<html><body>
Following an ASIC investigation, Cymon Fontaine has been sentenced to four years' imprisonment in the Southport District Court for seven charges of fraud. 
Mr Fontaine pleaded guilty to defrauding six clients for a total of $105,910.10 and caused a loss of $4500 to another client.
Between 28 June 2011 and 1 July 2013, Mr Fontaine was an authorised representative and Corporate Upgrades Consultant for Wyndham Vacation Resorts South Pacific Limited (Wyndham), a financial services company selling time share interests in resorts and hotels.
Between April 2013 and October 2013, Mr Fontaine exploited the credibility and contacts gained from his position as a Corporate Upgrades Consultant to contact existing clients.
He then offered to assist them with upgrades and the purchase of secondhand credits at a cheaper rate than that being offered by Wyndham.
Mr Fontaine used these funds for his own purposes, never purchasing the agreed secondhand credits for the clients.
Once discovered, Wyndham terminated Mr Fontaine's employment on 1 July 2013. However, Mr Fontaine continued to defraud some clients after his employment was terminated.
ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell said, “This kind of dishonesty is not tolerated by ASIC or the community.”
This matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Fontaine was charged under sections 408C(1)(d) and 408C(1)(e) of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld).
Wyndham is a developer and marketer of flexible, points-based holiday ownership products.
Clients buy into different levels of memberships with Wyndham by buying 'points' or 'credits' from Wyndham.
Depending on a client's level of membership (determined by the number of credits the client has) they are allowed different levels of privileges and benefits, including using their credits to stay at Wyndham's resorts and hotels or partner resorts or hotels.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Former Wyndham Vacation Resorts consultant jailed for defrauding clients

<html><body>
Australian credit union CUA has announced a half-year Group Net Profit after Tax (NPAT) of $31.11 million, up 10.9 percent on its previous first-half result.
The result was underpinned by continued member growth, an increase in net interest income and a positive result for subsidiary CUA Health.
CUA Chief Executive Officer Rob Goudswaard said the result reflected the benefits of CUA operating a diversified business in challenging market conditions.
He said the CUA Group result had been boosted by the performance of CUA Health, which contributed NPAT of $3.37 million for 1H.
This helped to offset a slightly weaker result for the banking business (ADI), which was impacted by aggressive market competition over the period and continued pressure on margins.
CUA issued $1.17 billion in new loans for the six months to 31 December 2016. While owner occupier and investor home loans accounted for around $1.06 billion of the new lending, CUA ’s personal loan performance was a standout with $106.4 million of personal loans issued over the period – a 30 per cent increase on personal loans issued over the corresponding period in FY16.
In particular, CUA ’s personal loan sales through the website and web-assisted channels were up 55 per cent on a year ago.
Mr Goudswaard said this came off the back of CUA significantly enhancing its digital marketing and sales capability, producing a 182 per cent year-on-year increase in digital leads.
Mr Goudswaard said net interest income of $118.6 million w as up 4.3 per cent on the same time a year earlier, reflecting higher interest revenue from strong lending in previous periods.
CUA had held its net interest margin steady against the same period last year, in what was a competitive and challenging external environment.
Capital adequacy, return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) declined slightly against the previous corresponding period.
However, 1H saw an improvement in CUA ’s cost to income ratio to 68.2 per cent (downfrom69.5 per cent in 1H-FY16).
This reflected CUA’s focus on balancing the slowdown in lending activity with prudent cost management, ensuring CUA can continue investing in future member improvements.
CUA ’s banking business (or ADI) posted a first-half NPAT of $29.69 million, down 3.8 per cent on the previous corresponding period.
The ADI result was impacted by lower volumes of new lending for the period in challenging market conditions, which included aggressive price-led competition across the market in the first few months of 1H.
However, CUA expects to see a return to stronger lending and asset growth in the second half.
CUA has continued to invest in the growth of its wholly-owned private health insurance subsidiary, with CUA one of the few organisations in Australia to offer integrated financial, health and insurance solutions.
The highlight for the fund during the period was the launch of a new suite of hospital and extras cover in November, which provides greater choice and flexibility for members based on their individual needs and budgets.
CUA Health posted a first-half NPAT of $3.37 million. CUA Health premium revenue for the six months was $72.1 million, while the insurer returned $61.9 million in benefits to policy holders.
Over the past year, policy holders received around 88 cents in the dollar in benefits, higher than the industry average of 86 cents.
Credicorp Insurance posted a half-year NPA T of $0.577 million, an increase of 20 per cent compared to the FY16 first-half result.
This subsidiary now provides general insurance to more than 13,500 members.
Credicorp’s growth during the period is a result of the maturing of its new product suite and continued effective cost management.
Mr Goudswaard said CUA had seen an increase in new lending and sales in recent months, which should contribute to a positive second-half financial performance.
However he noted that CUA expected pressure on margins to continue for the remainder of FY17, given the current low interest rate environment and strong competition in both the home loans market and in attracting member deposits.
Financial performance in 2H would depend on careful management of margins and costs, as well as any interest rate movements throughout the period.
He said CUA had a number of priorities for 2017, including exploring further opportunities to collaborate with other mutuals and leverage their collective strength, following the formation of a new joint venture company, Mutual Marketplace, with People’s Choice Credit Union.
Mutual Marketplace will commence operations in April to provide procurement and accounts payable services to both organisations.
Mr Goudswaard said there would be a continued focus on CUA building its brand awareness in the marketplace, off the back of the high visibility gained through its three-year partnership with Queensland Cricket, including the Brisbane Heat BBL and WBBL teams.
CUA will also look to deepen member relationships and attract more new members, particularly through CUA’s competitive position as an early adopter status on digital wallets and payments technologies (ApplePay, AndroidPay and New Payments Platform).
“Today’s half-year result is a positive outcome for members, who are already seeing the benefits of our continuing investment in digital channels and member-facing improvements,” he said.
“CUA has rolled out Android Pay and ApplePay to our members, and we are one of only two financial institutions in Australia offering ApplePay for Master cardholders.
We’ve introduced the ability for people to open an Everyday transaction account and become a CUA member online in just minutes, making it easier than ever before to switch to CUA.
“We’re currently redesigning our mobile banking app, ahead of a launch later this year.
And we are committed to being one of the first financial institutions in Australia to deliver members the benefit of real-time payments using the New Payments Platform when it launches towards the end of 2017.
“We’re working on ways to make sure all our members are on the digital journey with CUA and are realising the benefits of CUA ’s move towards being available anywhere, anytime.
The number of members using mobile banking has increased by 22 per cent compared to a year ago, with more than 105,000 members logging in each month.
Across both mobile and online banking, we have over 175,000 active users.”
Mr Goudswaard said that as a member-owned organisation, CUA is also committed to giving back to its communities through social initiatives.
“We have significantly scaled up our volunteering activities, with our team devoting around 200 days to volunteering in the community during the past six months, significantly more than a year earlier.
“We awarded a total of $10,000 to community groups in Toowoomba in December, presented more than $70,000 to local schools in October-November, and we will shortly launch a reinvigorated new local community grants program through CUA branches.”
On the regulatory front, Mr Goudswaard said CUA will continue working with government and industry stakeholders to secure a competitive financial services landscape to benefit consumers.
“CUA is working with other mutuals and the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals to further advance the case for government and regulators to consider additional capital raising options for mutuals.
Currently, mutuals like CUA are constrained in our ability to raise capital, particularly Tier 1 capital.
In the absence of this capital framework, we will also continue consulting with regulators and our members around a change to our Constitution that would enable CUA to raise capital in the future, so CUA can take advantage of any emerging opportunities.”
</body></html>

CUA impacted by lower volumes of new lending 

<html><body>
A $2 shop has agreed terms on the lease of a large retail space in the heart of the Moonee Ponds retail precinct in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs.
Teska Carson’s Luke Bisset, who brokered the 13-15 Puckle Street deal with Fergus Evans, said the 624 square metre premises was let at $113,000 per annum net on a five year term with options.
Mr Bisset said the tenant was attracted to the spacious tenancy, the high ceilings, the extensive street frontage and the high volume of foot traffic in one of Melbourne’ s most famous shopping precincts.
"This was a great opportunity to get a foothold in one of the best shopping strips in Melbourne and at a very affordable rental.
The size of the floorspace and the exposure to Puckle Street were the key attributes the tenant was looking for,’’ Mr Bisset said.
He said the Puckle Street address had predictably attracted a high level of enquiry.
The lessor is a Melbourne based private investor.
</body></html>

$2 shop takes spacious Puckle Street lease

<html><body>
Not too long ago, land size and location were considered to be two major factors in choosing a home, according to Secret Agent’s latest report.
People wanted big yards to play and entertain in.
The more land the better, because the focus was on the value of land rather than the property itself.
For many people these priorities have changed.
Inner city living allows us to access parks and gardens easily when we want to, without the hassle of keeping a yard in pristine condition.
Kitchens have also become a popular place for entertainment, replacing the role traditionally held by the backyard.
Today, it seems the more land a property is on, the more of a burden it is.
Maintaining a garden 365 days a year is hard work.
At the same time, Secret Agent has noticed a shift in the desires of our clients over the past few years.
They are becoming more specific in the amount of internal space they need for the rooms they use regularly.
The number and sizes of bedrooms, number of bathrooms and size of kitchens and living areas tend to be known from the outset.
Land size and backyard space are less important, particularly if they are not looking to renovate.
As long as there is some kind of outdoor area, there isn’t much of a preference for how big it should be.
Market value of property in particular suburbs is often reported and analysed on a cost per square metre rate.
This is a good metric if land is important.
However, now that some people are caring more about internal usable space, not land size, this metric can be misleading.
Secret Agent created the index to reflect the shifting values of inner city buyers, by revealing the price per square metre of indoor space.
Purchasers and local experts can use it to understand the true value of any property in the inner city suburbs.
This can be achieved by comparing the indoor area of a property to our benchmarks of average price per square metre by suburb.
“Our report will provide an overall price per square metre summary of terraces and townhouses by suburb; highlight the most and least affordable suburbs; and take a closer look at the cost of each room in a house. Finally, an update to our apartment index will be presented,” the report stated.
To create the index, 705 terrace, 232 townhouse and 1303 apartment sales across 31 suburbs in inner Melbourne were analysed.
All sales took place between January and December 2016. Each floor plan was manually measured to ensure accuracy, and floor areas in marketing copy were disregarded.
A terrace was defined as a house (freestanding, attached or semi-detached) of Victorian, Edwardian or Federation style.
These are mostly single storey, but several Boom-style two storey terraces or single fronted homes with rear extensions were also considered terraces.
A townhouse is any other attached or semi-detached house with a footprint over multiple floors, usually built in the last 20 years.
For all area measurements, only the internal habitable space was included. Balconies, courtyards, backyards, front yards, garages, sheds and additional storage rooms were excluded.
Tables 1 and 2 show the price per square metre of internal habitable space in terraces and townhouses respectively.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/Table%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/Table%201.jpg" alt="">
Terraces are often valued much higher than townhouses and it seems that this assumption is true.
Across the sample of 2016 sales, terraces attracted an average price premium of 52.43% over townhouses.
In terms of price per square metre, this difference is even larger at 56.98% on average.
This means that not only are terraces much more expensive than townhouses on average, they are often smaller than townhouses in total internal area.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/Table%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/Table%202.jpg" alt="">
For more information from Secret Agent, <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

What is the price paid in inner Melbourne homes per square metre?

<html><body>
Strathfield Symond Arcade, a landmark building in Sydney's inner-west suburb of Strathfield, has been listed for sale through auction 28 March.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-strathfield-502317770" target="_blank">12-14 Churchill Avenue</a>, the 645 sqm property is in the heart of the suburb's commercial hub, very near to Strathfield Railway station.
It was built by Aussie John Symond's father.
The freestanding commercial building has frontage to Churchill Avenue.  
Featuring a ground level foyer with 12 retail shops and an upper level with 14 offices it has potential for future commercial/residential development opportunities subject to council approval. Its zoning is B3 - Commercial Core.
The property is offered through Strathfield Partners agents Harry Ahmad and Robert Pignataro.
</body></html>

Strathfield's Symond Arcade listed for sale

<html><body>
Tenders are out to lease the upper level bar and restaurant at the Rockhampton Pier development in Queensland.
The former restaurant is currently being demolished.
The site 189 Quay Street, has more than 300 square metres of indoor and outdoor lettable floor space.
Pat O’Driscoll, principal and director, Knight Frank Rockhampton said this will be the only restaurant in this precinct that is actually cantilevered over the riverbank.
“The riverfront revitalisation will completely transform Rocky and give the city a huge tourism boost," he said.
Building will begin April for late 2017 completion.
The Rockhampton Riverfront area is currently being redeveloped and will eventually feature a fully reconstructed Quay Street, wet play area, revitalised gardens and amphitheatre.
</body></html>

Tenders out for redeveloped Rockhampton restaurant and bar

<html><body>
Two properties in Melbourne’s inner suburb of Clifton Hill have sold for a total of $4.5 million in deals brokered by Savills.
According to Savills Australia CBD &amp; Metropolitan sales team, Julian Heatherich, Nick Peden, and Jesse Radisich, the sales reflected the increasing demand for inner city locations such as Clifton Hill, according to the selling agents.
The properties comprise 3 Hilton Street - a 205 square metre, office/warehouse with roller door access – which sold for $900,000, and 10 Reeves Street - an 884 square metre showroom/warehouse on an 1,175 square metre site – which sold for $3.6 million.
"The market for inner-city property has rarely been stronger and Clifton Hill is now clearly on the radar as it offers very close proximity to the CBD, the Eastern Freeway, and trams and train services," said Heatherich.
"The local area which includes Brunswick, Lygon and Smith streets and Queens Parade has also been very popular with both residential and commercial users over several decades with property values appreciating accordingly.’’ 
</body></html>

Two commercial properties in inner Melbourne sold through Savills

<html><body>
Spacer, a peer-to-peer marketplace for self-storage and parking space, has acquired space-sharing company Roost for an undisclosed sum as it seeks to expand into the $28 billion U.S. market, the largest self-storage market in the world. 
The acquisition of the American company is part of Spacer’s strategy to become the global leader in shared storage, commercial and parking space, according to a media release. The U.S self-storage market is about 33 times the size of the Australian market.
Space become a valuable tradable commodity with the rise of urbanisation, population growth and smaller living areas. 
The acquisition includes all intellectual property including database, tech platform, customers and to keep consistency globally, the rebrand of the name to Spacer.com.
“Expanding into the United States is a significant milestone achievement for the business, and a strategic move to take on the biggest market globally,” said Mike Rosenbaum, CEO and co-founder of Spacer.
The deal also comes with partnerships with several of America’s leading car rental services including Zip Car, Enterprise and Maven Drive, to offer car parking spaces through peer-to-peer sharing across the West Coast of America.
Spacer has enjoyed exponential success since its launch in October 2015, with the company currently experiencing 30% month-on-month growth. 
Jonathan Gillon, co-founder and CEO of Roost said the acquisition highlights "the huge growth potential of space sharing in the U.S.”
Spacer will focus on San Francisco, Washington DC and Chicago, before looking to scale to other cities. The U.S. head office will be in Silicon Valley, where Spacer’s tech platform is housed, and the company will keep on U.S. staff to ensure a seamless transition.
Total public self-storage rentable space represents more than 210 million square metres, or 1,400 football fields of available storage space in the U.S. and growing.
“We look forward to taking the Roost business through its next growth stage, by adopting our Australian learnings and translating it into the world’s largest consumer market.
Our intention is to build an international business, with the right mix of on the ground staff supported by our global platform,” says Roland Tam, co-founder of Spacer.
</body></html>

Self-storage firm Spacer buys out rival Roost to expand U.S. footprint

<html><body>
Australia’s first authentic Steampunk-themed venue will soon call Surfers Paradise home, with a lease in its entertainment precinct.
Steampunk Surfers Paradise is preparing to open its doors in the coming months with the finishing touches being made on the vintage-styled 550 sqm premises.
Described as Victorian-era science fiction, Steampunk is a subculture focusing on retro-futuristic inventions inspired by the steam-powered industrial period of the 19th Century.
The venue is in the heart of the iconic entertainment precinct, 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, also known as Cavill Lane.
The lease runs for five years with an additional five-year option.
Expanding their Australian presence, co-owner and Tasmanian hospitality operator, Grant Rodgers will officially launch the concept in Queensland; sighting the Gold Coast as the perfect location, being the heart of the tourism industry.
The deal was negotiated by JLL’s Ryan Chandler.
“With tourist numbers showing good growth, injecting money into the region and encouraging further development, more interstate operators and franchises are looking to the Gold Coast,” said Chandler.
“The Gold Coast retail leasing market is entering a period of growth ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” he added.
 
</body></html>

Steampunk Surfers Paradise set to open in Surfers Boulevard

<html><body>
Mirvac’s headquarters at EY Centre, 200 George Street, Sydney has just received a GOLD certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), for the building’s features that takes into account the well-being of its occupants. 
The WELL Building Standard measures, certifying, and monitors the performance of a building’s features that focuses primarily on the health and well-being of occupants.
Mirvac’s headquarters has also achieved a 6 Star Green Star Interior rating, further contributing to the sustainable credentials of the building, according to a media release.
Mirvac’s CEO and managing director, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, said, "We are extremely proud to have achieved the first GOLD WELL Certification in Australia for our headquarters.
“We aspire to set the benchmark for innovative, healthy workplaces in Australia.”
Rick Fedrizzi, Chairman and CEO of IWBI, presented Mirvac with the certification recently.
“I could not be prouder to be in Australia this week and have the opportunity to personally present a WELL Gold plaque to Mirvac for its 200 George Street Project. 
“Mirvac has given architectural form to the health and well-being focus of WELL… putting humans at the centre of its design decisions, the Mirvac team has underscored how building science and bio science can work seamlessly together to deliver a higher level of health and well-being."
The certification is secured by achieving credits across seven categories including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. 
Some of the features to achieve these credits within Mirvac’s workplace at 200 George Street include:
<ul>
<li>Fitness</li>
</ul>
A health and wellness educational seminar series is held in Mirvac’s headquarters in which health professionals educate staff on health and wellbeing;
Pilates classes are held in the office once a week; and
A wellness library with a range of health and wellbeing literature is hosted online for all employees.
<ul>
<li>Air</li>
</ul>
SAMBA sensors throughout the tenancy monitor air quality and create the optimal indoor air quality for employees; and
Air pollution removal, proper ventilation and air filtration are all important aspects Mirvac is implementing to maintain air quality.
<ul>
<li>Water</li>
</ul>
Safe and clean drinking water is provided through proper filtration methods. It is also accessible 30 meters from regularly occupied spaces to encourage hydration.
<ul>
<li>Nourishment</li>
</ul>
Mirvac’s internal café, The Song Kitchen, provides “healthy food” options 
<ul>
<li>Light</li>
</ul>
75 percent of workstations are located within 7.5 meters of a window, increasing access to natural light to provide physiological benefits; and
Lights are also programmed for varying brightness and darkness at appropriate points throughout the day to maintain optimal circadian rhythms.
<ul>
<li>Mind</li>
</ul>
In response to a physiological need to be around nature, Mirvac has developed a Biophilia plan that incorporates nature’s patterns throughout the tenancy design; and
Around 1,171 plants are in the tenancy, which is more than one plant per person.
Over the past few years, Mirvac conducted a series of internal Indoor Environmental Quality (“IEQ”) surveys utilising the Building Occupants Survey System Australia (“BOSSA”) methodology. 
BOSSA is a web-based survey tool designed to assess how satisfied building occupants are with the quality of their indoor environment.
The surveys were performed at Mirvac’s former tenancy at 60 Margaret Street, Sydney and then the new headquarters at 200 George Street, Sydney.
The BOSSA measurements for overall performance, health and productivity improved by 35 per cent since the previous survey. 
</body></html>

Mirvac's headquarters in Sydney receives WELL certification for healthy workplace

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367810]

The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367796]

AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370253]

As Melbourne’s apartment market continues to mature, developments are increasingly judged by the lifestyle they provide beyond individual residences.

Through its combination of wellness facilities, landscaped retreats, social clubs, and precinct-wide amenity, AURA represents a shift toward a more comprehensive model of vertical living, one where shared spaces play as significant a role as the homes themselves.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

Joel Robinson

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

Builder-developer Scion is the latest to target Sydney's booming Hills Showground Metro precinct, filing plans for more than 100 apartments within walking distance of the station.

Scion has lodged a concurrent rezoning and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-33-middleton-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154">27–33 Middleton Avenue</a>, where it plans to replace four existing homes with an 11 and 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 109 apartments, six affordable housing dwellings, and a ground-floor café.

Designed by BHK Architects, the proposal includes three levels of basement parking with 174 spaces, more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,791 sqm site.

The development has been designed as two buildings connected by a recessed wintergarden spine, with the 14-storey building positioned to the south and the 11-storey building to the north.

<img alt="Scion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64dc359d-736b-43b8-87a8-70a8285cab47" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-25%20at%208.47.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PXh.m8id_aevBPHEckPf88wQ2RQThPos" />

The apartment mix has been weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 13 one-bedroom apartments, 55 two-bedroom residences, 31 three-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom lofts, and four four-bedroom homes. Six apartments will be dedicated as affordable housing in line with the NSW Housing SEPP.

According to the Architectural Design Report by BKH, the proposal seeks to create "a place-responsive architecture" inspired by the natural landscape surrounding Cattai Creek, while strengthening the public domain through landscaping, active frontages and a neighbourhood café.

Atlas Urban, in its Urban Design Report, says the proposal takes a different approach to increasing density around Hills Showground Station by favouring a more slender, vertically articulated built form over a conventional mid-rise outcome. The report argues this allows for greater deep soil planting, improved solar access and a better public domain outcome, while still delivering additional housing close to rapid public transport.

The site sits around 500 metres from Hills Showground Metro Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant residential intensification following the opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line. Planning documents accompanying the application note that Greater Sydney's population has grown by more than one million people since planning for the precinct first began, reinforcing the need to accelerate housing delivery around existing transport infrastructure.

Scion is expanding its development pipeline which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde-nsw-2114">Chatham in West Ryde</a>, 62 apartments which are approaching completion. They also have a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">145 apartments on Anzac Avenue</a>, also in West Ryde.

First look: Scion plots Castle Hill apartment development near Hills Showground Metro Station

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its scaled-back plans for a pair of towers rising up to 49 storeys directly opposite Bella Vista Metro Station.

The builder-developer will deliver 674 apartments and a new mixed-use hub at the gateway to the station precinct.

The State Significant Development Application has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway for the 6,979 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-11-mawson-avenue-bella-vista-nsw-2153">9-11 Mawson Avenue</a>, with the apartments sitting above a mixed-use podium. Initial plans were for closer to 900 apartments across two 40-storey towers.

Located around 30 metres from the Bella Vista Metro Station entrance, the development is intended to act as a catalyst for the long-planned Bella Vista Station Precinct, transforming a vacant site into a transit-oriented residential and commercial destination.

Planning documents describe the project as delivering "a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c08216-589e-490d-ad08-2d88b6fa62d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20podium.png?VersionId=3TnwjjQCNwTsmyQRaWnFrLTSAF0CJeka" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, the project comprises 674 apartments, including 102 affordable housing dwellings representing 15 per cent of the residential floor space. The housing mix spans studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of townhouse-style residences integrated into the podium levels. The development also includes specialist disability accommodation and an elevated provision of adaptable and liveable housing.

The mixed-use podium has been designed to create an active urban centre around the Metro station, incorporating a 1,423 sqm supermarket, a 3,029 sqm gym, specialty retail spaces, a 100-place childcare centre and a publicly accessible "city room" community space. A secondary laneway, active frontages and landscaped public areas are intended to improve pedestrian connectivity through the site and strengthen links between the station precinct and surrounding neighbourhood.

In the project's design report, Turner said the proposal responds to Bella Vista's emerging role as a higher-density centre within Sydney's north-west growth corridor.

"The project transforms a strategically located site into a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting," the report states.

"Active frontages, a publicly accessible city room, a secondary laneway and a mix of uses including a local supermarket, child care centre and gym create a more complete and socially useful urban environment for residents, workers and the wider community."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fde6220-82de-4f6a-9b63-d0fd8157acc9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20da.png?VersionId=7hEmuSutH8plTd_RqqdmPu055F6qe554" />

Urban Property Group has been one of the busiest developers across Greater Sydney this year.

The developer is progressing around 1,000 apartments across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-urban-property-group-plans-next-major-wollongong-tower">two projects in Wollongong</a>, with several thousand more homes in the pipeline across Newcastle, Castle Hill, Little Bay and Penrith.

First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station

Burwood's southern town centre precinct is set for another major injection of housing, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/holdmark-property-group">Holdmark</a> unveiling plans for three mixed-use towers containing 900 apartments above new retail and commercial space.

The State Significant Development Application covers a consolidated 10,265 sqm site at 36-46 George Street and 16-26 Elsie Street, immediately south of Burwood's commercial core and within walking distance of Burwood Station, Westfield and Burwood Park.

The proposal comprises <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-46-elsie-street-burwood-nsw-2134">three mixed-use towers</a> ranging between 32 and 43 storeys.

<img alt="First look: Holdmark unveils 900-home mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84b90b18-a54c-426d-885b-6f205bc2b883" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/burwood%20da1.png?VersionId=cJrb7Snn7qNpRzgXBOXK13PKF2CK021Z" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">Studio.SC</a>, the scheme is positioned as a significant extension of Burwood's evolving high-density centre. The project would be delivered across two interconnected development parcels, replacing existing commercial buildings and creating a new pedestrian-focused precinct linking George Street, John Street, Elsie Street and Railway Crescent.&nbsp;

The design report describes the proposal as "a contemporary response to this evolving urban condition," adding that it seeks to "reinforce George Street's role as a human-scaled, active street while contributing to the broader rhythm and grain of the town centre."

The development features a mix of residential, commercial and retail uses, with activated ground-floor frontages intended to strengthen pedestrian connections between Burwood Station, Burwood Place, Westfield and the wider town centre.&nbsp;

The proposal also incorporates extensive communal facilities, landscaped open space and new through-site links designed to encourage public movement across the precinct.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Holdmark unveils 900-home mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89a6bccc-b78b-4a97-a49f-cac1761f34b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/burwood%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=6HBYg_pKxAc3yCND_wDKZmfMfzfneHmz" />

Studio.SC said the project draws inspiration from Burwood Park and the area's mature tree canopy, with "warm, earthy tones and robust materials such as brick and sculpted concrete" used to anchor the buildings within their urban context.

The scale of the proposal reflects Burwood's growing role as one of Sydney's key metropolitan centres. Planning documents note the suburb's strong population growth, high apartment living rates and increasing transport accessibility, particularly with the future Burwood North Metro station expected to further strengthen the area's connectivity. The development is designed to capitalise on those transport links while introducing a substantial amount of new housing stock into the town centre.

Burwood is expected to see a development boom, with the NSW Government rezoning the Burwood North Metro Precinct, a move expected to deliver around 15,000 new homes surrounding the new station.

Earlier this month, Nascon lodged plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-nascon-targets-burwood-growth-corridor-with-112-unit-apartment-tower">100-apartment development on the edge of the town centre</a>.

Holdmark's broader portfolio includes plans for nearly 800 new homes at Macquarie Park, currently before the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority. The developer is also behind a significant portion of the Melrose Park masterplanned redevelopment, as well as the former Caddens Corner drive-in site, where around 500 homes are planned.

First look: Holdmark unveils 900-apartment, mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> has completed construction of Audrey, its parkside apartment development in St Leonards South, becoming the first residential project within the St Leonards South Precinct to reach completion.

Residents are expected to begin moving into the Canberra Avenue development at the end of June, making Audrey the first opportunity for buyers to take up residence within the emerging precinct.

Positioned at the highest point on Canberra Avenue, directly opposite Newlands Park, the project enjoys protected parkland outlooks and district views that cannot be built out as the precinct continues to evolve.

Unlike many of the larger developments planned across St Leonards South, Audrey comprises just 102 residences, making it one of the more boutique offerings within the precinct. The smaller scale has enabled Hyecorp to place a strong focus on owner-occupier design, resident amenity, and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=368333]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, Audrey comprises a mix of three-bedroom apartments and a double-storey five-bedroom townhouse, with many residences positioned to capture views toward the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge. The project has been underpinned by a strong focus on design continuity, with Hyecorp working alongside interior designers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a> and landscape architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/site-image">Site Image</a> to shape both the private residences and shared amenity spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/audrey-st-leonards-13-19-canberra-avenue-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Audrey</a>’s interiors feature open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling glazing, oak timber flooring, bespoke joinery, and large-format stone finishes throughout the kitchens and bathrooms. Integrated Miele appliances, brushed metal tapware, and concealed cabinetry detailing were specified across the residences, reflecting Hyecorp's emphasis on quality and owner-occupier appeal.

The upper levels of the building are home to the Tiffany Collection, a premium offering occupying Levels 12 to 15. The residences include upgraded appliance packages, fluted standalone bathtubs, heated bathroom flooring, custom walk-in robes, and larger internal layouts ranging from 155 to 159 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=367164]

Backed by a 30-year legacy, Audrey reflects the experience of Hyecorp, an Australian family-owned developer with an award-winning track record across Sydney. As locals, Hyecorp understands the needs of local communities, creating homes and precincts designed for long-term liveability, connection, and lifestyle.

Despite its boutique scale, Audrey delivers an extensive suite of amenities typically associated with much larger developments. Residents have access to an indoor lap pool and spa, personal training studio, private cinema, music room, rooftop entertaining terrace, residents lounge, and private dining room overlooking the Sydney skyline.

The rooftop terrace and communal lounge spaces were conceived as extensions of residents' homes, supporting a lifestyle-focused environment that encourages wellbeing, flexibility, and community connection.

The project also incorporates a ground-floor café and an integrated daycare centre, adding to the growing mixed-use character emerging across the St Leonards South precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198680]

Audrey arrives as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/st-leonards-nsw-2065">St Leonards</a> continues its transformation into one of Sydney's most strategically located urban renewal areas. The precinct's proximity to Royal North Shore Hospital and the broader health, research, and commercial corridor has made it increasingly attractive to medical professionals, healthcare workers, and owner-occupiers seeking housing close to employment and transport infrastructure.

Residents are within walking distance of St Leonards Station and the Crows Nest Metro, while nearby retail includes Mall 88, Forum Plaza, Woolworths, and the recently opened Coles supermarket. Nearby green spaces including Newlands Park, Gore Hill Oval, and Naremburn Park further reinforce the area's lifestyle appeal.

As the first completed project within the precinct, Audrey demonstrates the direction of St Leonards South's evolution, combining higher-density living with generous amenity, strong transport connectivity, and access to green space.

A limited collection of premium residences remains available, including spacious three-bedroom apartments, a four-bedroom townhouse and a selection of penthouses.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News