to come through the current crisis in good shape,’’ Mr Rutman said.
He said while there was little doubt that risk was being assessed more prudently at present, Melbourne’s celebrated white collar tenancy diversity was a positive in driving medium to longer term confidence in the market.
Collective Capital Director, Nicholas Thompson who founded the organization together with Dale O’Dwyer, said he was delighted with the transaction and confident about the strong returns that it would provide to investors. 
"The asset was strategically targeted due to its very strong government and government-funded tenancy profile, which, during these uncertain times, will provide our investors with a high level of income security,’’ Mr Thompson said. 
CBRE’s Head of Suburban Office Leasing, Gianni Macdonald, said whilst lease transactions had slowed, Melbourne’s metropolitan office market had seen a significant increase in enquiry from government tenants looking for fitted tenancies close to train stations.
"Buildings that are easily accessible by public transport and have tenancies ready to go are seen as a `no-risk’ solution for occupiers looking for new office space,’’ Mr Macdonald said.
 He said the landmark building’s highway location within walking distance of Frankston Railway Station and Bayside Shopping Centre had been a major factor in attracting tenants including NDIA, St Lawrence and Wise Employment.
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Collective Capital snap up $20 million Frankston office

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A three-bedroom, three-bathroom Darlinghurt Republic penthouse has been sold for $6.5 million.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-darlinghurst-133277234" target="_blank">50 Burton Street</a> property has over 570 sqm space.
It has direct lift access via the lobby or from its two-car secure parking.
The top floor apartment was last sold in 2008 for $5.77 million. 
Designed by Burley Katon Halliday (BKH), the apartment has landscaped private outdoor areas on four sides.
It features wall to wall glass, heated limestone floors and smart home automation. 
 
 
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Darlinghurst luxury penthouse with cityscape views sold

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A Blueys Beach house has been listed for sale through Pacific Palms Real Estate agent Matt Healey.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-blueys+beach-133135062" target="_blank">Newman Avenue property</a> offers a sleek modernist style with high vaulted ceilings, a cantilevered deck and an abundance of glass.
Its walls of sliders sweep back embracing the sparkling ocean, rolling paddocks and district views.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home has a master wing with ensuite, walk-in robe, and a whole floor children's or guest wing featuring two bedrooms, bathroom and lounge or teen retreat. The 700 sqm has easy lift access to each of its three levels and features open plan living and dining rooms separated by the gourmet eat-at gas kitchen. 
<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/2020/5/22/19_Blueys%20Beach%20Living%20Room%20.jpg" alt="" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;"> There is also a garden terrace featuring a gardener's sink, easy care landscaped gardens with veggie patch, internal access to the double lock up garage, powder room, internal laundry and vast storage areas. The property last sold in 2010 for $910,000. 
According to Domain, four other four-bedroom houses in Blueys Beach have recently been sold. A similar four-bedroom, two-bathroom on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-blueys+beach-130602282" target="_blank">Croll Street</a> sold for $1.2 million. 
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Blueys Beach three-storey oceanfront house for sale

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GUEST OBSERVATION
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads around the world, it’s a good time to understand how cleaning can help prevent the spread of disease and what you can do to cut the risk of infection in your home.
Coronavirus is mainly transmitted from person to person via <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19" target="_blank">tiny droplets</a> of saliva or other bodily fluids that float in the air after a cough or sneeze.
Contaminated objects and surfaces can also be important in the transmission of disease. It’s not entirely clear what role they play in transmitting the new coronavirus, but they play an important one for <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670120300463" target="_blank">related viruses</a> such as SARS and MERS.
However, it makes sense that something contaminated with the virus could pass it on, for example if a person touches it and then touches their nose, mouth or face.
So, if someone at risk of having the virus has been in your home, cleaning to reduce the amount of contamination on surfaces may help cut down your risk of further transmission of coronavirus. (It will also cut the risk of transmitting other pathogens.)
<h2>What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfection?</h2>
There’s a useful to distinction to make between <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html" target="_blank">cleaning</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html" target="_blank">disinfection</a>.
Cleaning means physically removing organic matter such as germs and dirt from surfaces. Disinfection means using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.
Cleaning is very important, because organic matter may inhibit or reduce the disinfectant’s ability to kill germs.
<h2>How long will coronavirus survive in my house?</h2>
We are not exactly sure how long this coronavirus will survive on surfaces. If it is similar to other coronaviruses, it could survive a few hours – potentially <a href="https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext" target="_blank">up to several days</a>. How long it survives could depend on temperature, humidity and what the surface is made of.
<h2>What could be contaminated in my house?</h2>
It’s hard to say exactly. When someone coughs or sneezes, especially if they don’t cover their mouth, it is likely surfaces close to them will be contaminated.
Hands are often responsible for transferring pathogens from one place to another, so items that people often touch are at greatest risk of being contaminated.
Frequently touched items may include TV remotes, fridge doors, kitchen cupboards, kitchen surfaces, taps and door handles. And of course, there are devices such as phones and iPads – but these may not be shared or touched by others frequently.
<h2>What should I use to clean and how?</h2>
The coronavirus is a delicate structure and it is vulnerable in the environment. Both heat and detergents, including soap, can stop it functioning.
<h3>Contaminated surfaces</h3>
If a surface becomes contaminated or you think it could be, cleaning it with a common household disinfectant will kill the virus. Remember to wash your hands after cleaning (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser) and avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
There are many options for what to use to clean, including paper towels, cloths or disposable wipes.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/321221/original/file-20200318-37387-184yl1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
The S-shaped pattern for cleaning a surface without re-contaminating parts of it. Brett Mitchell, Author provided
How you clean is important. You don’t want to “recontaminate” surfaces while cleaning. Working from one side of a surface to the other helps with this, using an <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670118307205" target="_blank">“S” shape to clean</a>.
If you are reusing a cloth, remember to wash it afterwards and let it dry. Laundering cloths in the washing machine with normal washing liquid is also likely to kill the virus, particularly on a hot wash.
<h3>Dishes and cutlery</h3>
Washing with hot water and detergent is fine for dishes and cutlery. A dishwasher is even better, because it can use hotter water than your hands will tolerate.
<h3>Clothing and linen</h3>
Use the warmest setting possible to wash contaminated laundry and make sure you allow it to dry completely. You may not want to ruin clothing or other materials, so always look at the manufacturer’s instructions.
Laundry from someone who is sick can be washed with other people’s items. If you are handling contaminated items such as towel or sheets, avoid shaking them before washing, to reduce the risk of contaminating other surfaces.
And remember to wash your hands immediately after touching any contaminated laundry.
<h2>Prevention is best</h2>
Remember that surfaces play a role in transmitting pathogens, so preventing them from becoming contaminated in the first place is as important as cleaning. There are some things you can do to reduce the amount of contamination of surfaces in your house:
– cover your cough and sneezes, ideally with a tissue but otherwise into your elbow, and wash your hands immediately
– wash your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating.
<h2>What do I do if someone in my home is sick?</h2>
It may be wise to think about which room in your home could be used to care for a sick member of your family. If possible, the ideal room is one that that is separate from other parts of your home and has a separate bathroom.
Cleaning this room when someone is sick also requires some thought. Further advice on caring for someone with coronavirus at home is available from the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-information-about-home-isolation-when-unwell-suspected-or-confirmed-cases.pdf" target="_blank">Department of Health</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133912/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brett-mitchell-398392" target="_blank">Brett Mitchell</a>, Professor of Nursing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060" target="_blank">University of Newcastle</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-clean-your-house-to-prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-and-other-infections-133912" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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How to clean your house to prevent the spread of coronavirus

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Are you a parent who is struggling to find time to be with your child and help them grow? Our newly published research shows neighbourhood parks, and playgrounds in particular, provide valuable and unique opportunities for interaction between parents and children. These are places where parents can play with and teach their child new skills, and children also get to play with other children and create their own activities.
In Australia, the proportion of couples with children under 18 where both parents are working has <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/facts-and-figures/work-and-family" target="_blank">increased from 52% in 1991 to 61% in 2016</a>. Parents are more time-poor than ever. Both parents often feel pressure to work full-time to maintain living standards, but it leaves them with less family time.
Some children are fine with having less time with mum and dad. However, many <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/208386" target="_blank">don’t feel close to their parents</a>, especially their dad, who is often the main income earner.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320317/original/file-20200313-33876-dqtcuz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320317/original/file-20200313-33876-dqtcuz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Parks are places where children can explore and experience nature. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/kid-hans-embracing-tree-trunk-46134457" target="_blank">Helder Almeida/Shutterstock</a>
Spending time outdoors allows children to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03004430.2017.1317764?journalCode=gecd20" target="_blank">experience nature and play</a> in ways that are not limited by walls or fences. The experience may also provide parents with insights into their child’s interests and abilities and help them better understand their child’s needs.
For <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/16/4435/htm" target="_blank">our research</a>, we interviewed adults visiting 12 parks in residential neighbourhoods within the <a href="https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Home" target="_blank">Moreton Bay Region</a> of south-east Queensland, Australia. We completed 386 interviews from December 2017 to March 2018.
<h2>What has the research found?</h2>
According to the parents, grandparents and caregivers we interviewed, visiting the park provided opportunities for parents to teach their children productive social skills while playing with other children. This included taking turns, not pushing in, and showing respect. One interviewee said:
I think one of the best things in the park is developing their social skills, so they will meet with other kids and they learn to share toys and play together.
At the park’s playground, the parent could teach their child how to use equipment and help them climb around.
Generally, when I take them to the park, especially if you’ve got a younger one, you’re helping them to climb stuff and push them on the swing.
The adults were also concerned about keeping children safe.
Because he’s little, I like to be there. Especially for the climbing things, just in case he falls.
As children get older, they don’t need as much physical help from parents and can play with their siblings and other children on their own. Parents of older children start to take on more of a supervisory or observation role.
Most times, I sit back and let them play, only because of their ages. Sometimes, I get in and play, but I don’t find I need to.
<h2>Where do children play in parks?</h2>
Not all parks are designed and built with the same purpose in mind. They vary in size, facilities and types of playground equipment. In the 12 parks, children most frequently played at playgrounds (82%), followed by open fields (17%) and pathways (14%).
Playgrounds allow children to climb, swing, ride and slide on equipment.
There’s climbing, there’s balance activities and there’s lots of different stuff to do, to keep him engaged.
Open fields are great for intergenerational interaction and shared activities, including ball games and running around.
The grassy space is great because they can either bring equipment or two of my daughters are cheerleaders, so they’ll often run and do flips because it’s such a nice, big space.
Pathways can be used for bike riding.
I think we brought them here when they were new at learning to ride their bike, because it’s got the concrete path all around.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320318/original/file-20200313-90672-hppft4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320318/original/file-20200313-90672-hppft4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Parents value parks as safe places for activities like learning to ride a bike. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/father-teaching-his-son-ride-bike-96898810" target="_blank">MinDof/Shutterstock</a>
The local park makes for easy access to a space where parents can share in the activities of their children and teach them a range of physical and social skills that might not be possible within the limits of a backyard or home.
Our research is part of a larger study on designing suburban parks for all. Among the final outcomes are design recommendations for parks that are more inclusive of all ages for healthy, active living.
In a well-designed park, the child can explore their curiosity, take risks, learn outdoor skills and play with other children, all under the guidance and supervision of their parent or carer.
These unique social dynamics may not happen at other times of the day or week. If you are struggling to find time to help your child grow, try spending 30 minutes together in the local park – you will both benefit from playing, learning and laughing together!<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/132097/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tracy-sherwood-washington-476475" target="_blank">Tracy Sherwood Washington</a>, Lecturer and Researcher in Urban and Regional Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/debra-flanders-cushing-713931" target="_blank">Debra Flanders Cushing</a>, Associate Professor in Landscape Architecture, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/janelle-mackenzie-728925" target="_blank">Janelle MacKenzie</a>, Research Project Officer, School of Design, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laurie-buys-340945" target="_blank">Laurie Buys</a>, Professor, Director of Healthy Ageing Initative, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stewart-trost-728924" target="_blank">Stewart Trost</a>, Professor of Physical Activity and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-working-families-need-parks-and-playgrounds-more-than-ever-132097" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Why working families need parks and playgrounds more than ever

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GUEST OBSERVATION 
Our analysis shows an economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will dramatically increase rental stress for people with insecure or casual work. If the downturn persists this will place people in precarious jobs at higher risk of homelessness.
The scenario we explored is the effect of loss of casual work on people on very low incomes. We identify this at-risk group as those aged between 19 and 30 years, living independently with disposable incomes of A$600 a week from casual work or a combination of casual work and benefits.
They typically work in cafes, restaurants, catering, events, fast food and retail. These are the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-06/this-is-why-casual-workers-could-be-hardest-hit-by-coronavirus/12027382" target="_blank">jobs most immediately impacted by an economic slowdown</a>. It is estimated <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-25/australia-sees-increase-in-casual-workers-ai-job-threats/11043772" target="_blank">one in four Australian workers is casual</a>, although not all are on low incomes.
The infographic below illustrates the extreme rental stress a slowdown will cause the low-income casual workers. We have calculated average rent across the broader Melbourne and Sydney metropolitan areas. The infographic shows the impact on rental stress of losing up to A$300 per week of disposable income. The percentages represent the amount of income taken up by rent, with red indicating the most extreme rental stress.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/321155/original/file-20200317-60932-19pvj8k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/321155/original/file-20200317-60932-19pvj8k.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Source: REIA median rental data (December, 2019), A Guide to Australian Government Payments, authors' calculations
For example, the top row shows a casual worker in Sydney sharing a two-bedroom flat earning A$604 a week had A$344 disposable income after rent. The final row shows an individual in Sydney with A$326 weekly income after losing work income. Their rent then takes up 80% of their income, leaving them with A$66 a week to live on after rent.
The potential impact of the downturn on the disposable income of people with very low incomes means they will be in extreme rental stress unless they have savings.
<h2>So do they have savings?</h2>
The federal government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/10/australian-government-warned-not-to-drag-its-feet-on-help-for-casual-workers-in-coronavirus-crisis" target="_blank">suggested</a> casual workers have savings to tide them over. Our analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data suggests 38.9% of those earning A$600 or less per week have less than A$600 in savings to get them through. Over a quarter of this group are already in debt.
Another 26.6% of low-income casual workers have a month or less for things to get back to normal.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320900/original/file-20200316-27643-y5y5ri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Average savings of people earning A$600 a week. Source: Income and Housing, Australia, 2017-18 (Australian Bureau of Statistics), Authors' calculations
These savings will be used up rapidly when average rent in a share house is A$133-220 per week in Melbourne and A$165-260 in Sydney. These rents include outer metropolitan areas, so rental stress in the inner cities will be worse, as our <a href="https://theconversation.com/city-share-house-rents-eat-up-most-of-newstart-leaving-less-than-100-a-week-to-live-on-123772" target="_blank">previous analysis</a> showed.
The downturn will affect a large number of people already on benefits because their income is partly from benefits and partly from earnings. According to <a href="https://data.gov.au/dataset/ds-dga-cff2ae8a-55e4-47db-a66d-e177fe0ac6a0/distribution/dist-dga-1fb71211-4e8a-4bf2-b659-148cd4d6972d/details?q=" target="_blank">data from the Department of Social Services</a>, 41% of Youth Allowance recipients, 28% of NewStart recipients and 36% of Parenting Payment single recipients are working and therefore receive part-rate allowances.
<h2>Will the first economic stimulus package help?</h2>
For people already receiving benefits the one-off <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households" target="_blank">A$750 stimulus payment</a> will help to tide them over for 3-4 weeks’ rent. But to date casual workers have not been included in that stimulus payment (unless they receive <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/family-tax-benefit" target="_blank">Family Tax Benefit</a>).
People who lose their casual work will be able to get the new <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/jobseeker-payment" target="_blank">JobSeeker payment</a> from March 20. It’s the same as the <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/newstart-allowance/how-much-you-can-get" target="_blank">NewStart rate</a> – A$326 per week (including average rent assistance) – so it is clear they will be in immediate rental stress.
It’s worth noting this rental crisis is compounded because NewStart has not kept pace with rental increases over the last 25 years. NewStart has been increased by CPI only. The chart below shows how wide the gap between Melbourne rent price increases and CPI has become.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320901/original/file-20200316-27648-dca69x.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Median increase in Melbourne rents and CPI, June 1999 – December 2019. Source: Rental Report, Department of Health &amp; Human Services (Dec 2019), Consumer Price Index (ABS), Authors' calculations
<h2>So what needs to be done?</h2>
The loss of income for casual workers will result in extreme rental stress for people who were already on low incomes. This issue demands urgent attention to prevent a homelessness epidemic. Agencies like the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-17/calls-for-housing-eviction-bans-during-coronavirus-outbreak/12060484?fbclid=IwAR0ND56d2GClAg-JNwdtQm6m59rcurdNjBV_M4kl9DbXKgFUDe-PB1q-Y1U" target="_blank">Council for Homeless Persons</a> are already calling for an immediate moratorium on evictions.
Landlords have a responsibility here as well since they benefit from continuity of rentals and the contribution of government policy to their wealth and assets. For example, low-income rents are paid out of a combination of regular earnings, benefit payments and rent assistance. These will now be supplemented because people on low incomes are likely to use the stimulus package to keep up.
The challenge for the government is to provide support to people on very low incomes that will see them through the entire COVID-19 crisis. One solution would be to immediately increase the JobSeeker payment to help people on low incomes ride out the downturn in casual work. Another solution would be to provide replacement income for casual workers affected by the downturn.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133782/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/simone-casey-130516" target="_blank">Simone Casey</a>, Research Associate, Future Social Service Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063" target="_blank">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/liss-ralston-295934" target="_blank">Liss Ralston</a>, Urban Statistician, Centre for Urban Transitions, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767" target="_blank">Swinburne University of Technology</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-puts-casual-workers-at-risk-of-homelessness-unless-they-get-more-support-133782" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Coronavirus puts casual workers at risk of homelessness unless they get more support

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A freehold Shute Harbour waterfront site in Queensland's Whitsunday Islands has been snapped up for $2.65 million.
The development site at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://raywhitewhitsunday.com.au/properties/sold-commercial/qld/shute-harbour-4802/other/2257179" target="_blank">3344 Shute Harbour Road</a> is on two titles totalling 8,199sqm.
The property was offered via an expressions of interest campaign and was sold by Andrew Burke of Ray White Special Projects Queensland, and Mark Beale, Principal of Ray White Whitsunday.
The asset received six offers during the campaign and they were from a mix of marine industry, land bankers and residential developers, Burke said.
“The vendor was a local businessman who previously had the site used as a hotel before Cyclone Debbie in 2017 destroyed the buildings, and with retirement on the horizon, they decided to sell.
“The buyer was from regional NSW but was familiar with the location as they frequently holiday nearby," Bruke said. 
<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/2020/5/25/3344%20Shute%20Harbour%20Rd%20Aerials-8.jpg" alt="">
The Whitsundays offered a collection of beaches surrounded by waters decorated with coral gardens.
"Shute Harbour is commonly described as the natural harbour location south east of Airlie Beach. It contains a pocket of development isolated from the centre of Airlie Beach by a significant national park," ” Beale said.
Zoned mixed use, the site offers opportunities for residential, tourist accommodation, business, retail or service industry.
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Whitsunday waterfront site sells for $2.65 million

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Staff reporter

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