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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Master Builders is calling on the Federal Government to fund a new initiative, CommunityBuilder Grants, in the October Federal Budget to activate the construction of community and non-for-profit facilities, in its Pre-Budget Budget Submission released today.
We are calling for the Federal Government to adapt the highly effective HomeBuilder scheme model to do for the commercial construction sector what they done for the housing sector.
Commercial construction activity will suffer a major fall of more than 17% in 2020/21 according our latest forecasts.
This will put under the viability of thousands of SME commercial construction businesses and the jobs of the thousands of tradies they employ, unless the Government steps in with measures such as CommunityBuilder.
We propose that CommunityBuilder would involve the Federal Government providing applicants from the not-for-profit and community sector with grants to fund 25% of the construction, up to a capped amount for example $5 million, for facilities such as community centres, toilet blocks, libraries and training centres.
Grant recipients could supplement CommunityBuilder grants with state and local government grants, but they would need to come up with the rest of the funds. Grant recipients with ‘skin in the game’ increases the impact of taxpayer’s stimulus measures and ensures projects will be constructed with value for money in mind.
Our modelling shows that an investment of $3.8 billion in CommunityBuilder would return a $6.8 billion boost to GDP and create 13,000 new jobs.
Since the onset of the pandemic the Prime Minister has always advanced the protection of jobs as his highest priority. The Governor of the Reserve Bank has consistently shared the PM’s sentiment and he reinforced it again on Friday when he told the Parliament that government’s should more worried about unemployment than anything else and that “fiscal spending with get people back to work".
Our industry has more businesses on JobKeeper than any other sector of the economy and Master Builders is gravely concerned about their continuing viability and the livelihoods of the people they employ.
That is why we are calling on the Government to including funding of our the CommunityBuilder grants proposal in the October Budget. As the sector with the third largest economic multiplier effect in the economy, commercial construction is vital to building a bridge to economic recovery and saving jobs.
DENITA WAWN is the CEO of Master Builders Australia
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Master Builders Australia call for new CommunityBuilder grants: Denita Wawn

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Master Builders Australia is calling for an extension of the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder grants scheme in its Pre-Budget Submission released today.
We want to see the Federal Government extend what has been the most effective government stimulus measure in a decade for an additional 12 months,
Despite the undeniable success of HomeBuilder so far, we have downgraded our forecast for the housing sector by 25% for 2020/21 so that we are now predicting a 27% fall in homebuilding activity compared to 2019/20.
This will be calamitous for many of the nearly 370,000 home building businesses that are vital to local economies and communities throughout Australia unless the Government steps in with extension of HomeBuilder and other stimulus measures.
Our modelling shows that, based on the Government’s estimate that HomeBuilder Mark I will cost $680 million, that a one year extension, or HomeBuilder Mark II, will require an investment of $1.3 billion, return a boost to GDP of up to $4.5 billion, create more than 4,500 additional new jobs and result in the construction of more than 6,000 new homes in addition to those created in HomeBuilder Mark I.
The Federal Government showed its commitment to builders and tradies when it announced HomeBuilder Mark I and they must be given credit for that. They should now double down to secure to further jobs by including HomeBuilder Mark II in the October Budget.
DENITA WAWN is the CEO of Master Builders Australia
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Master Builders Australia call for HomeBuilder extension: Denita Wawn

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There was a 60 percent clearance rate from the 103 reported weekend auction results in Melbourne.
With many homes selling prior and 39 properties withdrawn, agents in Melbourne had 124 scheduled auctions.
Auctions and inspections can be held only online.
There were 545 auctions on the same August weekend last year, according to Domain.
More than 520 properties were scheduled for auction in Sydney on Saturday, with agents securing a preliminary clearance rate of 65.9 per cent from 330 reported results.
There were 83 properties withdrawn from auction.
Pre-auction Friday night buyer competition saw a northern beaches property sell at $7.05 million.
It was a five-bedroom home at 3 Wood Street. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/14/CL%20AUG%2016.JPG" alt="">
There were 1,042 homes up for auction across the combined capital cities this week, down from 1,150 over the previous week and 1,228 this time last year.
Preliminary results show that of the 810 results collected so far, 64.3 per cent have recorded a successful result, down slightly from last week’s preliminary clearance rate of 65.9 per cent, which revised down to 58.4 per cent on final numbers. This time last year, the combined capital cities recorded a final clearance rate of 73.0 per cent.
The number of auctions held across Melbourne was averaging around 530 each week prior to the implementation of new restrictions. 
There were 668 homes scheduled for auction in Sydney this week, up from 640 over the previous week and 446 this time last year. Sydney hasn’t recorded this many auctions over a week since the first week of April.
Preliminary results show the city recorded a clearance rate of 67.8 per cent this week, slightly higher than last week’s preliminary result of 65.8 per cent, which later revised down to 58.8 per cent. This time last year, a final clearance rate of 76.2 per cent was recorded across the city.
Across the smaller cities, Canberra came in with the highest preliminary clearance rate over the week (75.9 per cent), followed by Adelaide (60.0 per cent).
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60 percent Melbourne clearance rate from 103 auctions

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Australia’s east coast gas users are paying prices significantly above export parity prices, the ACCC’s latest gas report reveals.
The ACCC’s Gas Inquiry 2017-2025 Interim Report, released today, shows that prices offered to domestic gas users in late 2019 and early 2020 ranged from $8 to $11/GJ.
While this was down slightly from the $9 to $12/GJ range observed earlier in 2019, this price decline was not in line with the significant and sustained drop in LNG netback prices, which were for 2021 delivery below $6/GJ by early 2020 and have been below $5.50 since May.
“The ACCC is very concerned with the widening gap between domestic and export parity prices, which will have an inevitable impact on Australia’s industrial sector during what is already a difficult economic period,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.
“Queensland LNG producers sold 18 LNG spot cargoes into international markets in late 2019 and early 2020, equivalent to more than 10 per cent of annual domestic east coast demand. This gas was sold at prices substantially below domestic gas price offers, showing the importance of our continuing work to understand the drivers behind the price levels we are seeing across the domestic market.”
“It is also clear that recent Australian contract gas prices do not reflect overseas forward prices.”
“I am yet to hear a compelling reason from LNG producers as to why domestic users are paying substantially higher prices than buyers in international markets.”
“When we have lower gas prices around the world, and the Australian market linked to world gas markets, it is vital that Australian gas users get the benefit.”
Recommendations to address price concerns
The ACCC recommends the extension of the existing Commonwealth Government’s Heads of Agreement with LNG producers, due to expire at the end of 2020, because of the demonstrated capacity of LNG producers to supply additional gas into the domestic market when needed.
“As well as extending this Heads of Agreement, we think the government should consider strengthening the agreement’s price commitments,” Mr Sims said.
“For example, reference could be made to LNG netback price expectations and the prices LNG exporters could expect to receive for uncontracted gas in overseas markets over the relevant period.”
“Extending the Heads of Agreement is one measure that can be adopted now. Further measures are also needed to ensure adequate supply of appropriately priced gas over the longer term,” Mr Sims said.
With the southern states facing the greatest risk of shortfall in the future, the ability of market participants to transport gas from Queensland into southern markets remains critical.
The ACCC therefore recommends governments consider whether further measures are needed to see timely investment in north-south transportation infrastructure particularly, or import terminals on the east coast.
The ACCC also recommends that governments seek to increase the diversity of suppliers when granting new tenements, as greater competition between suppliers would be more likely to bring down domestic prices. Measures such as active tenement management should also be used to ensure producers bring gas to market in a timely manner.
Gas supply for 2021 and COVID-19 impacts
Australia’s east coast gas market is expected to have sufficient supply in 2021, with the LNG producers in particular having surplus gas, but the risk of a shortfall in the southern states in the medium term has increased, the ACCC’s report finds.
More than 20 per cent of southern states’ production in 2021 is expected to come from undeveloped ‘2P’, or proven and probable, reserves. At the same time last year, only eight per cent of southern supply had been forecast to come from undeveloped 2P reserves in 2020.
“The impacts of COVID-19 and the collapse in oil prices are being felt at all levels of the gas supply chain, and they have highlighted key areas of dysfunction in the market,” Mr Sims said.
“The cumulative effect on gas users is significant and exacerbates the difficulties being experienced by many commercial and industrial users.”
The report is available at <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/regulated-infrastructure/energy/gas-inquiry-2017-2025/july-2020-interim-report" target="_blank">Gas Inquiry</a>
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Domestic gas users paying too much: ACCC

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The REIV is expecting about 150 auctions in 102 suburbs this week. 
Down on 188 auctions held last week, excluding the 24 that were postponed and the 66 that were withdrawn.
This week last year saw 529 auctions.
The top auction suburb in Melbourne this week are Northcote with 7 auctions. South Morang, Craigieburn, Preston and Pascoe Vale follow, each with 4 listings.
In contrast, Sydney auctions volumes are trending higher. 713 auctions are scheduled across the city this week, a 11% rise on last week’s volumes (640) and 59% higher than scheduled volumes from one year ago (446). This week’s auction volume is set to be the highest for Sydney since the first week of April.
Across the smaller auction markets, Adelaide is the only market expected to see a rise in auctions held over the week, with Brisbane and Canberra set to host fewer auctions and Perth volumes are to remain steady. Tasmania has one scheduled auction this week.
There are 1,085 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities this week, down slightly on the 1,150 auctions last week and lower than the 1,228 last year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/13/CL%20AUG%209.JPG" alt="">
Despite restrictions in Victoria, August’s auction results have remained steady after a record July Ray White.
This week Victorians face the first full week of Stage Four restrictions in which online auctions from anywhere but the auctioneers’ homes have been banned.
However, Ray White Victoria offices have entered the week on a high after recording an 80 per cent auction day clearance rate last weekend. Ray White auctions in Melbourne also attracted an average of 4.5 registered bidders, proving that buyer confidence is hard to rattle.
Ray White Cheltenham Director Kevin Chokshi is set to auction off 5 Gilford Grove (pictured in title).
Mr Chokshi said houses in the tightly-held Pennydale Estate of Cheltenham have always done well with buyers.
“It’s a really highly sought after pocket of Cheltenham and the sellers have maintained the house really well including repainting, refurbishment and styling for sale,” Mr Chokshi said.
Meanwhile, 7 Bishop Avenue, Diamond Creek is also set to sell successfully under the hammer through Ray White Diamond Creek Director Narelle King. The auction will be called by Ray White Victoria Chief Auctioneer Matthew Condon.
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Northcote is Melbourne's busiest auction suburb this weekend

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The Border Express distribution centre in South Australia has been purchased by Primewest.
The Border Express property is located within the Northern Adelaide industrial Precinct and returns a net passing income of $1.439 million.
“Border Express was a significant acquisition for the trust enabling it to uphold a 7% pa cash distribution to investors,” said Primewest Managing Director David Schwartz.
“A new five year lease was signed at settlement and of the 50,000 plus square metres of land, only 41% is occupied, allowing for further development potential.”
“We are looking to raise more funds for our acquisition pipeline.”
Mr Schwatz said Primewest remained confident in the future of key industrial and logistics markets nationally, as they continued to benefit from Australia’s growing exposure to on-line retailing and e-commerce as a result of COVID 19.
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South Australia's Border Express distribution centre purchased by Primewest

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A freehold industrial food manufacturing site in Coburg North has sold for $2,090,000, representing a building rate of $1,104 per square metre.
John Nockles and Craig McKellar, from CVA Property, had the listing.
CCC Operations Pty Ltd have been in occupation of the Hocking Street premises since 2014 and have recently renewed the lease, which represents a 7.35% yield on the recent sale price.
In addition, the tenant occupies the neighbouring building directly behind this premises.
They currently own and manufacture product lines for Ernest Hiller and Newman's and manufacture their chocolate products that have been produced for over 100 years.
The campaign attracted over 50 enquiries over its 8-week campaign with both interstate and Victorian investors participating.
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Coburg North food manufacturing site sold for $2 million

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The world's largest manufacturer of conveyor belting for mining and industrial applications, Fenner Dunlop, has been secured as a tenant at Nexus Industrial Estate, in Dandenong South.
Salta Properties had the listing.
Fenner Dunlop has pre-committed to the 6998 square metre site on Portlink Drive, which comprises a 6560 square metre warehouse with heavy duty cranes, a 438 square metre DDA compliant office (over 2 levels), 3 No. Rapid Roller Doors and B Double Access.
An additional 5506 square metre speculative development connected to Fenner Dunlop, which comprises a 5055 square metre warehouse and 451 square metre office with an estimated completion date of September 2021.
Salta Properties Managing Director, Sam Tarascio, welcomed Fenner Dunlop as its latest tenant at the industrial precinct and highlighted the importance of tailored solutions for tenants and clients.
"The agreement with Fenner Dunlop reinforces the appeal of the Nexus Industrial Estate. Remaining sites are still available for high performing companies looking for a strategic base for their distribution centres, light manufacturing and warehousing solutions," said Mr Tarascio.
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Fenner Dunlop secured as tenant at Nexus Industrial Estate

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A large scale industrial and logistics distribution centre in Adelaide has been purchased by Primewest for $22 million.
The sales reflects a yield of 6.54%.
Paul Tierney, Gavin Bishop and Sean Thomson of Colliers International listed the 19,020 square metre facility in Salisbury South, on behalf of Tarranganda Pty Ltd.
It was sold with an existing lease to Border Express - a third-generation, family business, which has occupied the property as the sole tenant in excess of ten years.
"Amidst the current Covid-19 health crisis, the focus for investors has now become the occupancy, tenure and covenant solvency for well-located, income producing industrial real-estate", said Gavin Bishop, Head of Industrial Capital Markets for Primewest.
"Given the low interest rate environment and robust underlying fundamentals of the Australian industrial and logistics market, accompanied by the weight in capital chasing defensive industrial investment product, we have seen continued demand from investors domestically and out of Asia, Europe and America."
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Adelaide logistics facility sells for $22 million

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National builder Vaughan Constructions has completed an $11 million warehouse facility for national warehouse and fulfilment business McPhee Distribution Services at Berrinba in Queensland.
The circa 13,000 square metre, Bardon Road, building comprises a 12,000 sqm warehouse, offices totalling nearly 700 sqm, hardstand of 6000 sqm and a 2200 sqm carpark. 
Vaughan Director, Mark Byrne, said the facility, Vaughan’s first completed project in South-East Queensland, was developed by McPhee on behalf of tenant Rinnai to accommodate their future growth. Rinnai will occupy around 60 per cent of the facility with the balance of the area occupied by McPhee.
Mr Byrne said Vaughans’ project management team, including senior site manager Will Lindsay, had been able to deliver the new facility ``within a sharp timeframe’’ despite six weeks of ongoing rains through February and March and in the thick of the pandemic where social distancing for work groups had been especially challenging.
He said Vaughans had been more than impressed with Logan City Council’s efficient planning process. 
"Logan City Council’s development friendly attitude greatly facilitated the delivery of this project. The relative ease of the planning process, combined with a rapidly evolving industrial market, has us keenly focussed on the south-east Queensland market,’’ Mr Byrne said. 
The new Berrinba facility represents Stage 1 of a planned circa $60 million, three stage McPhee development which will include another two warehouse buildings of around 15,000 sqm each on two adjoining sites next door.
"We are delighted to be partnering with McPhee on this project as it builds on our existing relationship – including further projects we are working on in Melbourne - and has provided us with an exceptional opportunity to springboard our expansion into Queensland,’’ Mr Byrne said.
 
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Vaughan completes $11 million Queensland warehouse for McPhee Distribution

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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