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NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe has reminded owners, tenants, strata and property managers that new strata laws will come into effect next Wednesday, 30 November 2016.
“We’re less than one week out from a significant update to the existing strata laws. These changes will improve strata living for over two million people who own, live or manage strata schemes across the state,” he said.
Key changes include:
Making it easier for owners to complete cosmetic and minor renovations;
Making it easier to hold meetings and vote on decisions using modern forms of communication;
New options for addressing issues of parking, pets and smoke drift;
Ensuring tenants can play a valuable role in the life of their strata scheme;
A new collective sale process enabling owners to jointly sell and/or redevelop their strata scheme, which the NSW Land and Environment Court must ensure is ‘just and equitable’ for the owners.
Commissioner Stowe announced there will be a Strata Hotline ready to take consumer calls.
“With major updates made to the existing strata laws, our Contact Centre Officers who specialise in strata law have been familiarising themselves with the changes to ensure that they are equipped to provide the right assistance and advice,” said Mr Stowe.
Mr Stowe is urging people to become familiar with the new laws as they will impact everyone in the strata community.
In 2015, the Contact Centre received approximately 37,000 strata related enquiries from the public.
More than 33,000 enquiries have been received this year already.
To learn more about strata law reform and how it affects you, visit <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au</a> or call the Strata Hotline on 1800 214 023.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Property 101: Fair Trading contact centre prepares for strata law reform

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The grand home at 65 Dead Log Lane in Victoria's Glenhope has been listed for sale at $1.55 million.  
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property sits on 145 acres. 
Designed by Melbourne architect Nicholas Day, the house <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-glenhope-123741386" target="_blank">features his signature aesthetics</a>, including Mount Gambier limestone, Kotah stone floors and floor to ceiling windows. 
The property includes a paved terrace, landscaped gardens, lawns, orchard, full sized Modgrass tennis court. 
The house is NBN connected.
It features hydronic central heating, refrigerated air conditioning, ducted vacuum and four-car parking.
The grounds fature two large permanent dams and a bore and irrigation licence. 
The house is offered by Remax Realestate Solutions agent Trish Markham.
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Nicholas Day designed Glenhope trophy listed

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A property development site at Melbourne is for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-502153270" target="_blank">85 Spring Street</a> it has a land holding of 1,241 sqm with dual access to Little Collins Street.
It comes with a development approval for a 39 level tower with an additional opportunity to deliver hotel accommodation.
It is designed by architects Denton Corker Marshall with views across Treasury Gardens, East Melbourne and Melbourne’s Sporting Precinct.
The standalone office will be 16 levels high with a site area of 10,299 sqm plus basement carparking for 29 bays.
It has direct access to Parliament Underground Train Station with a central position in the East End, Melbourne CBD’s most tightly held office precinct.
It will have four sides of natural light.
It is offered through CBRE.
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Spring Street, Melbourne residential development site offering

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Home loan providers in Australia are selling mortgage bonds at the slowest pace in four years.
Its suggested they are seeking cheaper debt that doesn’t require collateral.
Some A$14.8 billion ($11 billion) of new residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued so far in 2016 by banks and other housing lenders, 36 percent less than at this stage last year, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
Mortgage-backed bond issuance by the country’s four biggest banks has halved to A$3.58 billion from A$7.85 billion last year.
Issuance by other banks, building societies and credit unions has also declined to just A$4.12 billion from A$10.4 billion.
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Home loan mortgage bonds at slowest pace for four years

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Perth bound Sam Mitchell, who will join the West Coast Eagles next year to see out his AFL playing career, and wife Lyndall have listed their family home in Hawthorn.
It is for rent rather than for sale.
An application has been promptly received on the four bedroom, three bathroom home that was listed for rent within two weeks of trade week.
It's asking rent was $1,800 a week through Jellis Craig agent Harriet Griffiths.
The couple paid $1.82 million for the 1940s home in 2009 and have since restored the home after its 2007 renovation. 
The family home set in 841 square metres of lush gardens has a home office and a gas heated swimming pool. It was once a feature on Better Homes and Gardens.
The midfielder played over 300 games for Hawthorn over a 14 year career in which he has won four AFL Premierships.
He is now off to the west, where he will finish his illustrious career with the West Coast Eagles and likely start coaching.
“I’m really glad that it’s all done and very excited to move over, get the family settled and get into it,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell has been named a three-time All-Australian, a five time Peter Crimmins Medal winner and, following the retrospective disqualification of Jobe Watson, the 2012 Brownlow Medal co-winner.
 
 
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Perth bound AFL star Sam Mitchell lets out Hawthorn nest

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Michael and Judy McMahon, the owners of Rose Bay's iconic restaurant Catalina's, have bought in Double Bay having sold their short stay Potts Point apartment.
They've paid $3.65 million for the garden apartment in the French Riviera inspired St Neots building.
Set back from the street, the refurbished apartment occupies the entire ground floor and is surrounded by private landscaped gardens and a large loggia for alfresco dining.
It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a series of interconnecting lounge, dining and family areas.
LJ Hooker Double Bay agents Bill Malouf and Sophie Beaumont secured the sale after 17 days on the market. It had recently been a $2000 a week rental.
The couple sold <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-potts+point-123550046" target="_blank">their Potts Point apartment</a> (pictured above) earlier this month for $3.3 million. It had been on the market for 68 days through Richardson &amp; Wrench agent Jason Boon.
They paid $2.6 million for the three bedroom apartment off the plan in 2013 and moved in on its mid-year 2015 settlement.
The McMahon's restaurant on the Rose Bay harbour front has been running for 22 years and for 15 years they resided opposite.
The couple both began their career with the late Len Evans, working at the legendary Bulletin Place at Circular Quay.
In 1978, they made the move to Gay and Tony Bilson's Berowra Waters Inn, Michael as floor manager and Judy as their first female waitress. 
They run the restaurant with their children James and Kate involved.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph.
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Catalina's owners Michael and Judy McMahon off to Double Bay after selling in Potts Point

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A Rozelle home hidden behind a hedge-covered facade has hit the market with a price guide of $2 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-rozelle-124048706" target="_blank">The vastly renovated 1880s home</a> started life as an old inn and last traded for $540,000 in 2001, unrenovated.
Its McGrath listing agent, Cindy Kennedy, told The Daily Telegraph the owners discovered artefacts from the age when the home ran as an inn.
“They found old pocket watches and all these old antiques [inside],” she said.
The owners had the mementos framed and they will remain in the house once it is sold to the next owner.
The old inn's former cellar has been transformed into a self-contained apartment.
There are a further three bedrooms on the upper level and an entertainers' courtyard.
The hedge facade only needs to be trimmed two or three times a year, Kennedy advised.
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Hedge-covered Rozelle home set for sale

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A local investor has paid $680,000 at auction for a retail shop and residential property within the Dingley Village retail precinct on Melbourne’s south-eastern bayside.
Sold with vacant possession, the 4 Pauline Avenue property comprises a single level shop with a one bedroom self-contained residence at the rear.
It sits on a 200 square metre site with two street frontages.
Teska Carson’s Anthony Choi and George Takis advised the property sold after a contest between three bidders on a land rate of $3400 a square metre, well above expectations.
He said the premises previously traded as a milk bar and was currently fitted out for retail occupation, however it was suitable for other uses such as food, speciality retail or office, subject to council approval.
Dingley Village has a Woolworths, BWS, Dingley Cellars, Nova Pharmacy, fast food operators and a number of professional services.
"Properties such as this in well-established retail precincts do not come up often and as such present a great opportunity for the small/entry level investor," Takis said.
The vendor was a private investor.
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Former Dingley Village milk bar sells for $680,000

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A flagship retail building in Fitzroy, Melbourne is for sale.
The 1460 square metre property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-fitzroy-502131182" target="_blank">411-421 Smith Street</a> has two multinational tenants in the renovated two storey building.
Recent renovations haVE improved the building with more modern additions on the way.
Currently both floors feature high ceilings creating an open air retail/office experience.
There is a new entrance way upstairs that features an all-glass and metal lift.
There are works to create wider, new shop fronts and windows.
Smith Street’s evolution and gentrification is evident with brand new mixed use developments and renovated shops near the property.
Both tenants in the property are happy with lease term kept in line to allow for future development/owner occupation, should this be required.
The majority of the ground floor is leased by Kathmandu, who have occupied it for over 10 years, the remaining tenancy is occupied by Carryology, while the entire first offer is leased by Bellroy Operations.
The property is offered through TCI Property Consultant agent Jack Teneketzis.
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Flagship Kathmandu retail building in Fitzroy for sale

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A vacant RSL building at Cunnamulla is for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-other-qld-cunnamulla-502191814" target="_blank">14 Louise Street</a>, the property comes with a large lawn area and outdoor entertainment facilities.
It boasts a billiard room and dining with hardwood floors, boardroom, reception area with office, storeroom and adjoining cold-room, kitchen and services and loading deck.
There is also a ladies lounge into a games room, as well as similar amenities.
The property is offered through GDL – Real Estate agent Rebel Ickeringill.
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Vacant RSL building at Cunnamulla for sale

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"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.

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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]

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.

Staff reporter

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