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Exchange Tower has bucked the market trend with its leasing activity in Perth's challenging office market.
The vacancy in the building has dropped below 15%, an improvement from the rate of more than 37% earlier this year.
Exchange Tower is a 40-level, premium-grade office tower located just off St Georges Terrace in the heart of the Western Australian capital and in close proximity to Elizabeth Quay and Perth’s major shopping malls.
As part of the ongoing investment in Exchange Tower by joint owners the AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund (AWOF) and Western Australia-based property investor Primewest, works have commenced for a significant refurbishment of the ground floor lobby with plans underway for upgrades of the forecourt and lifts.
The world’s sixth largest accounting group, RSM, has committed to lease 3,281 square metres of space over three high-rise levels in Exchange Tower and will also take signage rights after negotiating a long- term lease in the building.
RSM’s move is one of four major new deals in Exchange Tower, with international engineering group ARUP, multinational technology company Fujitsu and national law firm Moray and Agnew also relocating to the building.
ARUP is leasing 1,500 square metres of space on level 14, Fujitsu is taking 1,309 square metres on level 9 and Moray and Agnew is leasing 1,092 square metres on level 30.
Other recent new tenants include Quayside Chambers, Viva Energy and WTP. The moves follow a targeted leasing campaign managed by Ian Edwards, Knight Frank.
Exchange Tower is already home to some of Perth’s leading commercial and public institutions including Patersons, Morgan Stanley, Bell Potter, Allen &amp; Overy, Bain, Ministerial &amp; Parliamentary Services, Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Knight Frank.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Perth’s Exchange Tower secures key leasing deals in tough market

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Alderley is the Queensland suburb with the fastest selling time for a townhouse, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm states that the average time that townhouse at Alderley will spend on the market is 74 days.
This is followed by Rochedale South with 76 days and Bardon with 79 days.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Days on market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Alderley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4051
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
74
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Rochedale South
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4123
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
76
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bardon
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4065
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
79
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Burleigh Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4220
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
86
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Miami
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4220
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
89
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
For the median price of $579,000 at Alderley an investor can purchase a three bedroom townhouse such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-qld-alderley-122681742" target="_blank">53 Frederick Street</a> (above) that was sold recently for $583,000.
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Alderley's average time for a townhouse is 74 days on market: Investar

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The expansion and redevelopment of Grand Central Shopping Centre in Toowoomba continues with stage one now complete and the balance of the project expected to be completed in early 2017, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest report.
The property advisory firm says that centre management has been aggressive in leasing the new specialty shops, concentrating mostly on national quality retailers.
The majority of recent leasing activity within the Toowoomba CBD has been to cafés, bars and restaurants.
The majority of these operators are new to Toowoomba, resulting in a strong influx of new options for local diners.
Retail rents in general have remained relatively static although market leading rents are often achieved for new developments.
The historically low interest rates have resulted in strong demand from investors for retail properties, however the lack of supply of quality, fully leased properties has limited the number of investment sales and has resulted in a firming of net yields over the past two years.
Recent retail investment sales in Toowoomba include:
<ul>
<li>3/879 Ruthven Street, Kearneys Spring – Modern retail building with two tenancies leased to an Indian restaurant and a convenience store. Weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 3.15 years. Sale reflected a passing net yield of 7.28% and analysed net yield of 8.25%. Sale price of $580,000. 
</li>
<li>283 Ruthven Street, Harlaxton - Semi-modern retail centre leased to Red Rooster and a Foodworks supermarket. WALE of 2.83 years. Sale reflected a net yield of 7.8%. Sale price of $1.575 million. 
</li>
<li>330 Stenner Street, Kearneys Spring – Restaurant leased to local Pizza Hut franchisee. WALE of 8.56 years. Sale reflected a net yield of 5.82%. Sale price of $1.85 million.</li>
</ul>
The retail market in Gladstone has continued at a similar pace to most of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, with increasing vacancies in secondary locations, and reductions in rental levels.
Well anchored centres with good location, access and exposure appear to be maintaining occupancies, however centres in secondary locations or with no significant anchor tenant appear to be bearing the brunt of current market conditions.
"Sales activity has been low, with no known notable retail sales during 2016," HTW noted.
The market is currently dominated by owner-occupiers who are taking advantage of the weaker market conditions and low interest rates.
The development site on the corner of Boles and Breslin Streets generated a fair amount of talk and media when it was purchased by Aldi Foods Pty Ltd in January.
Construction is now well underway and the completion date is speculated to be toward the end of 2016.
The development of a multi-million dollar Coles anchored shopping centre, opposite the existing Woolworths centre on Dixon Drive, continues to remain at the forefront of discussion as Coles continues to challenge the decisions made by Gladstone Regional Council.
"The latest reported update is that the fourth development approval to be submitted (subdividing the site into four lots) has been approved, yet with many conditions that Coles is reportedly set to challenge," it noted.
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New options for Toowoomba local diners while retail market in Gladstone remains steady: HTW

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The Hobart accommodation market is anticipated to continue to be a strong performing market, although new supply additions under construction may pose some challenges in the year’s ahead, according to Colliers International’s latest report.
The most recent major transaction was the sale of the Sebel Launceston in January 2015 for $9,855,000.
The latest figures for the 2015-16 financial year highlight that the number of visitors (up 2%), spending (just over $2.05 billion up 9%) and length of stay of visitors to Tasmania have all increased.
“International visitation in particular is growing despite there being no direct international flights to Hobart. Coming off a low base, the latest figures from the International Visitor Survey showed a record 224,000 international visitors coming to Tasmania last financial year (up 13%) particularly from Asian markets, the USA and Europe,” the report stated.
<a href="/images/2016/11/04/Hobart%20airport%20arrivals.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Hobart%20airport%20arrivals.jpg" alt="">
The Hobart hotel market is performing strongly with STR figures showing 80.2% occupancy for the year to date to August 2016 (up 3.5%), average room rates of $164.75 (up 3.3%) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) up by almost 7% at $132.06.
Hobart Airport catered for around 2.3 million passengers in 2015-16, representing growth of 5.8% over the past year.
The 2015 masterplan for Hobart Airport outlines the short, medium and longer term plans for the airport site and provides an interesting insight into the future travel expectations and traffic into Hobart Airport.
Hobart Airport has achieved annual average growth of 2.6% over the past five years, even with the withdrawal of Tiger services in 2012. Looking forward, the expectation of increased passenger movement is significant. It is projected that some 4.5 million passengers will travel through Hobart Airport by financial year 2035, as compared to 2.18 million in financial year 2014.
The current runway length at Hobart Airport of 2,251 metres can cater to direct flights from mainland destinations as far as Darwin, Cairns and Perth along with locations within New Zealand but it is not adequate for larger aircraft such as Boeing 787 and 777 capable of flying from South Asia destinations.
However, a runway extension at Hobart airport is to be undertaken which will increase the length of the runway by 500 metres. A further proposal exists to redevelop the passenger terminal. These works are scheduled for completion in 2017.
"We highlight that we are aware of the following three significant hotels currently under construction including the Federal Hotels 114-room hotel in Sullivans Cove, The Fragrance Hotel development on Macquarie Street with 296 rooms, and the Crowne Plaza on Liverpool Street with 187 rooms," the report said.
"In addition to these projects that are under construction we are aware of a further six hotels in the pipeline.
"If all projects proceed the total number of rooms is estimated to increase by 48% by 2020.
"We also note the recent announcement by Singapore’s Fragrance Group that has lodged plans for two new hotels. If the applications are approved this would add a further 895 rooms to the market."
<a href="/images/2016/11/04/Hobart%20room%20supply.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Hobart%20room%20supply.jpg" alt="">
For the most recent hotel transaction in Tasmania of note, the Sebel Launceston, was purchased by local Tasmanian family, the Richman family, however the agents reportedly fielded seven offers from Singapore, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.
Colliers International is marketing a hotel in Launceston at present.
The three new hotels that are under construction in Hobart, of the size and quality proposed will provide significant new competition for the Hobart market.
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Hobart hotel market records strong occupancy levels and rate growth

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A restaurant investment in the heart of Southbank is now for sale.
The property is located <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-southbank-502141674" target="_blank">1G/ 133 City Road, Southbank</a>.
It is currently leased for seven years with options to extend it even further.
It has a building area of 190 sqm with extensive contemporary fitout.
The rental yield for this property is $85,000 per annum net with reviews of four percent annually. There is a security deposit of $21,353.15
The property is listed for November 23 auction through Ray White agent Brett Diston.
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Restaurant premises in heart of Southbank for on auction

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Investor demand for industrial assets remains steady, with strong interest from off shore investors in long WALE, larger scale assets in Sydney’s Western corridor compressing yields sharply, according to Colliers International's latest market report.
Private and owner occupier tenants continue to remain dominant in the city fringe and South Sydney, however their strategies for acquisition differ.
Investment sales in tighter markets tend to be for smaller assets &lt;500sqm, where rental yields tend to be higher, owner occupiers are targeting assets in larger assets 500 to 1,500 sqm with the low cost of debt being a significant driver of activity.
Owner occupancy is becoming a significant driver of investment activity in all sub markets.
Historically, owner occupancy was largely concentrated in the smaller, 1,000sqm strata market, however large scale retailers are now acquiring industrial facilities over 15,000sqm in the western market.
Consequently, land is becoming hotly contested amongst investors and owner occupiers, with serviced land supply across industrial precincts in tight supply.
"We are anticipating further owner occupier activity in the larger industrial markets in the medium term," the report states.
New South Wales Government data indicates that there is less than twenty years of zoned industrial land, at present absorption rates.
Serviced land, which is connected to utilities, is even scarcer, with only three years supply available.
"Further land release, is constrained by the natural geographic barriers surrounding Sydney. Given the tight levels of land supply we anticipate competition for new land releases and land values to rise across all Sydney industrial markets in the medium term.
Looking ahead, rental growth is anticipated to remain steady as demand levels from the logistics sector, a key driver of demand for larger assets stabilises. Construction services are providing positive momentum, thanks to historical highs in residential construction," the report advised.
From an investment perspective, the hunt for higher yields is anticipated to push some investors into secondary assets. Yield spreads between the prime and secondary markets in the lead up to the GFC fell to 50 basis points, presently they are 120 basis points which points to investors overvaluing risk in the secondary markets.
With competition for industrial assets still high amongst investors, secondary assets will be a key part of future strategies, particularly for assets with development upside and proximity to high quality infrastructure links.
Sydney has the largest infrastructure pipeline of any state in Australia. According to the government’s own forecasts, there will be an estimated $39 billion in transport infrastructure spending in NSW over the next four years.
Sydney’s western industrial precinct continues to strong investment conditions with strong interest from off shore investors – Singapore, HK, Japan, Kwap from Malaysia, Mitsui. US investor Blackstone has broken the previous investment record held by Ascendas, after acquiring $1.3 billion of Goodman industrial assets across the East Coast, in two tranches. This sale will provide Goodman with strong financial support to fund future land acquisitions and developments globally.
Domestically, REITs such as Charter Hall and Mirvac, as well as fund management group AMP are actively pursuing industrial opportunities. In June, AMP acquired JP Morgan’s industrial portfolio worth over $250 million, on a portfolio weighted average yield of 6.5 per cent.
"Prime initial yields in the west compressed by a further 15 basis points from June to September on the back of strong investment volumes. With prime yields compressing to 10 year highs, we anticipate that the spread between prime and secondary industrial assets will tighten from its current margin of 120 basis points over the coming twelve months as investors look for higher performing returns, with development or repositioning upside.
Land acquisition opportunities are becoming tightly contested, with owner occupiers actively competing with established developers for opportunities. Landlords are also looking at speculative opportunities with Goodman building a 22,000sqm facility in Oakdale Central, and Mirvac developing 19,000sqm in Wallgrove Road, Eastern Creek. Developers are speculatively developing due to tight vacancy rates in the Western market, and limited opportunities for tenants in the 10,000sqm plus market," the report stated.
Tenant demographics are becoming more diversified in the western market, with 40 per cent of tenants being from storage, transport and logistics businesses, however the strong performance of retail discretionary spending by consumers is driving demand from retailers looking for storage and distribution facilities.
Tenant activity from corporates has been consistently strong, with tenants such as White Wires, Blackmores, Tyre Max and Pet Barn moving into the west. Incentives are bene ting from this strong demand, falling slightly to 15 per cent, however rental pricing is still a signi cant driver of tenant demand, with Blue Star print group moving from Rydalmere due to lower rents.
Rental growth performance is strong, with net effective rents up by 3 per cent year on year, higher than their 10 year average growth rate of 2.3 per cent. We are forecasting industrial effective rents to rise in the next twelve months by between 3-5 per cent, due to asset and land scarcity, and rising demand from tenants with exposure to discretionary retail.
According to the government’s own forecasts, there will be an estimated $39 billion in transport infrastructure spending in NSW over the next four years.
Sharp rises in capital values, over a relatively short term, may encourage some owners to realise gains.
Recent sales evidence in the northern market shows that capital value uplift of 20 to 30 per can occur on the back of strong investor demand, and diminishing supply levels.
An example of this was 20 Whiting Street in Artarmon transacted for $2.2 million in December 2014, was recently sold for $2.8 million, an increase of 21 per cent in eighteen months. The vendors of a 9,000sqm asset at 28 Rodborough Road French’s Forest realised a 25 per cent rise in capital values since acquiring their asset for $15 million in December 2014, and selling it recently $20 million.
This exceptional rise in values is all the more extraordinary given that prior to 2014, capital values in the north had seen little or no growth. Such robust capital growth is attracting private and institutional investment interest from off shore investors.
Owner occupiers, are also prevalent, particularly in the construction, food retail and technology sectors.
Leasing activity in the secondary market is also showing positive signs, a key driver of which has been demolition clauses which are typically more common in prime markets.
Weight of capital, whilst an early driver of improving investment levels, has now been matched by strong rental performance with prime net effective rents growing by 21 per cent in the last twelve months, secondary net effective rents have risen by 10 per cent during the same period.
Prime incentives remain steady at an average of 16 per cent, with secondary incentives lower at 14 per cent. The disparity, which is unique to the northern market, is being driven by demolition clauses in prime assets, due to the new masterplan that is encouraging rezoning industrial zones to residential use.
The shrinking pool of available assets in the South Sydney market is creating opportunities and challenges for investors, tenants and landlords. Since 2012, an estimated 29 per cent of the Southern industrial market has been withdrawn for rezoning to residential development, and the acquisition of land for WestConnex and Sydney Metro.
For tenants, this means that there are fewer available assets leading many of them to look for owner occupancy opportunities, however vacant possession are rarely available. Tighter space availability is leading to buildings using investment style methods such as expressions of interest, to lease their space.
This has significant benefits for landlords, reducing their incentives and increasing their face rents but entering a competitive bid process.
One recent leasing deal saw three parties competitively bid for an industrial facility, with the winning party accepting terms five per cent above the initial face rental o er, with no incentives. We anticipate that tight vacancy will lead to more of these EOI style leasing campaigns in the short to medium term.
For investors, holding assets close to public transport amenity and within the B6 planning overlays, converting their industrial assets to office use is becoming a popular strategy to reposition older assets, and attract higher rents.
Alexandria has been at the epicentre of this redevelopment trend, appealing to tenants from the technology and creative industries, attracted to the industrial feel of the area, and blank canvas creative opportunities large floorplate former industrial assets offer. From a rental perspective, pricing for an industrial facility in this area is typically $150-250 per square meter on a net face basis, however after a simple office conversion these rents escalate to between $350-425/sqm.
In the strata unit market, popular amongst owner occupiers, recent off the plan developments have seen significant increases in their capital value rising by over 30 per cent in the past eighteen months.
Recent investment sales in the South have been scarce, however cap rate compression continues to remain a feature as fewer assets are contested by a still rising number of investors.
"Looking ahead, the rapid pace of change in the South Sydney market will drive changes to the mix of assets, tenants and owners. Vertical industrial facilities such as those seen in other land constrained markets in the UK, and Asia, will become a feature of this market as developers look to cater to goods and service delivery to adjacent growing residential areas and city centres," the report states.
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Investor demand in Sydney for industrial assets remain steady

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Average room rates and occupancy levels largely in line with those reported last year for the Canberra hotel market, according to Colliers International’s latest report.
The ACT hotel market continues to be tightly held with just three significant hotel transactions since late 2015, being the Best Western Tall Trees, Crowne Plaza Canberra and the Clifton Suites.
The sale of the Crowne Plaza Canberra was part of the property sale of Eureka assets to SB &amp;G Hotel Group in late 2015.
There has only been one major transaction for year to date 2016 being the Clifton Suites on Northbourne Canberra, according to the Colliers report.
Facilimate together with Perth-based investment group Ascot Capital acquired the 153-room Clifton Suites hotel for a reported $65 million. This transaction represented one of the largest hotel transactions in Canberra since the global financial crisis.
The Canberra Airport has experienced declines in passenger numbers since 2009-2010, with 2015-16 being the first year that the airport has recorded positive growth (of 0.4 per cent).
“We highlight that historically the Airport has only catered for domestic traffic but Singapore Airlines has commenced direct services operating from Canberra to Singapore and Canberra to Wellington as at late September 2016. These direct flights will undoubtedly assist demand for Canberra hotels.
“For August 2016 YTD, we note that the Canberra hotel market has recorded occupancy levels of 72 per cent for YTD August 2016 (down marginally at 0.6 percentage points), average room rates of $162 (up marginally at 0.1 per cent) and RevPAR over $117 (down marginally at -0.8 per cent),” the report stated.
<a href="/images/2016/11/04/Canberra%20airport%20arrivals.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Canberra%20airport%20arrivals.jpg" alt="">
Data from Colliers Edge highlights increased tenant activity which has seen a steady decline in the headline vacancy rate from 15.4 per cent in January 2015 to 13 per cent in July 2016 as recorded in the latest Property Council figures.
Vacancy in A and B grade stock is tightening significantly in Canberra with a number of town centres recording 0 per cent vacancy and the CBD with very limited options for potential tenants.
C and D grade conversely have increasing levels of vacancy, however a number of adaptive re-use projects will see this trend begin to reverse in the near future.
“We note that in particular the office vacancy level of A grade office space has been declining over the past three years, and hence it could be expected that corporate demand remains stable for Canberra hotels.
We highlight however that the Canberra hotel market is also heavily dependent on demand from government activity and demand is influenced by parliament sitting weeks and election cycles,” the report stated.
<a href="/images/2016/11/04/Canberra%20office%20vacancy.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Canberra%20office%20vacancy.jpg" alt="">
There have been two new hotel openings in the past year including the 120 room Little National developed and operated by Doma Group which opened in early September 2015 and the new 191 room Vibe Hotel at Canberra Airport.
“We highlight that there is limited additional new supply anticipated for the Canberra hotel market, especially in comparison to other key hotel markets around Australia,” the report states.
In mid-June 2015 an announcement was made that the ACT government had allocated $5.4 million over two years to the refurbishment of the National Convention Centre.
This refurbishment is currently taking place and the final component of the refurbishment program will be completed in January 2017.
Early planning is also being completed for the construction of a new multi-purpose sporting stadium and entertainment centre to cater for between 20,000 to 30,500 seats.
The project is not anticipated to commence until mid-2020 with construction not anticipated to be completed until mid-2024.
<a href="/images/2016/11/04/Canberra%20rooms%20accommodation.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Canberra%20rooms%20accommodation.jpg" alt="">
The Canberra market has traditionally been dominated by local players, however the purchase of the Abode in October 2014 by a Melbourne based fund manager, together the with the recent transaction of the Clifton Suites on Northbourne (to Facilimate together with Perth-based investment group Ascot Capital) suggests that there may be greater ownership diversity in the future.
Colliers International is not aware of any open market campaigns for any Canberra hotels at present apart from part interest in a hotel in Braddon.
STR data supports that the Canberra hotel market performed well in 2015, up significantly from the lows of 2014, and has continued to be stable in YTD August 2016, performing well despite the recent supply additions.
With only minor new supply anticipated for the future, Colliers anticipate that the Canberra market should be stable, supported by demand from corporate, government and domestic tourism sources.
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Outlook for the Canberra hotel market is positive: Colliers

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The Union Arts Centre, circa 1865, at Clunes is going to auction.
The 1031 sqm corner site property is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-clunes-123938150" target="_blank">22 Fraser Street</a> and is a period style residence and commercial space with a fully functioning artists studio/exhibition space.
This is an opportunity to acquire a historical bank building with attached dwelling of seven substantial rooms and separate light filled studio/gallery space created by renowned architect Daryl Jackson.
The property is set in the heart of Clunes which is home to ‘Booktown’ Festival that brings thousands of visitors to town.
It features 14’ ceilings, huge country kitchen with combustion stove, open fires and two bathrooms. It would be an ideal property or home and business.
The auction is on November 26 and is offered through AAG Property Consultants agents Angela Flowers and Jo Millar.
It last traded for $140,000 in 1999.
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Historic circa 1865 Union Arts Centre at Clunes on auction

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The De Angelis Hotel Group has purchased the Uncle Buck's Hotel in Mount Druitt for $25.3 million.
CBRE’s Daniel Dragicevich and Sam Handy negotiated the sale on behalf of ASX listed Lantern Hotels Group. Lantern advised that the sale price represented a 30.5 percent premium on the 30 June 2016 book value.
The 5,640sqm site offers future mixed used redevelopment potential underpinned by B4 mixed-use zoning and 32m building height approval.
The hotel features a 24-hour liquor licence with ‘early opener’ flexibility, and 27 gaming machines.
Dragicevich said Uncle Bucks offers all the core trading attributes of a top 50 gaming pub.
“Assets such as this are seldom publicly offered to market, which contributed to a keenly contested process which yielded an exchange of contracts some four days prior to the scheduled close of the campaign," he said.
“The availability of Sydney’s AAA gaming pubs is rapidly diminishing, with only a small pool of these assets remaining under private individual ownership and seemingly available for acquisition in the foreseeable future. Genuine market buoyancy at the top end is being driven by this undersupply, in combination with robust trading conditions, improved debt liquidity and a low interest rate environment."
 
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De Angelis Hotel Group snaps up Uncle Buck's at Mount Druitt

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Sentinel Property Group has purchased the Port Hedland Boulevard Shopping Centre in Western Australia for $17.6 million from a private vendor.
The shopping centre has Woolworths as along term tenant on a 20-year lease expiring in 2028 plus two further five-year options.
The shopping centre, 150 Anderson Street, spans 6,259sqm and also features two Harvey Norman stores, 16 specialty shops and a service station. 
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Port%20Hedland%202.jpg" alt="">
Warren Ebert, Sentinel managing director said the company is pleased to be growing its property presence in WA in the strategic regional location of Port Hedland.
"We believe it is the right time to be buying in this location as there are strong growth prospects ahead," he said.
"Port Hedland is the world’s largest bulk minerals port, is Australia’s largest export port by annual throughput and ships over 58 percent of Australia’s total iron ore exports. The Pilbara Ports Authority has forecast a 16 percent increase in shipping capacity over the next three years.
"Sentinel has been looking to buy in this region for some time and has now been able to capitalise as a result of asset repricing on the back of the down turn in iron ore."
The Port Hedland Boulevard Shopping Centre is the latest asset of the open-ended pooled Sentinel Countrywide Retail Trust, which also owns shopping centres in Dubbo, Bathurst and Broken Hill in NSW and Atherton, Townsville and Emerald (x2) in QLD.
Sentinel has recently completed the sales of two shopping centres in central NSW that were held by the Sentinel Countrywide Retail Trust – a Coles anchored centre at Wellington for $3.6 million (September 2016), and a Coles anchored centre in Narromine for $4.18 million (July 2016). Respectively, the centres at Wellington and Narromine were purchased for $2.7 million and $3.35 million in May 2015.
Mr Ebert said Sentinel is both a seller and a buyer in the neighbourhood shopping centre sector at current prices.
“We have bought very well in this sector, when it was unloved by others, and as a result we are receiving a number of unsolicited offers to acquire our centres,” he said.
“We will continue to take money off the table as opportunities arise to maximise returns for our investors. We also remain an active opportunistic buyer, particularly in regional locations not yet fully identified by others.”
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Port%20Hedland%203.jpg" alt="">
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Sentinel acquires Port Hedland Boulevard Shopping Centre in WA 

<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.

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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.

[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]

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.

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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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