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An independent report by KPMG has highlighted the operational resilience, innovation and confidence of customer owned banking in navigating the economic uncertainty of COVID-19.
The <a href="https://customerownedbankingassociation.cmail20.com/t/d-l-chluytk-jlujgjiij-r/" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">KPMG Mutuals Industry Review 2020</a> reports that 70% of surveyed customer owned banking institutions feel confident in their three-year growth prospects, representing a notable increase from 63% in 2019.
“This has been a tough year for all, but our members continue to prioritise the needs of their customers as the economy looks to the recovery phase,” says Michael Lawrence, CEO of the Customer Owned Banking Association.
“Our sector has grown over the year with residential lending increasing by 3.0% and deposits increasing by 7.0%. This market share underlines the fact that customer owned banking institutions continue to be seen as an attractive proposition for customers.
“As noted by the report, our members have maintained a reputation for trust through a period of increased public scrutiny. They have a deep alignment with their customers, and this trust is a cornerstone of their resilience as they move forward together. 
“This is also reflected in their community involvement, which most members view as a key differentiator to their business. 
“While our sector continues to compete on price, we are also at the forefront of technology and innovation, including alliances with fintech companies. For example, <a href="https://customerownedbankingassociation.cmail20.com/t/d-l-chluytk-jlujgjiij-y/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Newcastle Permanent</a> struck a $300 million home loan funding deal with Athena Home Loans, enabling the customer owned banking institution to utilise Athena’s digital home loan platform to attract new borrowers. 
“Headquartered in Armidale, <a href="https://customerownedbankingassociation.cmail20.com/t/d-l-chluytk-jlujgjiij-j/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Regional Australia Bank</a> is a market leader of Open Banking. As one of only two accredited data recipients, the institution collaborated with fintech ‘Basiq’ to approve a loan application end-to-end in under six minutes. These examples showcase the strength of the customer owned model in using technology to innovate and improve the customer experience.  
“With our members now supporting over 4.5 million customers, it’s important for government and regulators to apply proportionality to upcoming regulations. New rules should be well-targeted, fit for purpose, and not an impediment to growth. A competitive banking market is vital to economic recovery.”
The KPMG Report is based on a survey of 47 customer owned banking institutions.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Customer owned banking sector shows confidence and resilience: COBA

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Ilkey, the Sunshine Coast hinterland trophy home, has been listed for sale by the Channel 7 executive and former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith and his wife Emma.

The couple paid $1.45 million for the home in 2015 which is being marketed as one of the best acreage estates the region had to offer by Ray White Buderim Agent Kathryn Willshire.

She calls Ilkey an "unrivalled residence".

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94623]

The five bedroom, two storey home surrounded by manicured lawn and landscaping sits on a private 35,612 sqm block.

“The view is arguably one of the most breathtaking settings I have ever seen,” said the agent who has lived and worked in the area for more than 15 years.

She said the owners said the home’s very private setting just south of Buderim was perfect for family living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29180]

The Roberts-Smith's extended the 2003-built house when they bought it five years ago, building the infinity pool and fully equipped pool house with BBQ, kitchen and dining setting.

The home would also be perfect as a home office or dual-living space, ideal for extended family or a teenagers retreat, as there’s a separate downstairs space with three bedrooms and its own kitchenette and bathroom, according to the marketing material.

The private gated property goes to auction on-site on December 19.
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Ikley on the Sunshine Coast listed by Ben Roberts-Smith

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Cedar Woods Properties has unveiled plans for Greville, a new $180 million-plus community in Wooloowin.
It will feature a mix of terrace homes, apartments and heritage residences just five kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.
The urban village will be the first project of its kind for Wooloowin and ultimately feature over 250 homes and apartments, an exclusive residents' recreation zone and pool, and a 4,000sqm community park.
Cedar Woods is taking expressions of interest for the first stage, which will comprise 12 north-facing terrace homes. 
The Greville name is a nod to prominent architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley who designed the Holy Cross Laundry, which opened in 1889. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/7/Greville%203.JPG" alt="">
Cedar Woods Senior Development Manager Peter Starr said Greville ticked all the boxes for buyers wanting an inner-city location, a modern Queenslander-inspired home and a design with liveability at the core.
"All our terrace homes have an optimal north-south orientation, meaning they are designed to enjoy abundant natural light and breezes, with our first release in an elevated enclave, meaning some also enjoy city skyline views.
"All the homes feature a generous landscaped courtyard, and open plan living that integrates seamlessly with either the courtyard or a balcony, creating light-filled indoor-outdoor living and entertaining." 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/7/Greville%205.JPG" alt="">
Mr Starr said lush landscaping would feature heavily at Greville.
Greville is just a 400 metre stroll from Wooloowin train station and 1km from the Northern Busway at Lutwyche, with the Northern Bikeway extension at the doorstep."
The first terrace homes at Greville are priced from below $800,000. 
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$180 million Greville master-planned community in Wooloowin launched

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<div class="block-content">
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">A $500 million Victorian Homebuyer Fund was announced in the Victorian State Budget to help first homebuyers break into the property market.</div>
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<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">The fund will contribute to the purchase price in exchange for equity interest in the property, reducing the size of the deposit required by the first time buyer.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">The plan will reduce the size of the deposit needed for homes, new and established.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">The decision follows a successful pilot program.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">It will help people who do not have a 20 per cent deposit.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
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Victorian Homebuyer Fund to encourage first home buyers

Sunshine Coast had Queensland's top house price growth in Spring: CoreLogic's Q3 Regional Report

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A Blakehurst, NSW trophy house has been listed without a price guide.
The five bedroom, five bathroom abode is known as 'Black Caviar'.
Situated at 139a Stuart Street, the property resembles a boutique hotel, according to the marketing material.
Set on 1,182 sqm it sits along the Cote D’Azur complete with its own boating facilities.
The interiors showcase a glass lift that offers 180-degree views across the Georges River as it services four levels featuring multiple guest suites, an executive office, cinema and gym.
It is finished with a pool plus a multi-tiered party and boating deck over the district’s deepest waters. 
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Blakehurst, NSW trophy home resembling a boutique hotel listed

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The prestige market in Gladstone has been very thinly traded over the course of 2020, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
In 2019, we saw two sales occur above $1 million. In 2020, the highest sale to date has been a rural residential property in Wurdong Heights for $840,000. This 6.32-hectare property is located on an elevated allotment with 270-degree panoramic views (east to the Boyne River, south to Many Peak Ranges and north overlooking natural bushland).
The dwelling itself was a mid 1990s four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence with extensive outdoor areas to take advantage of the views. Other features include shed space, golf buggy with built in charging station and a concrete cyclone bunker built into the side of a cliff.
Another prestige property in the dress circle location of Parksville Estate in New Auckland that has recently gone under contract. HTW are unable to disclose the purchase price at the time of writing, however can advise that the asking price was $889,000 and the purchase price was very close to the asking price. The property comprises a large, high quality home with all expected features plus sheds, a pool and spa on a 5,422 square metre near level, extensively landscaped lot.
This location is very sought after. Two vacant allotments recently sold for around $300,000 each in this estate.Also located in the estate is 2 Parksville Drive which we mentioned in last year’s prestige issue when it sold for $1.04 million.
There are currently about a dozen properties in the region listed for sale above $1 million. Most are rural residential properties, however a couple are large, modern, inner city dwellings that take advantage of amazing harbour views.
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Gladstone prestige market activity at rock bottom: HTW

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The high end of the residential market in Emerald has performed the strongest, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
These properties are generally large, good quality homes that come with extensive ancillary improvements.
Demand has been slightly higher than supply so the past 12 months has seen a firming in value.
Leading the way at $1.15 million is a rural residential property on 11.2 hectares with a 2012 four-bedroom, two-bathroom home and living area of 282 square metres, outdoor area of 113 square metres, car parking area of 88 square metres and a 360 square metre detached shed.
The property is a clear timber home with high quality fitting and features.
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Emerald prestige market sees value strengthening: HTW

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Compared to its city and coastal cousins, Tamworth is not necessarily known for its prestige property, but there are options for buyers seeking a luxurious place to call home, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
Unlike large city and many large coastal communities, the price tag on Tamworth’s prestige market is largely considered to be anything over $1 million in close proximity to the CBD, namely located in East Tamworth, or high value smaller rural lifestyle holdings on the city’s fringes.
The prestige property in Tamworth is relatively thinly traded and subject to a degree of short volatility, however given Tamworth’s growing population and importance as a major economic centre in northern New South Wales, we view these assets as being a sound long term investment and the option for a growing family.
Many of Tamworth’s prestige properties feature large renovated double block homes in leafy East Tamworth where shopping and schools are within a five-minute drive. A recent example was the sale of 56 White Street, East Tamworth also known as Kimeree (pictured) which sold on 18 December 2019 for $1.229 million. This is not far above the average Sydney house price!
There have been a number of East Tamworth prestige sales in recent years over the $1 million price point in close proximity to Tamworth’s CBD. More recently there have been fewer high value properties listed on the market and selling periods have increased throughout the COVID pandemic. However regional economies have been very resilient throughout this period and anecdotal evidence is showing a rejuvenation of major regional hubs.
Many areas are experiencing outstanding seasonal conditions for farmers and rural economies continue to help drive Australia out of recession. Interest from city buyers has increased according to many agents across the region with regional prestige property providing value for money and an appealing proposition for those seeking a lifestyle change.
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Tamworth prestige market remains resilient and affordable: HTW

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Despite the pandemic, the prestige market in the Illawarra has performed well throughout 2020, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
As property prices have risen over the years, so has the prestige price point. When we talk about beachside homes, the Illawarra appears to have a price ceiling of around $4 million, however this price point has recently been breached with a sale in Woodland Avenue, Thirroul for $4.125 million, the house having been listed for sale for over a year and finally finding the right buyer, indicating the strength of this market in our region at the moment.
We have seen the following number of sales of coastal properties over $3 million in 2020: Stanwell Park – 1; Clifton – 1; Thirroul – 2; Minnamurra – 1; Kiama – 2; Gerroa – 1. For those looking for a bit more land, the rural residential prestige market has also been active in 2020.
The year kicked off with a $3.84 million sale in Russell Vale of a four-bedroom, three-bathroom homestead on 8.9 hectares with great district and distant ocean views. The $4 million mark was breached for a 20-hectare Calderwood property comprising three houses and significant ancillary improvements including stables, which sold in April for $4.6 million.
The Kiama and Berry and Kangaroo Valley regions traditionally provide the greatest number of prestige rural residential sales and 2020 has been no different with a 75-hectare property in Kangaroo Valley comprising three dwellings fetching $5,362,500 and Rose Valley recording two separate sales of $5.665 million and $6.05 million.
Agents are reporting a shortage of stock across the board and the prestige market is no different. Despite recent activity and buyer interest, there are a very limited number of prestige properties currently on the market with no current beachside
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Illawarra prestige market performed strongly despite pandemic: HTW

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.

Joel Robinson

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.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

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