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A waterfront home at Point Clare, on NSW’s Central Coast, boasting 270 degree views of Brisbane Water, is set to go to auction with $2.6 million hopes.
With 22 metres of water frontage, the 400 square metre home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-point+clare-124761706" target="_blank">5A Coogee Road</a>, Point Clare sprawls across six levels and includes a deep water jetty with private boatshed, pool, spa, and rooftop terrace doubling as a private putting green.
Other features include a home theatre, home office, ducted air conditioning and gourmet kitchen with European stainless steel appliances.
The property’s vendor, Michael Robillard, commissioned an architect to design the five-bedroom, two-bathroom home to maximise views and liveability of the 800 square metre block.
“You awake to spellbinding sunrises every morning and the sound of gently lapping waves,” he said, saying the views stretch from the Gosford Marina down to Lion Island and Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
After living at the property for 13 years, Robillard and his wife have decided to downsize.
“It’s a fabulous family home but it’s time to pass the privilege onto someone else,” he said.
Selling agent, Andrew Macdonald of Ray White Point Clare said the property has proven popular among those from Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore.
“There are a lot of locals that would like to move up to the waterfront, however they are competing with hungry Sydney buyers who are inspired by the views,” he said.
“Noonan Point is a really tightly held enclave as it’s only 10 minutes to the M1 and 20 minutes to the Ettalong ferry to Palm Beach” he said.
Macdonald said the nearby Point Clare public school is highly regarded and while Gosford Selective High and Central Coast Grammar are also close by.
The property will go to auction on 26 March 2017.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Waterfront Point Clare trophy home to go under the hammer

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Boutique real estate group Belle Property International has opened its first Indian office in the city of Mumbai.
The office forms part of the company’s strategic expansion across Asia.
Belle Property International is hoping to help Indian investors to secure a portfolio of residential and commercial properties across Australia.
“We are creating a network of offices in Asia and Australia whose purpose is to sell Australian property to interested Asian investors,” says Peter Hanscomb, CEO of Belle Property International.
“We believe India will be a strong source of investment in Australia over the next 25 years, so we are excited to be opening our first office in India.”
Handscomb said the co-principals of Belle Property International Mumbai, Hozefa Rangoonwala and Murtaza Poonawala, bring a strong background in real estate marketing and financial services.
“Hozefa and Murtaza come from a banking and marketing background, therefore the value of premium is not lost in the bid to quickly do a transaction,” says Stephen Ivanusa, director and co-founder of Belle Property International.
“With backgrounds in the banking and insurance industry, we’re able to look at portfolio structuring with risk analysis and provide a level of confidence to the Indian investors.”
Belle Property International Mumbai principals state that Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast are the primary focus for the Indian market with growing interest in Brisbane and Adelaide. 
“We are giving another option to Indian investors, as no one has ever approached it from an Australian point of view with an established office in India,” says Rangoonwala.
“Australia is viewed as a safe country with a good economy, and that is more stable than other markets that are competing for Indian investors, such as the United States, United Kingdom and the Middle East.”
“India has gone through many reforms of late and with the demonetization of the Ruppee there is an urgency to get the now declared funds back out into the markets to yield higher returns,” says Ivanusa.
“With an open and progressive Indian government met with Australia’s immigration pathways; we are only starting to see the tip of the iceberg let alone what sits underneath.”
Belle Property International are planning to further expand across Asia with more offices set to open in 2017.
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Belle Property target Indian investment in Aussie real estate with Mumbai office opening

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The sale of Masters’ portfolio will result in previously standalone retail assets carved into smaller tenancies, with Chemist Warehouse, Spotlight and other tenancies expected to take up occupancy, according to CBRE’s latest report.
CBRE’s view is that this factor, in conjunction with a relatively soft retail trade environment, will lower rental growth in 2017-18.
"The implication is that there will be an increase in large format retail centre (LFR) supply over the near term," the report says.
“Our view is that LFR supply will grow on average 14% per annum over 2017-18 (assuming Masters conversions take place during this period), which is double the long-term average supply trend of 6% per annum.”
However, growth in LFR supply in metropolitan areas is estimated at 8% per annum over the next two years, not accounting for potential project delays or withdrawals.
While tenants have already secured around 80% of the Masters portfolio, there is likely to be considerable backfill vacancy over the near-to-medium-term outlook period, particularly in secondary stock.
“The housing construction cycle is entering a downturn, and we expect peak growth in household good sales is behind us for this cycle and growth of around 3% will occur over the next couple of years,” the report stated.
This will leave a gap between supply and demand over this period.
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"The gap between LFR supply and demand that we expect will occur over the next two years could be absorbed by growth in retailers that don’t traditionally occupy LFR."
The relaxation of LFR zoning laws in certain states has resulted in an increase of non-traditional retailers, Examples include gyms, supermarkets, childcare centres and government services, occupying LFR spaces.
Since the relaxation of LFR zoning laws in Victoria in 2013, there has been a shift in LFR tenancy mix to include non-traditional tenants.
There is an ongoing push for NSW to adopt a similar deregulatory path, and if this eventuates it will help cushion the impact of Masters store conversions.
Lower rents in LFR (compared to shopping centres) will make it a desirable location for non-traditional tenants such as supermarkets.
“We expect retail rent growth will moderate in 2017 amidst a soft retail trade environment,” the report stated.
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Occupancy costs declined slightly in 2016 for CBD and regional shopping centres but not enough to support strong rent growth in 2017.
National retail yields compressed on average by 50 basic points in 2016, with the largest compression in neighbourhood (60 points) and large format retail centres (60 points).
Yields are at or near record lows for most retail categories.
CBRE forecasts limited compression in 2017 before yields begin to rise from 2018 onwards.
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Smaller tenants to carve up former Masters' retail space: CBRE

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BWM Group founding partner and adman Rob Belgiovane has settled on his $6.5 million purchase of the Mosman home of former BOQ chief Stuart Grimshaw.
Grimshaw had paid $4.85 million for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mosman-124057046" target="_blank">four level Chinaman's Beach home</a> in 2011.
Offered with a private beach, the home was designed by architect Guy De Compeigne and has five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
The sale came with a DA approval with Burton Kay Halliday designs.
Grimshaw and wife Anneliese are off to Texas, where he has taken a role as the executive chairman of pawnbroking US EZCORP Group.
Belgiovane has lived in the expensive suburb before.
He sold his renovated Balmoral slopes home for $5,575,000, well over double his $2.46 million purchase in 2011.
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Adman Rob Belgiovane settles on former BOQ boss home in Mosman

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Veteran TV presenter Mike Willesee senior has listed his Bondi Beach garden apartment investment.
He has around $2 million hopes for the two bedroom, two bathroom unit that cost him $1,575,000 in 2011 in the post-GFC market.
In 2014 it had been a rental at $1,450 a week.
The apartment spans over 220 square metres of indoor and outdoor living space and features a combination of exposed concrete, stone and timber.
Laing+Simmons agent Danny Doff has set a March 21 auction date.
Willesee, who came to prominence in 1967 as a report for the ABC, was most famous for hosting A Current Affair.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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Mike Willesee lists Bondi Beach investment

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Construction on the $300 million mixed-use project Omnia in Potts Point is set to begin.
Located on the former Crest Hotel site at the intersection of Darlinghurst Road and Victoria Street, Omnia will include 135 apartments over 19 storeys, an hour-glass façade, a Woolworths, other specialty retailers, and a proposed top-tier restaurant.
The project’s communal facilities include a landscaped outdoor BBQ area, community garden and residents’ private wine room and lounge.
A limited number of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain, starting from $730,000 for a studio.
Greenland Australia has signed a design and construction contract with Australian tier-one contractor Probuild to deliver the project.
The companies recently announced another collaboration to build Sydney’s tallest apartment tower, the 235-metre Greenland Centre on Bathurst Street.
Greenland Australia managing director Sherwood Luo said Omnia’s location and design will make it an attractive prospect for buyers.
“With Omnia’s unique design and prime corner position it’s bound to become a real focal point in the area, and the distinctive building will become the gateway of Sydney’s eastern suburbs,” Luo said.
 “It’s great to have Probuild on board again with this landmark project. It’s a challenging job, but our project teams will successfully manage this together.”
The managing director of Probuild NSW Arthur Williams said the relationship between the two companies is based on open dialogue and adds to its portfolio of projects in the state..
“We’re thrilled to be working with Greenland on a second project together,” Williams said.
“This significant build will add to Probuild’s growing number of high-profile projects in NSW.”
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Omnia at Potts Point set to start construction

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Tom Dixon’s London-based design firm Design Research Studio has been named the winner of AMP Capital’s interior design competition for the lobby and connected facilities of Quay Quarter Tower.
Four design firms were invited to participate in the two-month long competition, but Design Research Studio stood out for their reputation, design aesthetic and aspirational concepts, said AMP Capital’s chief operating officer real estate, Louise Mason.
“We used this competition to specifically seek out globally pre-eminent designers of lifestyle spaces such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars and co-working spaces, who can bring a completely different perspective to how we would normally view, and therefore design, a commercial lobby,” Mason said.
Dixon’s recent work includes the interiors for Mondrian London Hotel, Shoreditch House, Bronte Restaurant on the Strand in London's West End and McCann Worldwide Headquarters in New York.
The firm is also known for their design of the lighting installations for Bennelong restaurant at Circular Quay, Sydney.
3XN were appointed as the lead design architects for the 49-floor tower at 50 Bridge Street, Sydney last year.
The Quay Quarter Sydney precinct will span two inner city blocks over a site area of around 11,000 square metres and incorporates a mix of commercial, retail and luxury residential.
“The QQT lobby will be both the statement address for the tower and the nexus between the activated streetscape of Quay Quarter, the retail marketplace offering and the tower above,” Mason said.
“Together the lobby, retail podium and tower will provide a series of connected spaces that meet a range of user needs.
“Quay Quarter Tower will be an attractor of key talent into the future and provide a vibrant marketplace of experiences where people will have more opportunities to choose how and where they work and interact with their colleagues and customers.”
50 Bridge Street is jointly owned by investors in the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF) and the AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund (AWOF).
Subject to final investor approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2018 and will take approximately three years to complete.
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Tom Dixon to design AMP Capital's Quay Quarter Tower lobby

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ASIC has today commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against Westpac Banking Corporation for a number of contraventions of the responsible lending provisions of National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth) (the National Credit Act).
ASIC alleges that in the period between December 2011 and March 2015 Westpac failed to properly assess whether borrowers could meet their repayment obligations before entering into home loan contracts.
Specifically, ASIC alleges that Westpac:
<ul>
<li>used a benchmark instead of the actual expenses declared by borrowers in assessing their ability to repay the loan</li>
<li>approved loans where a proper assessment of a borrower's ability to repay the loan would have shown a monthly deficit</li>
<li>for home loans with an interest-only period, Westpac failed to have regard to the higher repayments at the end of the interest-only period when assessing the borrowers' ability to repay.</li>
</ul>
The National Credit Act provides consumer protections to ensure that credit providers make reasonable inquiries about a borrower's financial situation and assess whether a loan contract will be unsuitable for the borrowers.
The first hearing for the proceedings will be on 21 March 2017 at 9.30am in the Federal Court in Sydney.
 
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ASIC announces civil penalty proceedings against Westpac

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In a world racked by political uncertainty induced by Brexit negotiations, European elections and a new presidency in the US, the Asian markets appear to have maintained their appeal in 2016, according to Savills’ latest report.
"Office yields across all major cities hardened over the second half of last year and we believe there is still some (limited) scope for them to fall further in 1H/2017; the low interest rate environment, the ongoing ‘search for yield’ and increasing allocations to real estate are all considered to be positives for the sector," the report stated.
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One of the most significant challenges for investors is a lack of prime office stock, however, and volumes have fallen consistently compared with 2015, a situation which is unlikely to reverse any time soon.
This lack of liquidity across most asset classes has arguably been masked by the above average number of portfolio deals recorded over the second half.
Scarcity of assets has resulted in money accumulating on the sidelines, causing fundraising to decline versus the previous year.
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Despite its inward focus, Asian real estate capital has continued to explore overseas markets with the US attracting the lion’s share of deals, followed by the UK.
Cross border activity in 2016 was dominated by China, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong in that order while South Korean activity registered the highest rate of increase.
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It will be interesting to see how Asian capital reacts to rate hikes  by the Federal Reserve and a strengthening US dollar set against a less predictable policy landscape in 2017 if that  is what comes to pass.
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Asian commercial property markets continue to maintain their appeal despite uncertainty: Savills

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The last 12 months has brought a dose of healthy moderation to the US economy, according to Savills’ latest report.
Investors and lenders forced a recalibration of high-flying tech firms and oil and gas prices found a floor.
There seems to be some convergence in residential and commercial property markets as well – pricing in luxury markets is levelling off.
In comparison to the volatility in equity markets, real estate in the US held up very well. Office property sales in the US totalled $124 billion through November of this year, roughly 4 percent below the $129.6 billion in the first 11 months of 2015.
This slight decline comes as no surprise.
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Many of the trophy assets in gateway markets such as Manhattan and Chicago changed hands in 2014 and 2015, the novelty of the industrial sector has worn off, and there simply are not as many institutional- grade or conversion opportunities in secondary or tertiary markets to keep pace with the gateway markets.
Unlike the fundamentals underlying retail sales and office markets this is not a demand deficiency – it is a supply shortage.
In this sense investment sales are performing a bit like labour markets – investors and top employers have been turning over every stone in every market.
So far, most investors seem to be maintaining appropriate selectivity.
Many are following the demographic upside to Sunbelt markets such as the Carolinas as well as Mountain West markets including Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Steady population and job growth and controlled construction activity in these markets leaves some room for NOI growth in the next couple of years.
Europe has seen a similar phenomenon - volume is up significantly in the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden but there are only so many investment grade assets in these markets.
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The “most-favoured market” status of some gateways is slipping slightly.
Most buyers are showing disdain for gateway markets such as Manhattan and Washington DC, where demand is running short of growing supply.
On the other hand, they have remained active in Boston and Los Angeles, where the life science and entertainment/social media sectors continue to grow.
Boston’s market fundamentals are in fact among the strongest in country and appear as though they have more to run than San Francisco, which has seen a recent spike in sublet supply and drop-off in leasing.
Similarly, Los Angeles has seen its strongest leasing volume in a decade.
Office property sales have surged more than 75 percent during 2016 from 2015 levels.
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Finally, buyers are acknowledging that some of the traditionally “low barrier to entry” markets that were always seen as a risk due to chronic overbuilding may have matured in this cycle.
Atlanta and Dallas/Fort Worth stand out as markets that are reaping the rewards of a controlled development pipeline.
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United States real estate markets hold up well: Savills

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X8K0Bozug7A?si=Puwc6vx_ZO0qQZF8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Joel Robinson

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

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]

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.

Staff reporter

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