<html><body>
New ‘full line’ Coles and Woolworths supermarkets and a new K-Mart will be features of the $116 million redevelopment and expansion of Stockland’s Baldivis Shopping Centre in Rockingham, south of Perth.
Two new mini-majors and 75 new specialty retailers will take the centre to a total of 95 speciality stores. The redevelopment will also include a new 275 seat indoor and outdoor dining terrace and 1,400 car parking spaces.
Developer Stockland today announced the project to quadruple the size of the shopping centre with work to begin early next year. The centre will expand from 7,000 square metres to create a gross lettable area of about 29,500 square metres.
<img alt="Baldivis-Artist-Impression_Exterior-130827baldiuvis-dec-18-one" src="/images/stories/2013/12/18/Baldivis-Artist-Impression_Exterior-130827baldiuvis-dec-18-one.jpg" height="291" width="470">
Work will be completed in two stages: the first set for completion towards the end of 2014 and the second in mid-2015.
Baldivis is one of the fastest growing regions in Western Australia, with a population growth of 7.6% per annum.
“Redeveloping our most productive shopping centres is a key part of our growth strategy,” Stockland managing director and CEO Mark Steinert said.
“At Stockland Baldivis we’ll create a first class retail destination alongside our Settlers Hill residential community and Affinity retirement living village for the benefit and convenience of our residents and visitors to the region.”
The shopping centre will continue to trade through the expansion. Stockland says it will work closely with the builder to minimise any disruption.
“Baldivis will be the third major shopping centre redevelopment project undertaken in our latest wave of projects,’’ John Schroder, CEO commercial property at Stockland, said.
‘’Earlier this year we began a $115 million project at Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast and a $222 million redevelopment at Wetherill Park in western Sydney.”
Baldivis is forecast to deliver an incremental internal rate of return of 13%. After the redevelopment, the funds from operations economic yield forecast is 8.0%.
“Stockland Baldivis is our most productive centre with current total moving average turnover of $15,697 per square metre,” Schroder said.
In the recent Shopping Centre News Mini Guns 2013 lead table, Baldivis was rated the best performing centre in Australia based on total MAT sales per square metre.
“Over the next 18 months, we’ll transform the neighbourhood centre that exists today into the area’s premier shopping centre destination,” Schroder said. ‘’This project will generate hundreds of new jobs in construction and retail and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.”
The design will incorporate the highest environmental standards and expected to gain a 4 Star Green Star Rating (Retail Centre Design v1 by the Green Building Council of Australia).
Key facts about Stockland Baldivis redevelopment: 
- $116 million redevelopment and expansion
- Construction scheduled to commence in early 2014 and expected to be completed by mid-2015
- The redevelopment will increase the size of the centre from 7,000 square metres to approximately 29,500 square metres
- The redeveloped centre is forecast to deliver an incremental Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 13 per cent. Funds From Operations (FFO) economic yield is forecast to be 8.0 per cent.
- Redevelopment to include a full-line Coles, full-line Woolworths, two mini-majors and a total of 95 speciality stores
- 275 seat indoor and outdoor dining terrace
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

staylor-63KgDrKwoY

Stockland announces $116 million redevelopment in Rockingham

<html><body>
A Melbourne finance company has acquired one of the last remaining suites in the 140 East development on Bourke Street.
The local owner-occupier bought the 280 square metre site with vacant possession from vendor Drapac for $1.25 million.
The sale comes one week after commercial estate agent Burgess Rawson bought level seven of the building. The tower is now 98% sold, with just one suite remaining.
CBRE’s Tom Tuxworth, who negotiated the sale in conjunction with agents Ed Wright and Chris Pharr, said the property’s location was a key selling factor.
“This suite is ideally situated in the former Hoyts Cinema office tower. It’s at the top end of Melbourne’s East End, which is home to several blue-chip office buildings, luxury international retailers, high-end hotels and renowned restaurants.
“Having the Virgin Active health and fitness club on the ground level was also a drawcard.” 
Tuxworth said the majority of 140 East property owners were buying within their self-managed super funds to take advantage of tax benefits.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

Buyers line up for 140 East development 

<html><body>
The level of residential rental vacancies rose in November to 2.2% or 62,885 nationwide.
 <img alt="sqm_dec_18_one" src="/images/stories/2013/12/17/sqm_dec_18_one.png" height="107" width="470">
SQM Research has revealed that the increase breaks an ongoing trend - being the first rise after four consecutive monthly declines in residential rental vacancies nationally.
The company attributes much of this to seasonality, with large numbers of university students vacating their rental accommodation as the study year comes to a close.
However, looked at year on year, a 0.3% increase in national vacancies signals that the rental market has substantially eased since November last year.
Also of interest is that, when comparing this month’s increase to the same period in 2012 - October to November - the rise is 0.1% greater in 2013, hinting at a potential sales market recovery.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher says a city-by-city breakdown reveals that Darwin had the most substantial monthly rise, climbing 0.5 percentage points month-on-month.
He said this could be perceived as a pleasing result for the northern capital which has been suffering tight vacancy rates in the past 12 months. However, the rental market has loosened up lately.
Year-on-year, Perth has recorded a substantial increase - up 1.0%. Ongoing increases in vacancies can be attributed largely to the decline in mining activity.
“The national rental market has recorded a rise in vacancies for November which is normal for this time of year. It is likely as well that the December result will also rise,’’ said Christopher.
‘’Brisbane now appears to be recording a clear upward trend in vacancies. Of particular interest is what is happening with the Brisbane CBD, where, on our numbers, vacancy rates are now 4.7% and rising quickly.
‘’On the other hand, Hobart is recording a clear trend of declining vacancies, with the rate there 1.4% after continuous declines for the past six months. Investors should be fully aware of rental market conditions before making decisions in the housing market.”
SQM’s vacancy calculations are based on online rental listings advertised for three weeks or more, compared to the total number of established rental properties. The company considers this to be a superior methodology compared to using a potentially incomplete sample of agency surveys, or relying on raw online listings advertised. 
Key points
 
<ul>
<li>Nationally, rental vacancies rose in November to 2.2% and to a total of 62,885 nationally. </li>
<li>Melbourne has the highest vacancy rate of the capitals, at 3.0% or 13,132.</li>
<li>Hobart and Adelaide have the tightest vacancy rates of the capital, both at 1.4% and a total of 385 and 2460 respectively.</li>
<li>Perth had the highest yearly increase in vacancies, climbing 1.1% to 2.1% since November 2012 with 3,171 vacancies.</li>
<li>Hobart had the largest yearly decline in vacancies, falling 0.8% to 1.4% since November 2012.</li>
<li>Darwin had the highest monthly vacancy rate rise - up 0.5% this November to 1.5% or 356 vacancies.</li>
<li>Canberra and Hobart were the only capitals to record a monthly decline, both falling 0.1% in November to record rates of 2.0% and 1.4% respectively.</li>
</ul>
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
<ul></ul>
</body></html>

Vacancies increase across the country: SQM Research

<html><body>
Three Queensland hotels run by Wesfarmers were the jewel in the crown of a busy investment portfolio auction at Crown casino last week.
Burgess Rawson auctioneer David Scholes put the hotel freeholds – all with new 15-year leases to Coles Liquorland – under the hammer before a large crowd in the casino’s River Room. They were among 14 commercial properties offered on the day.
Scholes said that, under Queensland law, Coles must run the hotels in order to retain the bottle shops – hence the long leases being offered. He said the company operates 92 hotels Australia-wide.
Strong bidding for the hotels – with more than 30 bids for the first offering - reflected investor confidence in the strength of the hotel industry.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ourhotels.com.au/royalenglishhotel/">Royal English Hotel</a>, in Sandgate Road, Nundah, attracted $7.75 million on a yield of 7%. As well as the new 15-year lease it comes with five 10-year options, as do the other two hotels.
Coles has agreed to spend $1.5 million on refurbishments on this busy inner northern suburban hotel which returns $550,000 net annually, with the tenant paying rates, taxes and insurance.
The hotel adjoins the Circa Nundah mixed use precinct with 184 apartments and 1200 square metre office tower. It has a public bar, bistro, function room and gaming room with 40 machines. There are 22 car spaces and three detached bottle shops. Nearby are a Woolworths store and 15 shops, as well as the railway line and freeway.
Bidding began at $6 million and ran quickly through 30 bids to the sale price.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g1132645-d2557638-Reviews-Currimundi_Hotel_Motel-Sunshine_Coast_Queensland">Currimundi Hotel</a>, Motor Inn and Liquorland outlet in Buderim Street, Battery Hill, Caloundra, brought $5.8 million reflecting a yield of 6.9%.
Buyers may have been influenced by Scholes’ claim that the district’s 338,000 population was expected to grow almost 50% in the next 50 years, after having doubled in the past 10.
The hotel on 15,698 square metres returns $400,000 per annum net rent. It has a public bar, bistro, gaming room with 40 machines, and drive through bottle shop. The motor inn has 26 three-star motel rooms on two levels, and pool.
The complex is 500 metres from the beach in this popular tourism belt 90km north of Brisbane.
<a target="_blank" href="https://publocation.com.au/pubs/qld/mackay/taylors-hotel">Taylors Hotel</a> and Liquorland in Wood Street, Mackay, went for $3.150 million at a yield of 7.94%. Built in 1936 the hotel on a corner site of 1,287 square metres has 16 rooms and the Liquorland outlet and returns $250,000 per annum net rent.
Features are the extensive bottle shop and public bar, TAB, bistro, beer garden and gaming room with 35 machines.
Scholes said the Mackay region was benefiting from $4.5 million in residential projects. He said Wood Street was set for government funded refurbishments.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

Wesfarmers' Queensland hotels saw strong bids

<html><body>
The boss of one of Australia’s iconic real estate agencies is stepping down as a member of Family Business Australia’s NSW committee after 13 years.
To commemorate his contribution, Angus Raine, executive chairman and CEO of real estate agents Raine &amp; Horne, was honoured with a special award at an FBA Hall of Fame event in November. His company was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
The FBA is the peak body of the family business sector, which accounts for around 70% of all Australian businesses and employs 50% of the private workforce.
Raine, the fourth generation of the family to run the 130-year old real estate firm, was part of a group of dedicated family business owners contributing to the growth and development of FBA in NSW, said Philippa Taylor, CEO of Family Business Australia.
In 2012, for example, Raine made a significant contribution to the Senate Inquiry into Family Business in Australia.
“Angus was part of an FBA delegation, which included a number of iconic family businesses, that visited Canberra on National Family Business Day to remind government about the significant contribution family businesses make to the Australian economy,” said Taylor.
“As a result of this delegation, a Senate inquiry was established and Angus was a major contributor to the 21 recommendations handed down by the inquiry.”
Raine was also a regular guest speaker at FBA events – and, reportedly, an entertaining MC.
After 13 years, Raine is satisfied with his contribution to FBA and believes it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation of family business owners.
“I am proud of the achievements of FBA and the contribution we’ve made to the family business sector, which is valued at more than $4 trillion. It represents a figure that governments of all persuasions ignore at their peril.”
The Raine &amp; Horne chief also urges family businesses seeking long-term success, or who are in the process of succession planning, to pursue advice and learning pathways at FBA.
“Along with invaluable peer learning, FBA accredited advisers, who specialise in family business, can provide assistance with generational change issues and succession planning.”
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

Raine steps down from family business peak body after 13 years

<html><body>
An Australian-based, full service real estate investment and asset management partnership has been formed by UBS and Grocon.
UBS Global Asset Management is one of the world’s top five real estate investment managers, and Grocon is one of Australia’s largest private development and construction firms.
The joint venture, based in Sydney, is called UBS Grocon Real Estate. It aims to provide market-leading investment opportunities for investors by combining UBS Global Asset Management's capital raising and real estate investment management capabilities with Grocon's expertise in development and deal origination.
The new entity will support demand from institutional investors for a broad range of fund types and real estate investment products covering core office, residential, and other value add and opportunistic investments.
It will benefit from a first right of refusal over Grocon's development pipeline as well as being able to acquire third party assets in the open market.
John Fraser, CEO and chairman, UBS Global Asset Management, will chair UBS Grocon Real Estate and Daniel Grollo, CEO Grocon, will be a non-executive director. The rest of the board will be appointed in the coming months.
"This partnership forms part of our strategy to strengthen our real estate presence in the APAC region and specifically in the Australian market,’’ Fraser said.
"Securing a partnership with one of Australia’s most prominent developers will allow us to bring the best development opportunities as well as top quality assets to both our domestic and international client base."
Daniel Grollo said: ”This is an exciting opportunity to work with one of the great global brands and one of the world’s largest real estate asset managers. The joint venture will support Grocon’s aim of producing the best investment grade real estate product in Australia."
Thomas Wels, head of global real estate, Global Asset Management, said: "This is an important building block in our global growth strategy. More and more of our growth will stem from partnering with best in class real estate developers to bring the best investment opportunities to our global client base."
UBS Grocon Real Estate is expected to participate in a number of substantial investments over the coming months from within Grocon’s existing $2 billion development pipeline and beyond. This covers significant residential projects, including the next stage of Grocon’s redevelopment of the Carlton Brewery and its redevelopment of 85 Spring Street, both in Melbourne.
UBS Grocon Real Estate is separately exploring potential high quality office investments from Grocon’s development pipeline.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

UBS and Grocon join forces for real estate investment and asset management partnership 

<html><body>
A 125-place child care centre in Ringwood, 25km east of Melbourne, was the subject of a ferocious bidding war at a busy commercial property auction at Crown Casino last week.
Bidding began at $2.5 million and, 30 bids later, reached $3.145 million on a yield on 6.7%.
The 290 Maroondah Highway centre, on 2,649 square metres, was built in 2006. It is run by an ‘’established and successful’’ operator, according to Burgess Rawson auctioneer David Scholes.
The 918 square metre purpose-built centre, enjoying a 95% occupancy rate, comes with a new 20-year lease with two 10-year options.
Scholes said the government was spending $575 million on refurbishing the nearby shopping centre, and that the centre was ‘’in the perfect position to enjoy expected growth in the area.’’
The child care centre was one of 15 properties auctioned by the commercial estate agent in the casino’s River Room.
</body></html>

Ringwood childcare centre subject of bidding war

<html><body>
Australian housing is in a growth phase, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia.
Pointing to the latest Bendigo Bank/REIA Real Estate Market Facts report, president Peter Bushby said: “The weighted average, capital city, median price increased 3.0% for houses and 2.2% for other dwellings during the September quarter.
“The weighted average, median house price for eight capital cities is now $562,503. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hobart contributed to the increase, while Perth recorded the biggest drop, down by 3.8%.
“At $722,718, the Sydney median house price is the highest across the capital cities. Hobart remains the lowest at $352,000 -- 37.4% lower than the national weighted average.”
Bushby said that, compared to the same time last year, the weighted average median house price rose 9.5%.
“The weighted average median price for other dwellings in the eight capital cities was $460,315 over the quarter with Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin recording rises, while Adelaide had the biggest quarterly fall, down by 3.2%.
“There was good news for investors in some centres. Over the September quarter, the median house rent for three-bedroom houses increased in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin. Rents remained unchanged in Adelaide and Canberra while Perth and Hobart fell by 1.0% and 2.1% respectively.
“For the next year we expect interest rates to stay relatively low and continue to assist the market. We expect continued steady improvement in activity in most markets and generally a more positive year ahead provided there are no left-field global issues that emerge.”
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

Australian housing in a growth phase: Bendigo Bank/REIA report

<html><body>
The Queensland residential unit and townhouse market experienced a significant climb in sales over the September quarter, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
The REIQ Queensland Market Monitor, released on Friday, found that the preliminary numbers of unit sales across the state grew by 14% over the September quarter. The number of unit sales increased by 12% compared to the same period last year.
“During the September quarter last year, we experienced a significant jump in unit sales activity – up 40% compared to the previous quarter - due to favourable stamp duty changes brought in by the State Government,” said REIQ CEO Anton Kardash.
“To again record increased activity this year is a great sign that our unit market is heading in the right direction.
‘’Although we are yet to experience significant price increases, no doubt that will happen over the next six to 12 months as the market strengthens even further.”
Most major regions recorded steady quarterly median unit prices. However, there is always some volatility in quarterly median prices given that the size of unit markets varies greatly across Queensland.
The top performer for median unit price growth over the September quarter was Cairns, which posted a 10% increase to $215,000. “The Cairns unit market has struggled more than most over recent years so this result helps to partly address any price reductions it has experienced of late,” Kardash said.
“The Brisbane market remained steady at $400,000 over the quarter but posted a 13% increase in preliminary unit sales. It also saw a huge jump in the numbers of million-plus sales which is another signal that confidence has returned to the market.”
Across the state, the numbers of million-plus sales jumped 21% over the quarter and 65% over the year. In Brisbane, sales of million-plus units grew by 41% over the quarter and 108% over the year. This can be partly be attributed to the high number of new off-the-plan developments being completed across our capital city, Kardash said.
While the median unit price on the Gold Coast fell by 2.9% over the quarter to $335,000, the numbers of preliminary unit sales rose 13% over the quarter and 30% over the year. There was also a jump in sales below $250,000 – up 28% compared to the previous quarter, which has contributed to the reduced quarterly median price.
On the Sunshine Coast, the median unit and townhouse price fell 2.3% to $320,000 but, again, the numbers of sales were up 9% cent over the quarter and 10% over the year. The region also experienced strengthening demand for units below $250,000 and units priced above $500,000.
<a href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

Queensland unit and townhouse market experienced a significant climb: REIQ

<html><body>
Former federal Health Minister Michael Wooldridge, and ex-Melbourne City councillor and Places Victoria chairman Peter Clarke, are among five former directors of the failed Prime Retirement and Aged Care Property Trust facing charges in the Federal Court of not acting in the best interests of their 8000 unit holders.  
The men – and other former directors William Lionel Lewski, Mark Frederick Butler and Kim Jaques - are fighting possible corporate bans and hefty fines in the case brought by the corporate regulator.  
Prime Trust was a managed investment scheme with retirement villages in Queensland, NSW and Victoria when it collapsed in 2010 owing investors around $550 million.
ASIC alleges the former directors erred when they approved changes to the trust’s constitution in 2006, allowing a $33?million listing fee to be paid out of trust funds to Prime’s founder, Lewski, who controlled its responsible entity.  
Another contentious change to the constitution involved the inclusion of a so-called ‘poison pill’ clause ensuring the trust’s responsible entity to be paid out if it were removed.  
ASIC commissioner Greg Tanzer said Tuesday’s judgement by Justice Murphy was a reminder that ‘’responsible entities have to put the interests of their unit holders first’’.
‘‘This is a significant outcome for investors. Directors are important gatekeepers who must discharge their duties with the appropriate care and diligence. This has not happened here. The conduct of the (Prime) board was unacceptable and today's judgment reflects that.’’
The penalty hearing will begin early next year. ASIC said the court can order maximum fines of up to $200,000 each over the charges.  
Liquidators Lawler Draper Dillon are running separate civil proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria over payment of the listing fee and are seeking compensation and damages.  
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:staylor@propertyobserver.com.au">staylor@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
</body></html>

Prime Trust property directors found to have breached duties

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

&nbsp;

FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

Stephen Taylor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News