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Lismore’s retail market had been forecast to remain the same as 2016 except with slightly reduced sale rates, according to Herron Todd White’s recent report, which was issued just prior to the flood that hit the NSW town.
“We envisage the retail sector for the NSW Far North Coast to be a continuation of 2016, however, with slightly reduced sale rates and less volatility in pricing growth for the more coastal situated properties,” the report stated.
The property valuation firm also says that pricing growth will be less volatile for coastal situated properties.
The report noted the coastal located townships of Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Bangalow, Lennox Head, Ballina and Yamba will continue to be impacted by increased demand and limited supply of good quality stock.
The owner occupier purchasers will continue to lead the market in most regional townships; however, the investors will continue to be prominent in the traditional high demand townships of Byron Bay and to a lessor extent Ballina, Lennox Head, Yamba and Mullumbimby.
Byron Bay rents in prime CBD locations have been steady with recent increases noted.
"The current firming in yields noted during several prominent sales over the Christmas/New Year period is expected to stabilise over the balance of 2017, with the market remaining strong.
The strength behind Byron Bay’s retail market remains with the tourist industry.
Local businesses are reporting a very strong tourist presence in the first two months of the year and this is expected to continue strongly throughout 2017," the report stated.
The investors will continue to be less prominent in the regional centre of Lismore and the regional townships of Casino and Kyogle for product priced under $500,000.
"This is likely to be a result of the historically limited supply of true investment product as well as downward pressure on rents.
There are currently increased vacancy rates in the Lismore CBD and this will cause uncertainty in being able to obtain a tenant over the balance of the year, the report noted before the recent flooding.
"From an investors perspective, the current price points up to $500,000 being paid by predominately owner occupiers in the regional townships (who are securing a premise to operate their business from and are less concerned with yields) are not considered to be great buys by potential investors (given the low yields and vacancy risks)," the report advised.
For the 2017 year ahead, the sub $500,000 market for retail property in non-coastal townships will continue to be driven by owner-occupiers looking to secure a location for their business.
"These acquisitions appear to be reasonably prudent given the low interest rates and generally stable to improving economic conditions.
Major retailers will remain strong and as a result of this, smaller mum and dad type businesses will continue to ‘do it tough’.
This will be reflected in the rental market - rents will remain stable in prime locations and there will continue to be downward pressure on secondary located properties," the report warned.
However, if the increasing vacancy trend in the Lismore CBD continues, downward pressure may begin for more centrally located properties.
It appears interest rates will continue to remain relatively steady with no indication of possible rate rises.
A"s such, throughout 2017 there should be continued interest from private investors and private super funds looking for superior returns (other than those available from the banks).
National tenanted properties will remain well sought after with stable to slightly lower yields," the report stated.
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Retail market in Lismore faced challenges for landlords before the recent flood: HTW

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Two premium streetwear stores within the Sydney CBD are on the market through Ray White by a private seller.
 Jonathon Holland from Ray White Business Sales said the businesses are situated near the heart of the Sydney CBD and are currently returning a net profit of more than $170,000 per annum from annual revenue of more than $450,000.
"The two stores each specialise in mid to high-end streetwear with one focused on menswear and the newest addition, focused on womenswear.
“The business currently stocks just under 50 brands in total and these include their own branded clothing, as well as brands such as Adidas Originals, Nike, ASICS, Champion, Puma, Reebok and Moscot.
“Proving to be a rare offering, the business is one of few Sydney Retailers stocking an exclusive range of international designer brands seeing it often attract crowds lining up down the street in anticipation of limited edition drops.
The new owner has the option to add new stock lines and continue with current store initiatives.
“The stores are located in a well-known and well-visited fashion precinct.
Mr Holland said the streetwear stores currently employ two full-time and one casual staff member and operate six days a week from 11am to 7pm.
The current lease for the main operation runs until 2019.
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Opportunity to acquire Sydney CBD streetwear stores

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Melbourne’s retail market continues its strong run and continues to improve, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that Melbourne’s retail property market has continued its strong run over the past 12 months with supply generally limited and yields firming and reflecting pent up demand and rising prices.
The steady low interest rate environment, strong Australian dollar and the ongoing perception of being a safe haven have all combined to drive strong interest from domestic and overseas retail property buyers.
The Melbourne CBD retail property market continues to go from strength to strength.
Despite approximately 50 new shops opening in the 12 months to January 2017, the vacancy rate is stable and below the five year average.
“Rents have remained stable and range from $1,500 per square metre for CBD shopping centre space to $11,000 for Bourke Street Mall frontage while yields range from 3.5% to 6.5% for CBD shopping space and 3.5% to 5.5% for the Bourke Street Mall.
St Collins Lane, formerly Australia on Collins, which completed a $30 million upgrade in 2016, sold in November 2016 for $247 million on an initial yield of approximately 5% and a rate of $27,444 per square metre,” the report stated.
The revitalised site offers over 9,000 square metres of retail space over four floors.
With street frontage to Collins Street and Collins Lane in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, the centre comprises 60 specialty stores, including international brands such as The Kooples, Reiss, Sandro Paris, TAG Heuer and Coach plus restaurants.
The Melbourne CBD apartment construction boom and consequential growing population have been the driving force behind the strong market.
With more retailers scheduled to open their doors in the Melbourne CBD, including British retailer Debenhams’ first foray into the Australian market, and more apartment completions, 2017 is shaping up to be another strong year for the retail property market in the Melbourne CBD.
Within the suburban shopping centre market, owners may however be affected by store closures following the recent collapse of a number of retailers including Pumpkin Patch, Herringbone, Rhodes &amp; Beckett, Marcs, David Lawrence, Payless Shoes and Howards Storage World.
"Many commentators are forecasting more retail brands, particularly clothing retailers or fast fashion competitors, to fold in the face of increased competition from overseas retailers such as Uniqlo, H&amp;M, Zara and the forthcoming arrival of giants Amazon and Alibaba as well as a gradual yet inexorable move to online retailing.
"Store closures may affect suburban shopping centres in particular as it is precisely these shopping centres that the above named global players have pushed into," the report tipped.
Local mid-market players are effectively squeezed out both in terms of retail price of clothing and also in costs with overseas players able to negotiate lower rents than their local counterparts.
While the closure of one or two stores may not have much of an immediate impact for shopping centre landlords, over the longer term shopping centre vacancies on a larger scale may combine to push sales growth and rental growth down, subsequently impacting income levels and values of shopping malls.
Meanwhile, council valuations are released on a two yearly cycle and council rate notices for 2017 are now becoming available, it advised.
"As land values have generally risen markedly across metropolitan Melbourne it is highly likely that land tax bills will also increase.
"Landlords are likely to face higher land tax bills from the State Revenue Office.
"Under current Victorian state based legislation (the Retail Leases Act 2003), landlords are unable to recover land tax from their retail tenants unless the occupancy cost (rent and outgoings) exceeds $1 million per annum or the tenant is a listed corporation or a subsidiary of a listed corporation.
"Consequently, owners may try to recover higher occupancy costs through increases in rentals which tenants may resist.
It is therefore possible that higher land tax costs could lead to more lengthy and greater numbers of dispute resolution processes relating to tenancy occupancy costs.
“For example, we are aware of one large retail site in Hawthorn where the site value increased from $10.05 million in January 2014 to $11.223 million in January 2016 with the current land tax bill increasing from $183,600 to $210,000.
Although the Melbourne retail investment market currently appears to be strong and purchaser interest for retail properties is relatively high, we are of the view that this is led by an optimistic buyer perception of the market direction and may not ultimately reflect what is actually happening with tenant demand, affordability and achievable investment returns on a property,” the report stated.
There appears to be a discrepancy between capital values and rental income growth as capital values within precincts experiencing this exponential growth appear to be indicating strong growth whilst rental income growth appears to be moderate in comparison.
As such, the market within these precincts may be more strongly affected by economic volatility.
The Melbourne retail market has experienced a significant strengthening in purchaser demand over the past 12 to 24 months.
We have witnessed several strong results in recent times and it is worth noting that there is a perception of a rising market at present.
A downturn in the economy or a softening in local market conditions could lead to downward pressure on demand and price in the short to medium term.
Purchasers and tenants alike are advised to ensure due diligence and proper market research is conducted prior to making purchase and rental decisions.
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HTW expect increased Melbourne retail tenancy disputes after new State Revenue land tax valuations

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Brisbane’s commercial property market is expected to rise on the radar of investors over the next two years as yield compression reaches its peak in Sydney and Melbourne.
That was one of the key outtakes of CBRE’s annual Brisbane Market Outlook presentation, which highlighted the continued outperformance of Australia’s south east property markets had compressed yields to their tightest levels.
CBRE’s Head of Research for Australia, Stephen McNabb, said strengthening drivers in the Brisbane economy, coupled with an attractive yield spread, would drive an increase in investment over the coming years.
“The gradual improvement of Queensland’s economy, which has been gaining momentum over the past 12 months, is making Brisbane look more attractive – particularly given the yield in prime assets of 6 percent – 6.5 percent.
Office vacancy is forecast to drop below 10 percent by the end of 2019, which will support rental growth and ultimately yield compression.”
The presentation also referenced CBRE’s latest Investors Intentions Survey – highlighting 30 percent of Asian investors list Australia as their preferred APAC destination for investment.
“As the Sydney and Melbourne markets reach their peak in terms of yield, investors are looking for new locations – in particular markets that offer a higher yield spread,” Mr McNabb said.
The presentation was followed by panel discussion with CBRE experts – key points from which are summarised below.
Mr Baker said Brisbane was well positioned to capitalise on a shift in the investment cycle over the next two years.
“When capital pours into a strong market like Sydney, which is reaching its limit in yield compression, it starts to point to alternative markets that offer attractive yield spreads such as Brisbane,” Mr Baker said. 
“A recovery in Brisbane’s office occupier market will further support the attraction of capital, in addition to an increasing population lending itself to a sustained economic recovery.”
Mr Lawrence said for most borrowers, debt had become more important to their purchase and investment decisions given the current tight lending conditions and low for longer outlook.
“Australian Banks are facing a number of constraints at the moment in terms of capital costs and limits, resources and APRA focus on their property exposures. 
Australia is unique in the market share that domestic banks have in terms of property funding so these constraints have a large effect on the market,” Mr Lawrence said.
“The constrained conditions, particularly for development funding, are creating opportunities for alternative lenders.
Importantly many of these groups have a different capital model than the domestic banks.
This allows funders to provide loans with a longer tenor or a different risk/return profile than Australian banks.”
CBRE has active relationships with more than 270 lenders worldwide and is engaging with a number of these to develop Australian loan programs.
“We are seeing a significant increase in offshore lender appetite for Australia - often for the same reason that equity investors are attracted to Australia.
These funders are in a position to grow their lending books and provide a more diverse range of loan products than domestic banks,” Mr Lawrence said. 
Ms Fitzgerald said in an environment of relatively limited growth, property owners needed to seek out opportunities to optimise their portfolios, taking into account the importance of placemaking and customer service.
“It’s about creating places people enjoy and more importantly want to return to.
"Places that help people manage their work life balance.
"To provide that point of difference, property owners need to think beyond end of trip and gym facilities – they need to get a lot more creative,” Ms Fitzgerald said. 
“We create real value in our assets by providing focus on the experience and service offering."
For example, in September and October landlords might want to partner with tax agents for two weeks to provide a tax return service within the building.
"It’s still paid for by tenant employees, but you have facilitated the convenience – you have helped make their work life balance easier.
"It’s about reducing the impact of distracting, mundane tasks, so that people can focus on their work when they are in the office, or spend time with their family and friends in personal time.”
Mr Curtain said there had been a major shift in the focus of placemaking in the office sector over the past decade.
“For a long time the responsibility sat with occupiers to provide collaboration zones and additional amenities within the tenancy NLA. 
Landlords have now taken up this challenge and are offering a wide range of services and amenities to ensure the needs of their occupants from early in morning until late at night are catered for.
Major corporate organisations want to provide their people with a workplace experience that offers the same benefits as a five-star hotel.
This includes a comprehensive food and beverage offering, gymnasium, conference facilities and personal concierge.
Importantly, these services and amenities enhance productivity, and provide settings for people to collaborate and recreate within the work environment.
Grocon/DEXUS’ recently completed 480 Queen Street is a great example of this in practice offering 11 different food and beverage options, childcare, rooftop entertainment terrace and gymnasium.”
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Brisbane commercial landlords need to think beyond gym facilities 

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Property group Charter Hall Group has announced that its Direct Office Fund (DOF) has leased several floors in the glass wall skyscraper, 1 Nicholson Street, on the northern edge of Melbourne CBD for an eight-year term.
Leading water treatment and chemicals company Ixom has leased three levels of the building.
1 Nicholson Street is Melbourne’s first glass curtain wall facade skyscraper, designed by Bates Smart and built in 1958. The building comprises 18 levels of office, ground floor retail cafe and basement parking.
It is located opposite Parliament Gardens at the intersection of Lonsdale/Albert and Nicholson/Spring Streets with commanding views and natural light throughout.
Head of Charter Hall Direct, Steven Bennett said, “We are pleased to partner with an existing customer to deliver property solutions that meet their individual business requirements and create value.”
“We are excited that Ixom will continue to be located at the iconic 1 Nicholson Street building, and that they value the quality of the building and its strategic location in one of the most desirable precincts of the city,” Bennett said.
DOF currently comprises 10 office buildings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth with a total value of $1.025 billion as of December 31, 2016.
The fund is currently open to investors who can expect to earn 6.25% per annum income distribution with the prospect of capital growth and the advantage of partial tax deferred tax returns.
DOF returned 15.9 percent per annum in the 12 months to 31 December 2016.
This compares to the benchmark return - the MSCI/IPD Australian Unlisted Wholesale Property Fund Index - of 11.1 percent over the same period.
“DOF is a flagship fund for the Charter Hall Direct business,” said Bennett.
"Its key characteristics of long WALE (weighted average lease expiry), 100 percent occupancy, exposure to the strategic markets of Sydney and Melbourne accounting for over 75% of the fund’s portfolio, conservative gearing, and high quality tenants, is emblematic of the Charter Hall approach to property investing and a reason for our ongoing success,” Bennett added.
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Charter Hall fund says Melbourne's iconic 1 Nicholson Street has new tenants

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Sales of retail properties in the Newcastle CBD continue to be slow, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that there is a moderate level of confidence in the retail market; however, this is tempered somewhat due to major infrastructure projects not at the completion stage.
“As the new university campus on Hunter Street nears completion, which is expected mid 2017, we would expect to see more activity in the market as flow on from the influx of students and university staff to the CBD,” the report stated.
In addition to the university nearing completion the 1.66 hectare Hunter Street mall site was recently sold to a Sydney developer with plans to redevelop large portions on the site.
Early indications are that the development will include a large number of mixed use retail and residential developments, HTW noted.
“This will be a welcome change for the mall precinct, which has undergone a period of uncertainty during the time it was held by GPT.
Now, as some certainty comes back into this area we may see more activity,” the report stated.
The CBD is a tightly held market, and this is seen by the very low level of transactions in the past 12 months.
"This is not to say that there is no confidence in the market, more a willingness of owners and investors to wait for these major infrastructure projects to complete.
This willingness to wait for projects to complete is evidenced by the number of vacant retail shops in the immediate vicinity of these projects.
It is reasonable to presume that as projects progress these properties will be transacted, either as sales or rentals, as a result of the increased pedestrian traffic," the report stated.
HTW are seeing yields for retail properties in the mid 7 percent to 7.5 percent range.
It suggests confidence is definitely evident in the CBD and the next 6 to 12 months will provide good opportunities for current investors to maximise their returns as the number of people in the CBD increases.
"It will also make the CBD an attractive prospect for new investors and tenants, if these tightly held properties are put to market," HTW advised.
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Newcastle retail market slows down despite market confidence: HTW

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PowerHousing Australia, the peak body representing 28 of Australia’s largest Community Housing Providers (CHPs), has welcomed Treasurer Scott Morrison’s commitment to deliver a raft of measures that address housing right across the lifecycle spectrum.
"From aiding new supply, to creating more social and affordable housing, supporting first home buyers and seniors looking to downsize, this package has been a while coming but signals a step in the right direction for fixing Australia’s housing affordability challenges," PowerHousing CEO Nicholas Proud said.
Adopting the UK bond aggregator model will open streams of institutional funds to increase the supply of social and affordable housing.
He said community housing providers, were the industry’s quiet achievers, well-placed to leverage these funding flows to maximise new housing stock.
“PowerHousing Members have, over the past 10 years, grown into credible scale managers, operators and developers of new and existing social housing dwellings and we do this by quietly achieving the highest level of social outcomes.
“While public housing has decreased by 24,000 since 2007, community housing in Australia has over the same period grown from 33,526 to 72, 410 dwellings as per the recent Productivity Commission Report on Government Services.
The community housing sector has largely built scale on the basis of property transfers and the Federal National Rental Affordability Scheme.
“Providing funds through to the community housing sector will deliver more affordable homes more cost-effectively and assist those on low incomes through to first home ownership with more options, new housing and the potential for a suite of wrap around services to aid training, education, health and livable outcomes.
“We will have to wait until the Budget to know whether the Treasurer will secure the deep funding measures that are required to meet the gap between what those in affordable housing can provide and what it is vital to deliver in terms of dwellings into the long-term future.
This is an integral part of the CHP model and we are hopeful this gap will be addressed in the upcoming federal budget.
“There has been some solid work undertaken in the states with reviews of New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania showing good progress in meeting National Agreement Targets such as facilitating 35 percent of public housing being operated by the Community Housing Sector.
“Ultimately access to new finance streams, as suggested here, allows for the best return on government investment with more affordable housing delivered at the lowest cost to taxpayers – a win-win situation.
“Today’s announcements are a strong Federal Government acknowledgement of our CHP Members’ commitment to being commercially astute and achieve economies of scale by working with government, tier one/innovative financial lenders and scale developers to design and construct affordable housing options.”
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PowerHousing Australia says Treasurer Morrison signals right first step towards affordability fix

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Heritage Victoria has approved further developments to the former Richmond Maltings site mixed-use development in Cremorne, Victoria.
Caydon Property Group has proposed a two-stage residential and commercial development for Caydon’s Malt District.
The new plans include the restored and working Nylex clock above the extruded concrete silos.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) approved stage one of the development proposal last year.
A major feature of the revised plans is the retention of a majority of the concrete silos under the Nylex clock that were previously earmarked for demolition.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/31/Cremorne_Rooftop_City_Final.jpg" alt="">
Jarrod Stratton, Caydon chief operations officer said the determination is significant because having agreement with Heritage Victoria on the heritage aspects of this important urban renewal site means we can confidently move forward on a project that has already captured significant public interest.
“We’ve listened to Heritage Victoria’s concerns about the original plans, and through constructive dialogue and collaboration have a consensus that includes further heritage retention, whilst still delivering our vision for the Malt District and a viable urban renewal project," he said.
"We will continue to consult and work closely with Heritage Victoria and other government officials on the remaining aspects of our plans, and appreciate their ongoing collaboration regarding this state-significant project.
"Retaining and restoring the significant heritage fabric of this site has always been a priority for Caydon, as has been returning the famous Nylex clock to working order for Melburnians to once again enjoy.
"We are now an important step closer to the Nylex clock being re-lit as a focal point of a great new destination for people to live, work and enjoy.”
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Heritage Victoria determination given to Caydon's Malt District redevelopment

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A Brighton house has been sold for $4.225 million making it one of Melbourne’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-124994102" target="_blank">24 North Road</a>, the 920 sqm property was offered for the first time in 17 years.
There is a potential to redevelop STCA with a 60 sq m right of way access via St Kilda Street along with two driveways to North Road.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/09/24%20North%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
It is within walking distance to Port Phillip foreshore.
It last sold in 2000 for $1.27 million.
The property was offered through Biggins &amp; Scott agents Bill Stavrakis and Eyal Malka.
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North Road, Brighton, Victoria house sold for $4.255 million

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McGrath Estate Agents, a division of McGrath Limited, today announced the opening of its 100th office in Toukley on the New South Wales Central Coast.
McGrath founder John McGrath said the opening of our 100th office was "an exciting and important milestone for McGrath."
“We opened our first office in Paddington, Sydney, 29 years ago.
"Over that time, we have strategically grown our footprint throughout the East Coast of Australia, targeting both emerging property and premium lifestyle markets.
“As we continue to grow, it remains important that we partner with high quality business operators who share our core values of honesty, transparency and integrity.
“It is serendipitous that the principals of our 100th office were also our very first franchise partners, when we opened on the Central Coast more than 10 years ago.
I am delighted that we can share this pinnacle with both Jaimie and Mat as they have played such an important role in the business over the years,” said Mr McGrath.
Jaimie Woodcock and Mat Steinwede, both currently in McGrath’s Top 10 agents ranking, will lead the team at McGrath Toukley.
Mr Woodcock and Mr Steinwede opened their first McGrath office in Terrigal in 2005, the company’s first franchise office and first regional office outside of Sydney.
Mr Woodcock said opening our fifth office in the region demonstrates our ongoing commitment to this important market.
Toukley is a natural extension from our existing office locations and an area experiencing strong and sustained growth.”
Steinwede said “It has been an amazing journey.
Located at the northern end of the Central Coast, Toukley is an affordable lifestyle destination.
The beachside suburb has experienced healthy growth with house prices increasing by 9.5 percent over the past 12 months to $460,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/10/McGrath%20Toukley%20L-R%20%20Mat%20Steinwede%20Jaimie%20Woodcock%20John%20%20McGrath.jpg" alt="">
Woodcock said in Toukley and its surrounds, it is still possible to purchase a freestanding house with a backyard for less than $500,000, "which is exceptional value for money in today’s market.
“With significant investment in infrastructure and services in recent years, I believe demand in the region will continue to strengthen with price growth to follow,” said Mr Woodcock.
The new office is located at 248 Main Road, Toukley. 
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Mat Steinwede helps McGrath reach its 100th office milestone

A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada Australia's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

Staff reporter

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