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Banks may increase variable mortgage rates to recoup pandemic-induced losses despite a stagnant cash rate, according to surveyed experts.
In this month's Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey, while all the experts surveyed expect a cash rate hold in September (40/40), more than half of those who weighed in (57%, 16) believe that banks will raise their variable mortgage rates despite the Reserve Bank indicating that the cash rate will remain motionless for some time.
When asked about the expected time frame for this movement, half of the respondents (50%, 8) said banks are likely to announce out-of-cycle rate hikes during the first half of 2021.
Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said that prospective variable rate increases mean future homebuyers should tread cautiously.
“Banking profits have nosedived off the back of billions of dollars worth of loan deferrals, a shrinking pool of first-time buyers, low-interest rates and minimal credit growth."
“This may send banks scrambling to recoup lost funds by pushing up home loan rates to absorb some of these costs, which will come at a detriment to mortgage customers."
“A flat cash rate does not mean homeowners are in the clear. We learned this during the most recent period of cash rate stagnation. While the rate held at 1.25% for 34 months starting in 2016, banks increased their variable rates 7 times."
“This means that homebuyers considering a variable mortgage should still factor in a potential repayment increase of 2-3% to their budget to prevent rate shock,” Cooke concluded.
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Banks raise variable mortgage rates independent of the RBA: Finder RBA Survey

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Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall have today called for the removal of restrictions on agricultural workers crossing the NSW/Victoria border.
The call comes ahead of a meeting of National Cabinet on Friday, where an Agricultural Workers Code will be presented and considered. 
Mr Barilaro said agriculture was an essential industry and that it was imperative restrictions were lifted to ensure farmers had an adequate workforce for the fast-approaching harvest. 
“The situation is now at the 11th hour for many producers across the State. We cannot stand by and watch farmers, crops and businesses face ruin due to the border closure with Victoria,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Agriculture is an essential industry. Our farmers feed and clothe the nation and we must do everything to ensure they can continue to operate as smoothly as possible."
Mr Marshall said he would be taking forward a proposal to a meeting of Agriculture Ministers tomorrow,  which would see sensible safety requirements imposed in exchange for the removal of all other restrictions on the movement of agricultural workers across all borders.
“Our farmers are suffering because the current cumbersome permit system restricts the free movement of agricultural workers across the NSW/Victoria border, beyond 100 kilometres,” Mr Marshall said. 
“As part of that proposal, new requirements would be introduced to ensure the safety of primary producers and rural communities, including having a mandatory COVID Safe Plan in place, the use of PPE by workers as well as robust records keeping to allow contact tracing.
“Our farmers have had a gutful of these senseless border restrictions and so have I.”
The Minister for Agriculture is proposing an Agricultural Workers Code that would allow for the free movement of agriculture so long as COVID-19 safe strategies are in place including individual record keeping, COVID-safe plans, the use of PPE and regular voluntary testing.
 
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Ministerial call for the removal of restrictions on agricultural workers crossing the NSW/Victoria border

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The Australian property market has managed to hold its value, according to PRD Real Estate’s recent market research report.
Despite the ill-effects of the COVID-19 shutdown, PRD reveals on average, median house prices grew in capital city, metropolitan and regional markets in the 12 months to the first half of 2020.
Capital city markets grew by 1.0 per cent on average, led by Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart. Regional markets performed best; up by 3.4 per cent.
PRD Real Estate Chief Economist, Diaswati Mardiasmo believes the market has shown great resilience.
“Whilst COVID-19 hit us swiftly this year and threw Australian economy and property markets into turmoil, things settled down within the property market quicker than initially thought”, she commented.
Australia has created a market balance thanks to the unprecedented release of multiple fiscal and monetary policy assistance, the report reveals.
Consumer confidence has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels with confidence up by
23.9 per cent in June 2020 after a plummet in April.
“Uncertainty about the health situation and the future strength of the economy is making many households and businesses cautious. However, despite the curveballs the property market has been remarkably resilient, and demand has been stronger than many people anticipated”, Dr Mardiasmo said.
Notably, new home sales increased by 77.6 per cent at the end of this financial year, from a record low result in May.
The HomeBuilder scheme is balancing the downturn in residential construction due to COVID-19 with upgraders accounting for 42 per cent of loans in June.
“The key going forward will be increasing levels of employment, public and private investment and consumer confidence based on the ongoing impact of COVID-19.” Dr Mardiasmo said.
“There is no doubt we are seeing signs of gradual improvement”.
 
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The Australian property market sees gradual improvement: PRD 

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<div class="column">Laing+Simmons has struck a new partnership with Making Meditation Mainstream, a local initiative with a national footprint and a global vision, to bring the supportive practice of mediation to local people and help tackle the challenges of mental health in the community. The offices at Laing+Simmons Narrabeen, Laing+Simmons Dee Why and the new Northern beaches team at Laing+Simmons Young Property have joined forces with Laing+Simmons head office to help Making Meditation Mainstream grow its movement to new suburban locations in Sydney, as well as other Australian cities and internationally locations as well.
Each Saturday at sunrise, Making Mediation Mainstream takes members of the community through a peaceful mediation experience to help them connect with nature and each other. Free to all and open to everybody, the movement has 14 locations in Australia and is growing, with the first international location soon to begin in Switzerland and Hawaii on the cards soon thereafter.
Laing+Simmons is known for its people-first culture which emphasises the need for its people to care for each other like they would a member of their family. The company has an Employee Assistance Program in place which makes confidential counselling services available free for team members who might be experiencing difficulties either in their work or personal lives.
The new partnership is a natural fit with the company’s family culture, said Laing+Simmons Managing Director Leanne Pilkington.
“Improving mental health outcomes for people in the Laing+Simmons family, including our team members, our customers and the communities in which we operate, is something we’re emotionally invested in. it makes sense for us to formalise a partnership with an organisation which shares the same values and, importantly, offers a solution,” Ms Pilkington said.
“Our head office staff as well as people from our Northern Beaches teams actively participate in the initiative. Societal mental health challenges have been exacerbated by the pandemic to lead many people to experience feelings of anxiety, stress, isolation, depression and more.
“By supporting Making Mediation Mainstream, which in turn supports Lifeline, we can make a tangible effort to provide a solution which some people will be able to derive real, transformative benefits from,” she said.
Making Meditation Mainstream was born on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 2018 – a bad year for the area with 33 recorded suicides – with the objective of tackling mental health challenges through meditation as a supportive practice that can nurture a person’s connection to self, to nature and to each other.
It’s a registered charity which directly supports Lifeline on the Northern Beaches.
The partnership with Laing+Simmons comes at a time when Making Meditation Mainstream is gearing up for a major ‘Big Beach Sit’ event to coincide with Mental Health Month in October, in collaboration with Lifeline. Watch this space for more information on this world-first event.
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New partnership to tackle mental health on Sydney's northern beaches: Laing+Simmons

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Pre-listing activity was up in early August, according to CoreLogic's Early Market Indicators report.
The report found in contrast that listings and mortgage activity was down.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/4/CL%20EMI%201.JPG" alt="">
 
Pre-listing activity is down 12.71% when compared YTD year on year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/4/CL%20EMI%202.JPG" alt="">
Newly advertised properties for sale have seen numbers drop this week down 1%. Their month on month changes saw a similar drop.
Newly advertised properties for rent have seen a much larger drop of 5%, however their month on month changes were not impacted as harshly.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/4/CL%20EMI%203.JPG" alt="">
Mortgage activity is up year on year however did fall slightly this week down 0.24%
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There has been a notable increase in loans of every category barring MIP which fell significantly.
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Pre-listing activity is up while listings and mortgaging are down: CoreLogic

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McGrath Estate Agents have announced the opening of a new office in Cooma NSW. 
This will be the third new regional office in the past two months, following opening in Albury/Wondonga and Mansfield in Victoria.
Founder John McGrath believes that affordability provides a huge incentive for regional migration as families reassess their lifestyle options.
Mr McGrath said, “COVID has definitely accelerated the ability to work remotely and areas within a two hour radius of large towns and cities I believe will be very much sought after, particularly as a commute has never been easier with new infrastructure that connects the modern worker more readily and easily.”
The Snowy Monaro Shire’s roots are rich in history dating back to the 1800’s, however Cooma’s name and reputation has been highlighted as it is at the centre of Australia’s largest engineering project, the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electricity Scheme. The Shire itself is the main gateway to the Snowy Mountains, Kosciuszko National Park and within close proximity to Canberra and Queanbeyan, and just 1.5 hours to the south coast beaches.
Christopher Mourd, Head of Franchise Network for McGrath Estate Agents said, “We see real growth and opportunity in these key regional areas as they have outperformed their capital city counterparts through COVID.” (source: CoreLogic July 2020)
He adds, “The Snowy Mountains of NSW are a key lifestyle market for our ACT and NSW client base, who are increasingly attracted by its relaxed way of life, affordable housing, and sense of community. Cooma is central to this market, serviced by a local airport, excellent infrastructure and connectivity, the Goulburn Bombala Rail line as well as good health and educational facilities.
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“The region traditionally is a mixed grazing area, however it has benefitted greatly from the Snowy Hydro Scheme, and the ski resorts within an hour of Cooma. However, 2020 has seen the full approval of the nation’s largest renewable energy project, Snowy 2.0 which is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs during the construction peak with thousands of jobs generated indirectly. With its added employment opportunities, we believe it offers excellent opportunity for growth in the next few years as a major regional hub for treechangers and young families.”  
McGrath Cooma will service the area from Michelago in the north to Delgate in the south; and Bemboka in the east to Thredbo in the west. Key suburbs will include Cooma, Bredbo, Berridale, Jindabyne and Thredbo.
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McGrath Cooma will be led by Principal Shannon Fergusson previously operating his own agency Fergusson Real Estate and Property with his wife, Rachel since 2010. Shannon has been in the industry for more than 20 years, and living in Cooma since 2005. 
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The average median house price for Cooma is $320,000 with Shannon Fergusson achieving recent sales results in the last six months including:
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44 Kiah Avenue Cooma – A street record for a four-bedroom home sold for $615,000
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6 Stratos Place Cooma – A street record for a four-bedroom home sold for $597,000
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9 Tulong Avenue Cooma – A street record for a five-bedroom home sold for $499,000
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McGrath pushes further into regional lifestyle areas with a new office in Cooma, NSW

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CPlusC Architectural Workshop Pty Ltd has snapped up a vacant, freehold mixed-use building in Sydney’s East from a private investor for under $2.5 million, reflecting a significant building rate for vacant City Fringe assets. 
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/sold/property-466-cleveland-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010-503554690" target="_blank">466 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills</a>, the two storey property offers a net lettable area of 182sqm (including 36sqm outdoor terrace) on a 147sqm site and is fitted with a commercial kitchen, grease trap, cool room and exhaust. 
There is a current DA in place for a dental practice and the building will benefit from the new Light Rail being constructed along Devonshire Street, connecting the East to Central Station and the CBD. The proposed stop will be a 100m walk to the corner or Bourke Street and Devonshire Street. This will be in conjunction with the current extensive bus network just moments away. 
The property sold through Ollie Ridley, Nick Lower and Selin Ince of Savills Australia who said there was a lot of interest from local investors, developers and owner occupiers looking for a trophy asset in an enviable location.
According to Ollie Ridley, Executive, Metropolitan &amp; Regional Sales at Savills Australia, “The repositioning potential and DA approval was especially appealing to those within the dentistry/healthcare world, along with other affiliated fields looking for high exposure locations within prime Inner-City locations”.
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Surry Hills dental practice space sells to architects

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A freestanding commercial investment with development upside has sold for $8,500,000 under the hammer at <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=S0FkYXRBL0pXU1R3ak9mT011UE1ZUkJvb2ZNQnUxdERqcHp0UUpKT1cvUVFxbmdxZFhzTGJQSEpGTHVVWW95QnJVNmoyc0RySkhYc1cxd053aG1UOWZhcXFwcUpzaFBKam9MK0grZlBvd2ljZi9COW5LaGZ1K3RVSWw2TmQxdndNWDYyUTU0cGgrREh5cURWRU1JTVlMdmlXdmhNeG90QjNzd01mc09iNjJSY0VYVm5KaGVhZVhiVWgwenBaTXNY&amp;rh=ff0065c7450d709ea5552ae9a04bacc4ff82fe1a" target="_blank">2-4 Palmer Street</a> in Parramatta.   The property, that came with a 685sqm building area and 600sqm land area, was sold at auction on a 2.9 per cent yield.   The asset was marketed and sold by Ray White agents Samuel Hadgelias and Jeff Moxham, in conjunction with Anthony Khoury and Jon Race of Khoury Partners. “Freehold commercial opportunities with upside are a rare commodity in the Parramatta CBD and that’s why this asset attracted seven registered bidders,” Mr Moxham said.
“The sale being in excess of the reserve price is further evidence the commercial market remains strong despite the negative speculation regarding Australian property markets in the wake of rising cases of COVID-19,” Mr Hadgelias said.    “The low yield is consistent with other freehold buildings that have traded nearby and evidences the continued strong demand for 'value add' assets with future development potential,” Mr Khoury said.
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Parramatta commercial investment sells for $8.5 million at auction

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Liverpool’s innovation credentials have been recognised on the world stage as it joins a select group of 20 global innovation precincts through the Global Institute on Innovation Districts.  
“The Liverpool Innovation Precinct was established in partnership between Council and local health, education and research institutions to harness the city’s strengths,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.  
“By accepting an invitation to join this global network, Liverpool is now among fantastic company. Member cities include Toronto and Pittsburgh, known for their cutting-edge technology and creative industries.” 
The news comes off the back of the NSW Government’s announcement that up to 450 of CSIRO’s Sydney-based staff will relocate to a state-of-the-art facility at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis by 2026, in-line with the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.  
“What we’re seeing through continued collaboration and investment from other levels of government and the tertiary education and private sectors is global recognition of Liverpool and the nearby Aerotropolis as cities of the future,” Mayor Waller said.  
“Global companies including Northrop Grumman, Hitachi and Amazon, top-ranking Australian universities and now the national science research agency want to call the Liverpool area home. 
“There’s a bright future ahead for Sydney’s third CBD, with all this investment in commercial operations, transport, freight and education infrastructure bringing new job opportunities for our growing city.” 
Alongside the $740 million upgrade of Liverpool Hospital, many Council-led initiatives demonstrate the power of innovation and collaboration to improve services and the city’s liveability.  
“Council’s latest example of innovation and collaboration is our support of the Maxar Spatial Challenge alongside other partners such as Amazon Web Services and the Australian Space Agency,” Mayor Waller said.  
“The national challenge, which launches this month, encourages participants to make use of satellite data to address key challenges such as mapping population density or an area’s tree canopy which could help reduce the urban heat island effect.  
“Other innovative Council initiatives include a project to track the movements of people in the Liverpool CBD to better inform planning decisions and our Fifteenth Avenue Smart Transit (FAST) Corridor vision for a rapid transit corridor which could be future-proofed for new technologies such as driverless electric buses and trackless trams.”
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Liverpool recognised globally as city of innovation  

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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk placed tighter restrictions on auction gatherings in Gold Coast homes from 8am, on Saturday, 29 August. 
“Coming into effect from 8:00am Saturday, we are going to extend those limits of people inside your homes to 10 people, and those gatherings outside to 10,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I think everyone would agree, we acted very swiftly when it came to those earlier cases with the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre and we know people travel a lot from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, and it makes sense to extend that.”
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) issued guidelines:
“Owners, tenants and agents must continue to take reasonable steps to encourage visitors to any premises to practise physical distancing and hygiene practices as required and that open home inspections, rental inspections and auctions be limited as required by the new directive.
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Gold Coast gets tightened auction restrictions amid COVID-19 concerns

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.

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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.

Staff reporter

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