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Townsville agent Julie Mahoney not only conducted her first online auction but also managed to become the first Townsville office to sell property via online platform.
Two properties were snapped up on Monday night, 7 Townsend St, Mysterton (pictured above) sold for $450,000 and 116-118 Martinez Avenue, West End went for $545,000.
Office principal and selling agent Julie Mahoney said the auctions drew a large range of bidders including locals, those from interstate and even a few international viewers translating to some great results on the night.
Ms Mahoney said, "most of the bidders were local but the demographic was quite interesting."
“We had bidders who were aged from 70 plus online and one of my vendors who will be auctioning later in the month watched from England."
A local first home buyer couple were the winning bidders on 7 Townsend St, Mysterton which they said was the first auction they’ve participated in.
“We were very nervous, however it was an easier process than what we thought it was going to be and not being able to see the competition actually made it easier,” they said.
The couple had been looking for several months and the four bedroom home was exactly what they were after.
Calling the auctions was Ray White Queensland chief auctioneer Mitch Peereboom who said he is thrilled to see both buyers and sellers embracing the new technology.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Townsville's first successful online auction sale

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With unanimous support from the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne Committee in March, the Victorian State Government has officially given the green light to the $2 billion Southbank by Beulah project. 
The 270,000 sqm mixed-use vertical village is considered one of Melbourne's most ambitious and forward-thinking projects to date.
Led by award-winning Melbourne developer, Beulah, the announcement is a welcome relief amid current economic uncertainty, with the project set to generate more than 4,700 construction jobs via the provision of a $1 billion additional investment stimulus to the Melbourne construction market. 
Upon complete of the. build, 3,250 new ongoing direct jobs is expected to be generated across multiple industries including office, retail, entertainment, hospitality and child care, ultimately growing the working population of Southbank by eight per cent. 
On track to become Australia's talent tower at 365 metres high, approval from the Minister for Planning, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp said, "This is a huge vote of confidence in our city at a time when we are going through a period of economic uncertainty."
Conceptualised alongside acclaimed Dutch firm, UNStudio, and local firm, Cox Architecture, the permit will now allow Beulah to officially transform the current BMW site into an unprecedented, world-class vertical village spanning a total of 270,000 sqm. 
Cox Architecture director Philip Rowe said, "Southbank has laid somewhat dormant for many years. Our collaborative concept has the ability to truly uncover its potential, improving the urban amenity while seamlessly unifying the suburb with Melbourne's CBD. 
"The architectural and cultural impact Southbank by Beulah will leave on Melbourne is an exciting prospect and will undoubtedly set a benchmark both locally and globally, both now and well into the future."
An extensive process to date - including the initial Southbank by Beulah global architecture competition - Beulah managing director, Jiaheng Chan said the project team has been overwhelmed by the support from the official government bodies. 
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“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to both the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne for their endorsement of ​Southbank by Beulah​, which we hope will play a significant role in Melbourne’s economic recovery over the coming years.
“​Southbank by Beulah​ will transform the way Melburnians work, live, learn, revitalise and play — it will set a global benchmark for an unprecedented lifestyle hub that caters to present and future generations and will assist in the future growth of Melbourne and its vision to become a truly global smart city.
“Discussions have already begun with leading global brands in the hospitality, retail and cultural sectors who are looking for a transformative project of this calibre.”
Lodged in August 2019, the approved application outlines plans to offer users an unprecedented connectedness to nature within an urban environment.
"It's not just about the height", said Nicholas Reece, the chair of the City of Melbourne's Planning Portfolio, "so much thought and effort has gone into the design and the green space."
Envisioned as a vertical mini-metropolis, ​Southbank by Beulah​ will comprise four distinct collections of private residences, public and green spaces, rooftop sky garden, town hall, commercial offices, a five-star urban resort, childcare centre, a health and wellness precinct, arts and culture spaces and programs, as well as world-class experiential retail, all within two twisting terraced forms.
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The spine twists into a series of outdoor spaces and green devices along the façades of the two towers, paying homage to Melbourne’s title of The Garden City, symbolically bridging the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens with Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.
Pocket parks will be a focal point throughout the building, connecting neighbourhoods within the residential tower, providing residents with a sense of community and a place to relax, before culminating in a landscaped journey to the publicly accessible ​rooftop sky garden.
Construction is forecast to commence next year and will take approximately five years to complete.
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Southbank's green spine gets Melbourne planning approvals

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REIV President Leah Calnan says the Victorian Property Market achieved record-breaking growth prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
During the March Quarter metropolitan, houses soared to a new record height, eclipsing $890,000 for the first time, a 3.7 % growth on the previous December 2019 quarter.
Metropolitan Units followed this strong trend reaching over $640,000.
Records were smashed in the Outter Melbourne region with both Houses and units reaching new high values.
While Inner and Middle Melbourne, the price of units grew to new heights and even outperformed the growth of houses in those regions.
Growth continued evenly across regional Victoria with gains in both units and houses. Greater Bendigo has fared very well featuring five suburbs in the list of top 20 suburbs for quarterly growth for regional Victoria.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/4/24/Melb%201.JPG" alt="">
REIV President Leah Calnan said the March Quarterly Medians shows that the Victorian property juggernaut was in peak form before the outbreak of Covid-19
“2020 has been an amazing year for real estate; property values have reached new heights across the state during January, February and March.” Ms Calnan said.
“Investors in the Victorian property will be thrilled with these figures, units and houses have soared in value; our market is in red hot form.”
“Our local market is strong and resilient; buyers from across the globe are have shown great interest in Victoria.”
“Everybody wants to get in on the action; we were regularly getting over 1000 homes sold at auction over a weekend, competition for houses in Victoria remains strong.”
“In chaotic times such as we are battling now, it is a much welcome relief to be able to see some good news, Victorian real estate is in great condition.”
“Our industry is strong, and we will survive Coronavirus, the desire for Victorian real estate is high when this over we look forward to more fantastic results,” she concluded.
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Victorian property market was in peak form pre-coronavirus: REIV

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Demand for agricultural property is up, Ray White found with Brymay at Lot 8 Tumut Plains Road, Tumut, NSW the latest example.
The holding attracted 11 registered bidders and sold for $185,000 over reserve at online auction.
It was a competitive auction seeing 34 bids before finally selling for $785,000.
"I've been in the real estate game for 21 years and I can honestly say the last week has been the second busiest in terms of sales that I've ever had," said Ray White Tumut Principal Ray Piper.
"Agricultural land is becoming more and more popular, and even though this property wasn't presented as the best, buyers could see beyond the mess because of the potential and the fact it's in a high rainfall area.
"Despite the restrictions and limited access to the property, we still attracted 21 people to private inspections, and over half of them registered to bid.
"The auctioneer Alex Pattaro was excellent because he took the time to sit down and take us through how the online auction platform worked.
"We logged on as the whole team one evening to run a mock auction so we really understood the process and could ask/answer any questions ahead of the auction.
"It's a great tool for future business and our office actually sold two from two today using the online auction platform."
Ray White NSW Chief Auctioneer Alex Pattaro (above) said this was an excellent result and there was a sense of growing positivity around online auctions.
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Brymay, Tumut agricultural holding sold 30% over reserve at online auction

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Actress Olympia Valance has listed her one-bedroom Southbank apartment for sale.
It comes with price guidance between $500,000 and $550,000 through Marshall White agent Bradley Steinbach.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-southbank-133409354" target="_blank">7/114 Dodds Street, Southbank Gardens apartment</a> was bought in 2018 for $480,000, and subsequently renovated. 
<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/2020/4/22/Vallance%20southbank%202.jpg" alt="">
There's now a modern kitchen with black tapware and an updated bathroom.
The open plan living kitchen and dining space opens to a courtyard.
Vallance recently bought a cottage in regional Victoria with her partner, the AFL star Tom Bellchambers.
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Olympia Valance lists one bedroom Southbank apartment

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RBA board members noted that conditions in commercial property markets were deteriorating.
This followed several years of commercial property price growth in excess of growth in rents.
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, parts of the retail property market were facing challenging conditions owing to weak consumer spending and heightened competition.
Following the outbreak, some retail tenants had been seeking suspensions in rent payments or large rent reductions.
Members noted that the risks in commercial property markets warranted close monitoring.
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Commercial property markets deteriorating: RBA

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The recent economic contraction, uncertainty and social distancing measures were likely to result in very little turnover in the housing market, according to the latest RBA minutes.
"It remained unclear how this would affect residential property prices," the board advised.
Most households with mortgages had significant buffers of accumulated prepayments, with around half of these loans having prepayments that exceeded six months of payments, it noted.
The share of mortgages that may not have a buffer of liquid assets was around 15 per cent.
Measures of household financial stress had been at relatively low levels prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the latest board minutes had noted.
Members were informed that, at the time of the April meeting, banks had reported that around 5 per cent of households had enquired about deferring mortgage repayments.
It noted that the risks from residential property markets had diminished over the course of the preceding year as increases in housing prices in Sydney and Melbourne had led to a reduction in the share of households at risk of having negative equity on their housing assets.
Nationally, around 3 per cent of mortgages had negative equity positions, with most of these in Western Australia.
The bank noted for households, a large proportion of the monetary policy easing since May 2019 had flowed through to mortgage rates paid. 
Lenders had reduced their interest rates on variable rate housing loans by 25 basis points following the reduction in the cash rate on 3 March. 
"While most lenders did not reduce their standard variable rates following the further cut in the cash rate on 19 March, they had announced a reduction for interest rates on fixed rate loans and measures to defer interest and loan payments for distressed households," the minutes noted.
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Unclear how very little turnover will affect residential property prices: RBA

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Neighbours star Olympia Valance, 27, and her AFL star boyfriend Thomas Bellchambers have purchased a cottage in country Victoria.
It is a two-bedroom Glenlyon home near Daylesford in Victoria, that was settled on Valentine's Day.  
They jointly purchased the six acres for $587,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/4/22/Vallance%202.jpg" alt="">
The home was promoted as offering spectacular views of the district.
It was also offering its owners to experience ‘off grid’ living in style. 
Vallance has since listed her one bedroom apartment in Southbank, asking between $500,000 and $550,000.
 
 
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Olympia Valance and Thomas Bellchambers buy Victorian weekender

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The RBA boss says it is highly probable that the severe shocks we are now experiencing will change the mindsets of some people and businesses.
"Even after the restrictions are lifted, it is likely that some of the precautionary behaviour will persist," Dr Philip Lowe said in a speech today <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2020/sp-gov-2020-04-21" target="_blank">giving an economic update</a>.
"In the months ahead, we are likely to lose some businesses, despite best efforts, and some of these businesses will not reopen.
"There will also be a higher level of debt and some households might revaluate the risks of having highly leveraged balance sheets.
"It is also probable that there will be structural changes in the economy.
"We are all learning to work, shop and travel differently.
"Some of these changes will probably stay with us, requiring a rethinking of business models.
"So the crisis will have reverberations through our economy for some time to come," Dr Lowe said.
"On the optimistic side, the restrictions could be lifted more quickly, with the virus being contained.
"In that case, a stronger recovery could be expected, particularly in light of the very large monetary and fiscal support that is in place.
"On the other hand, if the restrictions stay in place longer, or they have to be reimposed, the recovery will be delayed and interrupted.
"In that case, the loss of incomes and jobs would be even more pronounced.
"Whatever the timing of the recovery, when it does come, we should not be expecting that we will return quickly to business as usual.
"Rather, the twin health and economic emergencies that we are experiencing now will cast a shadow over our economy for some time to come."
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RBA says households to revaluate the risks of having highly leveraged balance sheets

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Auction volumes were up to 1,848 across the nation this weekend, according to CoreLogic, up from 634 last week.
Clearance rates however were similarly low across the nation with hundreds pulling out of auctions especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
Of the auctions scheduled 852 were withdrawn across the nation, 500 from Melbourne and 314 in Sydney, according to Domain's findings.
CoreLogic data showed preliminary clearance rates reached 40% in Sydney and Melbourne with 73.2% of the successful Melbourne auction properties actually sold prior to the scheduled auction date.
A similar showing occurred in Sydney where 60.2% were sold prior to the scheduled auction event.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/4/20/CL%20auctions%20April%2018th.JPG" alt="">Across the smaller cities, Canberra continues to outperform the remaining capital cities with a 66.7% preliminary success rate and the lowest rate of withdrawn auctions (25%).
The existing challenges around new policies banning onsite auctions and inspections are still impeding on activity across the auction market.
As confidence remains low and circumstances uncertain, it’s expected that fewer vendors will elect auction as their preferred method of sale and either convert to private treaty method or hold off on selling all together and scheduled volumes will likely decrease over the coming weeks.
Online auctions have helped take some of this strain off but as evidenced by the 50% pullout rate, many people would rather hold their cards close to their chest than trust in online auctions and marketing.
One standout home bucked this trend attracting competition from nine registered bidders at 199 Military Road, Dover Heights (pictured in title).
Featuring sweeping Sydney City, Harbour Bridge and Opera House views, the home, which has been owned by the same family for over 60 years, sold for $3.86 million.
The winning bidder told Ray White “I’ve been looking for the perfect property for six months... I plan on moving in first and then seeking DA approval to rebuild because it offers me a great opportunity to build the property of my dreams."
The three bedroom, one bathroom property sits directly opposite Dudley Page Reserve and is close to schools, bus and ferry transport.
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Majority of weekend 'auction sales' took place prior the scheduled auction 

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

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"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

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That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

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Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

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The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

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Joel Robinson

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

By the time S&amp;S Projects began planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia</a>, the developer already had three Rainbow Bay projects from which to draw.

Flow, Awaken and Esprit had given <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a> experience developing in the southern Gold Coast enclave, as well as buyer feedback that could be carried into its fourth project, a boutique collection of 38 residences at 271 Boundary Street.

“We have experienced a lot of success in this location and as this was our fourth building we had taken all of the learnings and buyer feedback from previous projects to arrive at a design and apartment mix that we believe had captured all of that experience and remained a true S&amp;S Project in its design and amenity,” the developer said.

That experience has translated into a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom residences including two penthouses positioned on an elevated corner in Rainbow Bay, where the site opens to multiple coastal view corridors and the area's distinctive north-facing bay.

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S&amp;S Projects says the Boundary Street site took years to assemble, having previously comprised six units, a house and a duplex. The developer worked individually with the existing owners to bring the properties together after an earlier attempt to sell the site had been complicated by the number of parties involved.

“We are constantly looking for properties that meet our brand standards of location, views, and sites that are rare with unique aspects that we can develop to maximise the lifestyle of residents who live in our buildings,” S&amp;S Projects said.

The Boundary Street site gave <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a> a different set of conditions to work with.&nbsp;

“Our design brief was to design a building that took advantage of its unique elevated corner siting offering a range of spectacular view corridor opportunities,” Cottee Parker said.

“The design had to reinforce the strong brand pillars of S&amp;S which are quality, luxury and superior resident amenity.”

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Cottee Parker responded with a sculptural floorplate and strong horizontal banding, with continuous balconies and landscaped planters wrapping the building. Operable screens along the balcony edges allow residents to manage light and shade while creating an additional layer of pattern across the facade.

The tower rises above a heavily landscaped podium incorporating the entry lobby and recreational level, while the broader architectural expression takes cues from Rainbow Bay's coastal environment through its organic forms and light material palette.

Cottee Parker says the design has also been developed to complement S&amp;S Projects’ three previous Rainbow Bay developments while retaining its own architectural identity.

Inside, the residences continue that coastal response through two interior schemes centred on warm timbers and neutral tones, alongside patterned natural stone and fluted detailing.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors connect open-plan living areas to wraparound balconies, while natural stone is used across benchtops, splashbacks and bathroom walls. Specifications also include light-washed timber flooring, gas fireplaces, integrated bar and wine fridges, freestanding stone baths and 100 per cent wool carpet.

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Cottee Parker Director Sandra Brown said the intention was to create an architectural response closely connected to its surroundings.

“Imagine architecture that breathes with the rhythm of nature, where every curve and line flows seamlessly – creating spaces that dance with the elements, where sunlight kisses every surface and the gentle sea breeze fills every space,” Brown said.

The lessons S&amp;S Projects carried into Radia also extend to its resident amenity, with a substantial collection of shared facilities planned for just 38 residences.

A dedicated Residents Club will include a lap pool and spa, gymnasium, ice bath, sauna, steam room and hot rocks sauna. A residents' lounge, private dining room, outdoor dining and barbecue area and business centre are also planned, along with storage and dedicated surfboard and beach lockers.

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the facilities were also designed around the project's Rainbow Bay setting.

“Each amenity is designed to capitalise on the lifestyle of Rainbow Bay, ensuring residents can enjoy the relaxed coastal experience the enclave is famous for,” Gedoun said.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> says purchasers to date have predominantly included local downsizers, interstate lifestyle investors and families, alongside a strong contingent of repeat S&amp;S purchasers.&nbsp;

According to the project sales team, feedback has centred on the natural stone and joinery, generous floorplans, natural light and the ability for residences to capture views in multiple directions. The completed Flow, Awaken and Esprit developments have also provided prospective purchasers with an existing reference point for S&amp;S Projects' delivery in Rainbow Bay.

There has also been interest from high-profile surfers and people connected to the surf community, with the elevated building providing outlooks towards several of the area's recognised surf breaks.

Radia continues S&amp;S Projects' concentration of development in a tightly held part of the southern Gold Coast, close to Rainbow Bay Beach, Snapper Rocks, Duranbah Beach, Greenmount Beach and the Tweed River. The neighbourhood also includes a growing collection of hospitality venues, while Coolangatta Airport provides connections beyond the southern Gold Coast.

Hutchinson Builders is now delivering Radia, continuing the project from early works privately funded by S&amp;S Projects. The $250 million development is expected to reach completion in the third quarter of 2027.

“With our history in Rainbow Bay, we have been fortunate to be heavily involved in how the development landscape has unfolded and this project slides into the property landscape comfortably and will feel like it was always there,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140491]

How three Rainbow Bay projects shaped S&S Projects' fourth, Radia

Nearly 40 years after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sheida-group">The Sheida Group</a> began working on the northern Gold Coast, the family-owned developer is continuing its involvement in Hope Island with Marina Point Apartments, where apartment scale has been a central part of the development.

Across the 235-apartment waterfront community, the developer has prioritised larger floorplans, substantial open space and marina access, responding to a purchaser base that has predominantly comprised local owner-occupiers and downsizers moving from larger homes.

"Having already delivered Anchorage nearby, we also understood this particular market and how people live here," developer Rick Sheida said.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Marina Point&nbsp;Apartments</a> gave us the opportunity to build on those lessons and create the next evolution of our work in Hope Island."

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The Sheida Group acquired the Marina Point land around 2018. Its appeal, Sheida says, went beyond having a waterfront address.

"What attracted us was not simply that the site was waterfront, but the way it meets the water," he said.

"It sits at the junction of broad waterways, creating long sightlines, changing views and a sense of movement throughout the day. Its shape also allowed us to orient the buildings outward, improve privacy between residences and make better use of natural light and breezes."

The buildings have subsequently been positioned around the perimeter of the site, allowing most apartments to take in water views while others look across the resort amenity or hinterland. Once all four buildings are complete, approximately one hectare of the site is expected to remain as open space.

The waterfront also provides the potential for up to 50 marina berths, with berths ranging from 15 to 24 metres and options designed to accommodate wider vessels including catamarans. Access from the marina to the Gold Coast Seaway is bridge-free.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293149]

The developer says purchasers to date have predominantly been owner-occupiers and downsizers from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Hope Island</a> and elsewhere on the Gold Coast, generally aged between 45 and 70. Many have sold larger family homes or properties requiring significant upkeep.

That purchaser profile informed a design brief centred on retaining the space and functionality of a larger home within an apartment format.

"Many of our buyers are coming from large, well-appointed homes in Sanctuary Cove and the surrounding area," the project team said.

"They are accustomed to generous spaces and thoughtful design, so it was important that the apartments delivered the same sense of comfort and functionality.

"Every room needed to feel well proportioned, every space needed a clear purpose and nothing could feel compromised."

Residences range from 139 sqm through to 319 sqm penthouses, with two car spaces provided to apartments and three to penthouses. Minimum 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, entertainer's kitchens with butler's pantries, substantial storage and balconies ranging from 18 sqm to 37 sqm further reflect the emphasis on space.

One purchaser from Sanctuary Cove has taken the concept further, combining two of Marina Point's largest apartments to create a 552 sqm residence with raked ceilings reaching up to 4.5 metres.

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With Building 1 now complete, the developer is also seeing its original design assumptions tested against purchaser feedback.

Three completed display residences allow prospective purchasers to compare apartment sizes, layouts, finishes and outlooks in person. The sales team says one of the most consistent responses has been to the scale of the apartments, with visitors describing them as feeling more like homes than conventional apartments.

The first stage of resident amenity is also operational, including a 25-metre heated lap pool, Technogym-equipped gym, infrared sauna, golf simulator and yoga room. Future facilities are set to include a resort-style pool and spa, waterfront barbecue area and a residents' lounge with a library, fireplace, pool table, kitchen and bar.

Rather than treating the four buildings independently, the design brief called for a complete waterfront neighbourhood, balancing private residences with landscaping, open space, marina access and shared amenity.

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For Sheida, Marina Point Apartments is ultimately an extension of the developer's longer-term involvement in Hope Island and its view of how the suburb is evolving.

"We were equally interested in the long-term future of Hope Island," he said.

"Its position between Brisbane and the central Gold Coast gives residents access to both, while improving transport connections are making the northern Gold Coast increasingly attractive as a permanent place to live."

Hope Island Marketplace is 1.3 kilometres from Marina Point, while Sanctuary Cove and Paradise Point are within six kilometres. Links Hope Island, The Pines and The Palms golf courses are also nearby, and the new Hope Island train station is under construction around five kilometres from the development.

Building 2 is under construction, with completion scheduled for 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136992]

Marina Point Apartments continues The Sheida Group's 40-year Hope Island story

Sydney-based fund manager and developer EG is seeking to turn part of the former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer into a 130-home residential community, introducing a mix of low-rise apartments, townhouses and duplexes to the tightly held Northern Beaches market.

The SJB-designed masterplan has been prepared for the 3.2-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-south-creek-road-cromer-nsw-2099">100 South Creek Road</a>, part of the former Roche landholding that EG acquired for $55 million in 2017 through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2.

EG is proposing what SJB describes as a new "urban village" set within the site's significant existing tree canopy.

<img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="482c9a58-49f1-4c53-a12e-aaa02336229f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.20.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=hZP8_XfPnfNq500dbcjlpVwYU1ebhF9_" />

Around three hectares of the site is considered developable, with the balance incorporating a riparian corridor that would be rehabilitated and revegetated as part of the proposal.

The indicative masterplan comprises approximately 72 apartments in low-rise residential buildings and another 58 townhouses and duplexes.

The apartment component would include around five one-bedroom, 37 two-bedroom and 30 three-bedroom residences, while the townhouse and duplex component would be spread across several different housing typologies. The overall scheme would deliver around 19,500 sqm of gross floor area at an FSR of 0.6:1.

Parking for the apartment component is currently estimated at around 112 resident spaces and 14 visitor spaces, while the townhouse and duplex component would have 116 resident and 12 visitor spaces.

A significant part of the masterplan revolves around retaining the established landscape character of the former Roche campus.

SJB's plans show heavily treed setbacks along both Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, a centrally located collection of significant native and exotic trees retained as communal open space, and the regeneration of the northern bushland area.

The existing creek corridor along the site's western edge would also be rehabilitated and revegetated, creating additional separation between the new homes and the neighbouring Northern Beaches Business Park.

A heritage-listed cottage and its garden setting would be retained and restored, with SJB flagging its potential adaptive reuse as communal space.

The proposal also includes new communal recreation areas, pedestrian connections to Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, and a contribution toward improvements to the adjoining Michele Reserve.

Vehicular access would be restricted to South Creek Road, with no vehicle entry proposed from Campbell Avenue. The main internal road would largely follow the site's existing driveway to minimise the impact on established trees.

SJB said residential redevelopment presented an opportunity to retain the majority of the site's heritage-listed mature trees while delivering a broader range of housing types than typically seen across the Northern Beaches.

"The site being 3.27 hectares in area represents one of the largest vacant sites in common ownership in the Cromer and Dee Why area capable of residential renewal," SJB noted in the masterplan.

The architect said the proposal would particularly target housing diversity through townhouses and other "missing middle" typologies suitable for singles, young families, downsizers and retirees.

<img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3f5d841-8491-427e-8ada-c70d3d03d6bc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.21.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xTV7r.q8lrTzC9vKzMS9zMbjm9wKwhgm" />

The site emerged following the subdivision of the former Roche campus into eastern and western parcels.

EG has already transformed the western portion into the Northern Beaches Business Park, which incorporates heritage-listed office space, modern warehouses and indoor recreation facilities.

The proposed residential community, referred to as Cromer East in SJB's plans, adjoins established housing to the north, east and south-east, while the business park sits beyond the creek corridor to the west.

It is also within 250 metres of Pittwater House School and Northern Beaches Secondary College, while bus stops within a three-to-five-minute walk provide connections to Dee Why, Brookvale and express services to the Sydney CBD. Cromer Park and the South Creek open space corridor are also nearby.

EG acquired the broader 7.5-hectare former Roche campus in 2017 for $55 million through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2. The campus at the time comprised more than 25,000 sqm of industrial and office buildings set within landscaped grounds.

The current residential site represents the eastern portion of that original holding.

EG's investment strategy for the fund has centred on acquiring income-producing real estate with longer-term rezoning and repositioning potential, particularly assets benefiting from infrastructure and changing land-use patterns.

EG also has an established residential track record across Sydney, including Bosco in Five Dock, Tempo in Drummoyne, The Flour Mill in Summer Hill and Pindari in Randwick.

The developer says it has delivered more than 1,000 homes to date, with a further 3,000-plus residences across its development pipeline.

First look: EG plans 130 apartments on former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

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Staff reporter

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