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The developing Covid-19 virus has coincided with the breaking of the drought in the Mildura region and has injected much needed confidence into the dryland farming and grazing sector, according to the June Herron Todd White (HTW) rural report. 
The valuation firm looked at the influence of trade wars, pandemic outcomes and commodity prices on the rural sector, and provided an update of how rural real estate is performing across locations and industries. 
A recent discussion with a Millewa (west of Mildura) farmer reports that for the two years up to 31 December 2019 only 157mm of rain was recorded.
In the past 3 months of 2020 they have received over 160mm which has provided an optimum autumn break with the majority of crops now planted.
The long range forecasts suggesting above average rainfall for the region has also given producers the hope of a very good season, the report noted. 
Since January there has been renewed interest in Millewa land which for the past five years has pretty much remained stagnant in regard to value. 
The report notes five properties have been sold/contracted over the past 4-5 months (all to ‘outside’ purchasers) with value levels 10 to 20 per cent above previous levels achieved in the past two years.
Marketing of the 2020 table grape crop has been affected by the Covid -19 pandemic, with supply chain and logistics disruptions into most of our export markets. This ultimately resulted in reduced price levels at the back end of the harvest, and also an oversupply in our domestic market," the valuation firm said. 
The growth in recent years of direct purchase agreements between supermarkets and some larger growers has provided these growers with some greater certainty in the disposal of fruit onto the domestic scene.
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"We are aware of one significant table grape property recently being contracted for sale at levels slightly firmer than indicated by previous sales, which suggests there is long term confidence in the industry and that Covid-19 has not had any immediate effect on buyer demand," the valuation firm said. 
The citrus harvest has commenced in this region with high hopes of another good season. Early reports suggest that fruit quality and size is superior to 2019 however yields are likely to be slightly down.
 Initial early season pricing indicates firm levels of between $750 and $1000 per tonne for premium early navel varieties. The main concerns facing the industry revolve around the political tension with China, particularly if China was to ‘shut its door’ on Australian fruit, the report says. 
However, the industry is hopeful that there is sufficient demand from other countries to absorb our supply albeit at a likely reduced price.
"With a change in market direction it also brings the concern of foreign agents reneging on orders or payments," the valuation firm said. 
The report notes other concerns include sourcing a suitable labour force (heavily dependent on overseas backpackers and islanders) and the lack of information on whether there will be enough available containers and ships to actually move the fruit.
The weaker AUD remains a competitive advantage for exporters and the removal of tariffs on a large proportion of Australian goods is also viewed positively for the Agri sector. 
However, the sector is not without its concerns with changing global macroeconomic conditions, including the recent Chinese tariff reviews on barley and the banning of products from certain meatworks is causing concern for future export arrangements.
In addition the Australian Wool Exchange Eastern Market Indicator index has fallen almost 25 per cent since January 2020 due mainly to the Coronavirus shutdowns of most export countries.
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A current listing is a 8 hectare vineyard in Merbein priced at $410,000 - $440,000.
The property at Block 97 Sixth Street (pictured above) features underline sprinkler irrigation and electric motor with fertigation. 
It has been planted to 4.2 hectare Sunmuscat, 2.4 hectare Sultana and 0.8 hectare Sugra. 
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A 1,082 hectare cropping property in Meringue was sold for $965,675 in March. 
The 584 Ruchel Road property (pictured above) include a 1950s homestead, separate bungalow, elevated red loam soils and open front machinery shed.
The property has a history of growing wheat, peas, lentils and livestock.  
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mildura rural market faced with changing global macroeconomic conditions: HTW rural 

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Banks will provide more breathing space to those hit by COVID-19, with as many as 779,000 lenders to get a further four months repayment deferrals.
The paused accounts amount to $236 billion. 
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The 10-month total deferral of repayments for households and businesses unable to restructure their debt or restart paying was facilitated by the federal government and the banking regulator.
The Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has welcomed the extension. 
"If somebody's lost their job and they've got a residential mortgage or indeed if their business has been closed and they've got a commercial loan, then they would be cases where the customer would need to talk to their bank, and I understand it that the bank is going to be very supportive of their customers," he said.
He said the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority would continue to ease regulations on the banks, to encourage them to support customers.
The new measure follows the Reserve Bank of Australia commentary that while the economic hit from the pandemic was not as severe as initially feared, the domestic economy was experiencing the biggest contraction since the 1930s. 
“Since March, an unprecedented 800,000 people have lost their jobs, with many others retaining their job only because of government and other support programs,” the RBA statement said.
The initial repayment pause period was for up to six months as the pandemic took hold in March.
Some have restarted repayments already.
About 20 per cent of CBA customers on loan deferral arrangements have made repayments.
ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott said customers who had not yet asked for a six-month deferral could still do so.
The Australian Banking Association advised customers who could start repaying at the end of the initial six month would be required to. 
It noted the other options during the second phase of assistance included extending the loan term, converting to interest-only payments for a period, consolidating debt or opting for the additional four-month deferral.
RateCity.com.au research shows a mortgage holder who extends their deferral could end up paying $9,769 extra over the remainder of their loan, if they pause their home loan for 10-months and don’t make extra repayments to catch up. This assumes the person is five years into a 30-year loan with a balance of $400,000.
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800,000 deferred home loan recipients get extra 4 month relief

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Auction volumes were down week on week across the combined capital cities, with a total of 1,185 homes scheduled for auction. The lower activity which we have historically noted over school holiday periods, returned a preliminary clearance rate of 65.1%. 
Across Australia’s two largest auction markets, the lower activity across both cities saw the clearance rate improve.
There were 439 Melbourne homes taken to auction returning a preliminary clearance rate of 64.3%, which was higher than last week’s preliminary figure of 62.7% across 645 auctions, with a final result of 61%.
In Sydney, 563 homes were auctioned this week returning a preliminary clearance rate of 68.1%, higher than last week’s 66.9% preliminary result, when a higher number of auctions were held (644). The final clearance rate last week came in at 62.9%.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/6/CL%20JULY%207%20CC.JPG" alt="">
Over the past 12 months across the capital city markets every city has seen a decrease in total listings with Melbourne faring the best and Perth as well as Canberra being hit the hardest.
Across new listings however, both Melbourne and Sydney have seen large increases around 20% with the only other market seeing an increase being Perth.
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New listings soar across Melbourne and Sydney: CoreLogic

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A Riverview Place home in Perth's Mosman Park built right into the cliffside has been listed.
Riverview Place is a small cul-de-sac off well known Saunders Street, otherwise known as ‘Millionaire’s Row’, in Perth’s affluent western suburbs.
Built into the cliff face at 6 Riverview Place, this property boasts uninterrupted front-row views over the sparkling Swan River.
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Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park Director Jody Fewster said the home with four over-sized bedrooms and built into the cliff overlooking the Swan River was nothing short of a “spectacular family home”.
“There is a discrete sophistication to this home in one of Perth’s most exclusive locations,” Ms Fewster said.
“The expansive floor to ceiling windows of the entry gallery immediately draws your eye to the river views, creating a relaxed feeling of being suspended between the sky and river,” she said.
“This feeling will continue with you throughout the remaining three levels, especially on the incredible living level which embodies nearly the entire third floor.”
Owner Ron Packer said the view plus the layout of the home - which was carved out of the cliff - was its standout feature.
“We often joke that even the cars have a great view,” Mr Packer said of the generous four car garage on the top floor.
The house is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign closing on July 31, if not sold prior.
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Cliff side Perth home on Millionaires Row listed

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Experts say now may not be the best time to buy property, according to Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site.  In this month’s <a href="https://finder.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc5e9bce699fa1d71a67cf499&amp;id=9834d9a8b8&amp;e=f2176dbcf8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™</a> – the largest of its kind in Australia – 43 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and other issues related to the state of the Australian economy.  While all experts surveyed expect a cash rate hold in July (43/43), just one third of respondents (15, 35%) said that now is a good time to buy property.  Another third (13, 30%) believe that buyers should sit tight and wait for the property market to settle, while the others were unsure (15, 35%).
Cooke said recent reports have indicated that 1 in 10 apartment buyers who purchased off the plan are choosing to default on their loans.  ”This is the most shocking report I have seen since the onset of COVID-19. It is a huge decision to default, as it means losing your deposit." “There are two main things that would put a buyer in this position: either they’ve lost their job and can no longer afford the loan, or the property has dropped in value so far that the banks are not willing to issue funds." “Both are terrible positions to be in, and paint a truly dreary picture for our economic future as it’s only likely to get worse from here,” Cooke said. 
A Finder consumer survey from June of more than 1,000 Australians found that consumers feel more bullish than experts. More than half of (59%) believe now is a good time to buy property – a sentiment that hasn’t been shared by so many Aussies since months before the pandemic hit. Economic Sentiment Tracker  Finder’s Economic Sentiment Tracker gauges experts’ confidence in five key indicators: housing affordability, employment, wage growth, cost of living and household debt.  This month, positive sentiment about household debt improved slightly, while wage growth positivity stayed at 0% for the fourth consecutive month. Positive sentiment for housing affordability dropped from an all-time high of 59% in June 2020 back to 44% this month.  <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GeqW5Pt2FDt5S5U6sPZwWpFyl3lqjmh0PxRbyPGU-LwmEwpgazPtCLZByxYdTIqrHMqEiqUXufPUWPc88DXsSr8r5J0HtKT9UwMScjY2AWy_hmXd285DE2uAEElyZytHwOjcaMo_" data-imagetype="External">
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1 in 10 off the plan apartment buyers choose to default: Finder.com.au

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Experts say now may not be the best time to buy property, according to comparison site Finder.
In this month’s Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™, while all experts surveyed expect a cash rate hold in July (43/43), just one third of respondents (15, 35%) said that now is a good time to buy property.
Another third (13, 30%) believe that buyers should sit tight and wait for the property market to settle, while the others were unsure (15, 35%).
Clearance rates – which measure the percentage of homes that sell at auction – have fallen in Sydney and Melbourne from 77% in February to 63% and 61% respectively.
Experts predict that clearance rates for both Sydney and Melbourne should sit at around 61% by the end of September.
Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said the housing market is in a very unsettled position, with reduced stock levels and lower clearance rates.
“Increasingly, auctions are topping-out at final bids well below reserve."
“With more job uncertainty on the horizon, it’s difficult to see any improvement in the near future,” Cooke said.
Experts were asked to make predictions about house and unit property values in the eight capital cities.
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Apartments are due to be harder hit than houses, with 7-8% price drops predicted by the end of September against just under 5% for houses.
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Experts warn against buying property with units to be hit hardest: Finder.com.au

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Winners of the 2020 New South Wales Architecture Awards have been announced, with a number of architect collaborations recognised amongst the top projects.
In celebration of the state’s best architecture, a total of 41 awards, comprising named awards and architecture awards, and 32 commendations, were presented across 13 categories.
Held on the evening of Friday July 3, 2020 the NSW Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects live streamed the awards presentation, allowing the public to freely join what is normally a members-only event.
The evening’s most recognised project was Phoenix Central Park (pictured top) by Durbach Block Jaggers with John Wardle Architects, taking out the NSW Architecture Medallion for its celebration of the union between architecture and artistic fields.
The gallery and performance space, located in Chippendale, was also awarded the Sir Arthur G. Stephenson Award for Commercial Architecture and John Verge Award for Interior Architecture.
Peter Poulet, chair of juries for this year’s NSW Architecture Awards, says Phoenix Central Park is an outstanding project showing the best of collaborative outcomes and is also recognised for its strong use of material and form.
“Having been given an open invitation to design something exceptional, the architects have joined forces to seamlessly intersect design with the visual and performing arts. The single yet multifaceted and dynamic project creates an immersive experience for those inside while being a striking architectural marker on the outside,” says Poulet.
The Lord Mayor’s Prize went to the CBD and South East Light Rail by the huge team of Grimshaw with ASPECT Studios in collaboration with the City of Sydney, on behalf of Transport for NSW, supported by Randwick City Council. The highly collaborative project is recognised as one of the most significant transformations in the history of the city centre.
Another exemplary project was Verve Residences (below), a multi-residential Newcastle development by CKDS Architecture with Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects. 
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The project was awarded the Aaron Bolot Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing, as well as the Blacket Prize for design excellence in a regional context.
According to Carolyn Mitchell, jury chair for the Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing category, Verve Residences sets a new standard for urban architecture in Newcastle.
“Verve Residences is paving the way for more socially and environmentally aware residential design in Newcastle. There are certainly many lessons to be taken from how the architects have gone about creating meaningful engagement between residents, as well as the community it sits within,” says Mitchell.
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The prestigious Enduring Architecture Award this year has gone to Richard Leplastrier for his Palm Garden House project (below). Built in 1974, the design of the unique home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is centred on its relationship to the landscape.
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“Palm Beach House has truly endured for the past 45 years and continues to sit harmoniously alongside nature. This simply expressed yet incredibly outstanding home is a hidden sanctuary that combines nature with domesticity and is something we should continue to look upon for inspiration and tranquillity,” says NSW Chapter President Kathlyn Loseby.
Marrickville Library (below) by BVN received multiple awards, including the prestigious NSW Premier’s Prize, the Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture, and an award for Public Architecture. The project represents a vision for the future of public architecture, as a facilitator of community engagement, a positive contributor to and representation of its contextual fabric, and a celebration of its historic and natural environment.
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A new category in this year’s program was the People’s Choice Awards For Life in 2020, which was created by the NSW Chapter in response to the ways COVID-19 has altered our relationship to housing, workplaces and the public domain. This marked the first time the public was able to have its say.
The winners of the three categories, as voted by the public, are:
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<li>Isolation Oasis: Arkadia by DKO Architecture with Breathe Architecture and Oculus</li>
<li>We Are In This Together: Marrickville Library by BVN</li>
<li>Post-iso Party: Bankwest Stadium by Populous</li>
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“We have been delighted with the number of entries which shows the public’s appetite for good design amongst the places we visit and inhabit,” adds Loseby.
Projects that received a named award or architecture award will now progress to compete in the National Architecture Awards program. The shortlist will be announced by the Australian Institute of Architects in the coming months.
Photo above: Phoenix Central Park/ Martin Mischkulnig. 
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Architect collaborations top 2020 New South Wales Architecture Awards

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Sydney and Melbourne’s auction results maintained their holding pattern at the weekend.
Sydney recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 65.9 per cent on Saturday, after 470 auctions and 310 reported results. There were 69 properties withdrawn from auction.
Melbourne's preliminary clearance rate was 62.2 per cent after 373 auctions and 235 reported results. There were 40 homes withdrawn from auction – including properties that had been listed in the renewed coronavirus hot spots.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/6/CL%20JULY%207.JPG" alt="">
But the historic Ascot Vale home, Bolinda sold posted auction for $3.1 million.
It was Melbourne's top weekend result, pushing a $2,275,000 Brighton East sale into second place.
Bolinda had been listed initially with expectations between $3.7 million and $3.95 million in April.
But this expectation was reduced in May to $3.3 million to $3.5 million.
The historic Ascot Vale manor has had just three owners since it was built 136 years ago.
The four-bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ascot+vale-133328186" target="_blank">43 Kent Street</a> last traded 57 years ago.
The Italian Renaissance style house is in need of some renovation.
It was owned for nearly six decades after being built for the McClelland family in 1884.
The family set up an artists’ group and later built the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery in Langwarrin.
Sydney's top sale was $4.63 million in Mosman. Six of the 14 registered parties bid for the four-bedroom house at 12 Windward Avenue that was for sale for the first time in six decades. 
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CoreLogic reported volumes were down week on week across the combined capital cities, with a total of 1,185 homes scheduled for auction. 
The lower activity which we have historically noted over school holiday periods, returned a preliminary clearance rate of 65 percent. 
This was higher than last week preliminary figure of 64.5% across a higher 1,485 auctions, which later revised down to 60.6% at final collection. 
Looking at results from the first week of July last year, a lower 953 homes were taken to auction with a success rate of 64% according to final figures.
Across Australia’s two largest auction markets, the lower activity across both cities saw the clearance rate improve.
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Across the smaller cities, Canberra continues to outperform in terms of success rate across the capital city markets with an 81.6% preliminary clearance rate this week. 
However this was down slightly on the final clearance rate last week with 84.4% of homes successful at auction across Canberra. 
Perth, where only a small proportion of properties are auctioned, continues to return one of the lowest clearance rates across the capital cities with only 22% of auctions clearing this week.
Ray White Group booked a preliminary clearance rate of 61 per cent on a week when the leading auction house had a reported auction market share of 31 per cent.
The average registered bidder number sat at four.
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$3.1 million weekend sale in lockdown suburb Ascot Vale

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A new architect designed home in Toorak hit the market with a price guide of $10.95 million.
The home has since sold.
The four bedroom, four bathroom house is situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-133346574" target="_blank"> 3 Bellaire Court</a>. 
Set on a 585 sqm block, the home comes with formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, refined study, sitting room, alfresco terrace and home theatre. 
It also features wine display room with bar, 6-car garage, heated pool, lift and smart home automation. 
The home is located within close proximity to High Street's boutiques and restaurants, Torrak Station, Orrong Park and schools. 
Justin Long and Fiona Counsel of Marshall White Stonnington have the listing. 
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Toorak trophy home with heated pool listed for $11 million has sold

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There are 1,115 capital city auctions being tracked by CoreLogic this week, down from 1,485 auctions last week which can be in part be attributed to school holidays.
However volumes remained higher than this time last year when just 953 homes were taken to auction. 
In Melbourne, 417 auctions are scheduled across the city this week, down from 645 auctions last week, although higher than volumes from the same week last year (388).
There are 538 Sydney homes scheduled for auction this week, down from 644 last week according to final figures, and higher than the 359 held one year ago.
Across the smaller markets, scheduled volumes are set to fall week on week across Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Tasmania, while a higher volume of auctions are scheduled in Canberra this week\
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/2/Auction%20CL%20July%202.JPG" alt="">
Despite school holidays, Ray White said their auction numbers are holding steady with 175 homes going under the hammer on Saturday.
Particularly busy is Ray White Surry Hills | Alexandria | Glebe | Erskineville where 8 auctions are set to take place. 
Associate Director Matthew Carvalho from the inner Sydney group is auctioning two of those eight with both being called by Ray White NSW CEO Jason Andrew.
First up will be Terrace 9, 269 Trafalgar St, Annandale, (pictured in title) which Mr Carvalho said has attracted both upsizers and downsizers from around Sydney.
“Feedback from buyers has been good and they’re particularly liking the size of the house and that it’s got a double garage plus an extra car space which is almost unheard of in the inner west,” Mr Carvalho said.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/2/Auction%202%20July%202.JPG" alt="">
Later in the day will be 134 Catherine St, Leichhardt (pictured above) which is currently getting interest from first and second home buyers. Mr Carvalho said space is a big factor for these buyers and the three bedroom Leichhardt home ticks that box.
“It’s a good layout on a great size plot of land. The buyers are predominantly a little bit younger - couples or families with one child,” he said.
“They’re coming out of apartments and upsizing for more space and to get into more of a community which Leichhardt offers.”
Despite recent uncertainty, Mr Carvalho also said he is finding that good properties are still in high demand.
“Supply is still so low particularly for free standing homes but we’re finding when they are on the market, prices and demand are quite strong and will continue to be so until inventory begins to spike,” he said.
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School holidays impact otherwise strong auction weekend

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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