Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Australia Post is one of the country’s most trusted institutions, powering one of the largest delivery networks in Australia. As online shopping continues to scale, Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online.

That scale of eCommerce activity has fundamentally changed expectations around how and when parcels arrive, and what happens when someone isn't home.

<h3>Problem solved with Parcel Lockers</h3>

The traditional alternatives to home delivery are far from ideal. Buildings can rely on reception teams to manage deliveries, which introduces ongoing staffing costs and liability concerns. Parcels can be left in common areas, which creates security and aesthetic issues. Or residents are redirected to nearby Post Offices for collection, which shifts the inconvenience rather than solving it.

<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/dVG5ChLHf7E?si=D9hQRGCBuzlSQBqK" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The data behind that frustration is significant. Nationally, around 9 per cent of deliveries are carded, meaning the recipient was not home and must collect the parcel from a Post Office. That figure reflects the national average reported between November 2025 and January 2026. In Melbourne, that figure rises to 20 per cent. In high-density living, it climbs again to 28 per cent. In other words, more than one in four deliveries in Melbourne apartment buildings results in a failed first attempt.

<h3>How Parcel Lockers work</h3>

The mechanics are simple. When a parcel arrives, the resident receives a notification either through the Australia Post app or via SMS. They scan a QR code, use their one-time PIN and the compartment opens. The parcel is secure, accessible and removed from the lobby floor.

Located in thoughtfully chosen, easily accessible areas, including external building interfaces, mixed-use precincts or shared communal zones, Parcel Lockers enhance convenience without requiring internal building access or additional operational oversight.

<h3>The scale of the network</h3>

This expansion represents Australia Post's largest investment in parcel infrastructure to date, building on momentum that began in 2011 when the first 24 Parcel Locker sites were introduced.

Today the Australia Post Parcel Locker network spans over 1,400 locations and more than 105,000 individual compartments, with major investment already underway to significantly expand the network further.

<h3>What it means for developers and building operators</h3>

A Parcel Locker bank is free to install and free for residents to use. That removes one of the primary barriers to adoption and shifts the conversation from cost to integration.

Australia Post's preference is to engage with developers during the design phase. That allows Parcel Lockers to be located in a considered, publicly accessible space that works for residents and the broader community. Retrofit is possible, and existing buildings can be assessed, but the strongest results occur when Parcel Lockers are treated as part of the core services plan rather than a bolt-on solution.

While the iconic Australia Post red is widely recognised, Parcel Lockers can also be delivered in more muted palettes such as beige or green to align with architectural intent.

For developers, they offer a tech-forward amenity that meets modern expectations, a reduction in courier congestion and building-management load supporting lower emissions and better ESG outcomes, and a meaningful marketability advantage in high-density, eCommerce-active areas, all at no cost for installation and maintenance, with Australia Post funding the program aside from power access.

<h3>Who's using them</h3>

Generational shopping behaviours show strong, sustained growth across all cohorts. Millennials (27–43) led online spend in 2024, contributing nearly $25 billion. Baby Boomers (60–78) increased their online spend by 17.6 per cent, becoming the fastest-growing adopters. Gen Z (13–26) and Gen X (44–59) continue to lean on delivery services as part of their everyday shopping habits.

Internationally, uptake is even more pronounced. Overseas markets are seeing rapid adoption by both developers and consumers, positioning Parcel Lockers as standard infrastructure in many new residential projects. For Melbourne's development community, this signals a shift in baseline expectations. Just as secure bike storage and dedicated parcel rooms have become more common, integrated Parcel Locker networks may soon be viewed as part of the essential service mix.

<h3>The bigger picture</h3>

Parcel Lockers aren't just a logistics fix. Developers invest heavily in lobby design, materials, lighting and landscaping to shape first impressions. Yet a stack of unattended parcels can undo that effort in an instant. Embedding parcel infrastructure early allows projects to respond to how people actually live today, supporting resident satisfaction, reducing operational strain and aligning with broader community and ESG outcomes.

As Belinda Quinn, Senior Transaction Manager – Retail &amp; Out of Home at Australia Post, puts it, residents increasingly expect delivery solutions that align with real life, are flexible, secure and available whenever they need them.

How Australia Post is solving the parcel problem for apartment living

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The latest HIA-RP Data residential land report is signalling only modest improvements in new home building activity. 
“From a very low base in 2011, residential land sales have displayed only modest upward momentum, a trend reinforced by the 4.3% increase observable for the March 2013 quarter,” says HIA chief economist, Harley Dale. 
“The March quarter update signals we are moving in the right direction, but, as a key leading indicator, land sales suggest the magnitude of a first stage new home building recovery will fall short of what the economy requires. 
“Any clear improving trends are limited to NSW and Western Australia.” 
“WA is the only state to have achieved clear and consistent improvements in residental land sales over the past 18 months. 
Despite only a modest pick-up in sales, Dale says land prices continue to find record highs. 
"Sydney and Perth are the country’s two most expensive land markets - and by quite a margin.” 
"It’s no coincidence that they are the two most highly taxed residential new home building markets in the country, due in large part to excessive taxes and charges related to land."



Dale says these costs aren’t exclusive to Sydney and Perth. He says other capital cities are seeing upwards price pressures on serviceable residential land. 

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staylor-63KgDrKwoY

Residential land sales up modest 4.3% in March quarter: HIA-RP Data

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september21pettit]}
Ken Woolley's latest Modernist Pettit + Sevitt project home, built recently with 21st Century thinking, has been sold for $900,000.
Initially listed in 2011 with $1.18 million plus hopes, it was most recently marketed with revised $850,000 plus expectations.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-kellyville-nsw-2155/152446">The five-bedroom, two-bathroom Lowline house project</a> by the veteran architect was built in the Sydney hills district suburb of Kellyville at the request of Val Sevitt, the widow of company co-founder Ron Sevitt.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pettitandsevitt.com.au/">It is some three decades after the original building company closed its doors</a>. The original 1960s house design (pictured below) has been updated to meet modern building requirements in the Kellyville project.
<img height="273" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/pettitandsevittmay1one.jpg" alt="pettitandsevittmay1one">
Pettit + Sevitt relaunched in 2009 under the directorship of Ron Sevitt’s widow, Val Sevitt, and her children, Colin Sevitt and Carol Perry.

At one stage Pettit + Sevitt was building 400 of Lowline houses a year with about 3,500 built in the 1960s and '70s.

McGrath agent Mark Vinogradov had the listing at 26 Country Club Circuit.
Image courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Modern Kellyville Lowline Pettit & Sevitt finally sells for $900,000

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Location, style and condition. These are often the first things prospective buyers consider when purchasing a house.
In a competitive market it is the less obvious features that may be even more important to take notice of. This report takes an in depth look into how median strips, front gardens and vegetation affect property prices based on 2100 housing sales in 2012. It would be thought that these features would automatically add value to the property, however, this was not the case in all suburbs.
Median Strips
They make the road visually appealing. Most of us, as pedestrians, have used them to safely cross to the other side of the road.
We don’t really have control over whether they are there or not but potential property buyers should consider how a median strip affects house prices in the suburb of interest because it can make a huge difference.
Based on their visual and safety benefits you would think that houses built on streets with median strips would be more valuable than those that are not. This was generally the case for the 28 inner city suburbs surveyed.
For example, if you wanted to purchase a house in Clifton Hill, on average you would pay $695,000 more if the house was exposed to a median strip. In the most extreme case, a house in Parkville on a street with a median strip could cost you over 1 million dollars more than a house on a street with no median strip.
However, in some suburbs, the absence of median strips was more valuable than the presence. Again, at the extreme end of the spectrum, a house in East Melbourne without a median strip was approximately $750,000 more valuable than one with a median strip. Similarly, Hawthorn houses without a median strip were $370,000 more expensive.
Overall, based on 2100 housing sales in 2012, a house with exposure to a median strip was on average $90,000 more valuable. The difference between having a median strip or not was less than $50,000 for Brunswick East, Carlton North, Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
The extreme differences observed are most likely a result of a lack of sales in the low turnover suburbs such as East Melbourne. In other words data was not sufficient enough to produce generalizable results. Also, properties included in the data may have been those that face a median strip and a park.
Thus these properties would have had value added primarily from the park view rather than being on a street with a median strip. In other words, it is necessary to consider the other contextual factors that may play a part in the sale in addition to the presence or absence of median strip.
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Front Gardens
When present, front gardens can be an attractive first impression of a house. However, if not maintained, they may become untidy and cause the house to lose visual appeal and value. The setback of buildings from the street is a predetermined characteristic of the neighborhood and must be strictly adhered to.
This means that after purchasing a property, changing whether or not you have a front garden may not always be possible. According to the analysis of 2100 housing sales in 2012, Cremorne and West Melbourne were the only suburbs in which having a front garden did not add value to the property. In fact, having a front garden in these suburbs caused a loss of $23,000 and $91,000 in value for Cremorne and West Melbourne respectively.
Houses in the other 26 suburbs surveyed all sold for an average of $230,000 more with a front garden than those without. The biggest difference was in East Melbourne where you can expect to pay up to $980,000 more if you want a house with a front garden. To gain meaning from this result it is necessary to think about the style of houses that were sold. In the highly industrialized suburbs of Cremorne and West Melbourne, converted warehouses contribute to the sales.
Hence an old run down house with a front garden probably will not sell for as much as a newly renovated, modern warehouse which is built on the boundary and for that reason is without a front garden. In the other inner city suburbs such as East Melbourne, having a house with a large setback from the street was considered a valuable aspect when these properties were built and this value has carried through to this day.
Vegetation
Whether walking or driving, there is something special about turning into a tree lined street.
Other than being aesthetically pleasing, vegetation increases surrounding air quality, decreases criminal behaviour such as vandalism and provides shade to a building thereby reducing the demand for air conditioning. Hence it is not surprising that there is a positive correlation between density of trees in the area and property value.
This study analysed 2100 property sales and categorised these based on vegetation levels. Vegetation was labelled as either non-existent, sparse, or dense. It was found that those houses in the midst of dense vegetation sold for approximately $340,000 more than those with no vegetation.
Even houses with sparse vegetation yielded an extra $135,000 on average. In other words, the more trees in the street, the higher the sale price of the adjacent property.
Looking at the data from a pricing angle showed this even more dramatically. When categorised into pricing brackets it was found that houses above $900,000 are more likely to have dense street vegetation, whereas houses in between $400,000 and $700,000 have sparse or no vegetation.
Approximately 75% of the market with sparse or no vegetation were those houses selling for between $400,000 and $500,000 and 75% of the market with characteristically dense vegetation were those houses in the $2,000,000+ bracket.
There could be a few reasons for the above findings.
If we take a step back in time to when these inner city properties were first been built, it is easy to imagine that the wealthy families of the time chose to build there majestic homes in the greener areas of the city. Or on the other hand, it could be that builders in the past spent just as much time creating a lush environment around a property and thus the wealthier owners not only built better houses but also more vegetation around their home.
From a current perspective, this may come down simply to human nature. Evolution has shaped our desire for green and lush areas and thus we are willing to pay more for property surrounded by dense nature.
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This article is an extract of a report by Melbourne-based buyers' advocate <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">Secret Agent</a>. You can view the full report <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The-Secret-Agent-Report-July-2013.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
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The value of vegetation in inner city Melbourne: Secret Agent report

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Australia is set to add to the list of quirky architectural icons given unintended nicknames following James Packer’s proposed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/crown-s-%2440-million-barangaroo-serviced-apartment-atop-james-packer-s-hoover-vacuum-cleaner-shaped-highrise-casino-proposal/2013051761450">60-storey Barangaroo South casino development</a> receiving the amber light from the NSW state government this week.
A Property Observer reader has suggested the project (pictured below) looks remarkably similar to an old-fashioned vacuum cleaner, such as the Hoover dial-a-matic. The winning bid for the $1.2 billion development was designed by British-based firm Wilkinson Eyre, who more than likely did not have carpet cleaning in mind when they began drafting ideas.
<img alt="barangaroojuly5one" height="397" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/barangaroojuly5one.jpg">
Another Barangaroo project to attract attention and a possible new nickname is the low rise visually-<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/bamboo-bowl-restaurant-design-on-barangaroo-south-waterfront-promenade/2013070262888">striking bamboo clad restaurant complex</a> on the waterfront promenade.
Designed by architects Collins and Turner, it resembles stacked bamboo bowls.
The design of the building (pictured below) will be submitted to the Barangaroo Delivery Authority for approval prior to being submitted to the NSW Department of Planning as part of the statutory planning process.
<img alt="bamboojuly5one" height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/bamboojuly5one.jpg">
Australia has long played its part in this worldwide nick-naming phenomenon, with one of its most recognisable landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, built in 1932, nicknamed the “coat-hanger” given its semi-circular arch design (It was also nicknamed the “Iron Lung” in the 1930s for providing employment to Depression-era workers).
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/bridgejuly5one.jpg" width="470" height="241" alt="bridgejuly5one">
 
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Some less well-known nicknames have been applied to other Sydney land marks.
The Sydney Opera house is sometimes called the “nun’s scrum” alluding to the curved white roof shapes resembling the headdresses of religious sisters.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/operahousejuly5one.jpg" width="470" height="289" alt="operahousejuly5one">
Just to the right of the Opera house, the modern apartments, retail and entertainment complexes of northern Macquarie Street, much derided by Sydneysiders, have attracted the unflattering moniker of “the toaster” building.
<img alt="toasterjuly5one" height="200" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/toasterjuly5one.jpg">
In Stockholm, there are plans to transform one of its skyscrapers into a “strawscraper” by adding “electricity-generating bristles” or “plastic hairs”. The tower in question is Henning Larsen’s Söder Torn tower on Södermalm in Stockholm. It is designed by architects Belatchew with a wind farm that will top the existing building with a 16-story extension, covering the facade with “hairy-looking plastic straws designed to move with the wind” according to the architectural firm’s own description. To Property Observer’ keen eye, we suggest it resembles a winter fur coat.
<img alt="strawscraperjuly5one" height="331" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/strawscraperjuly5one.jpg">
Image courtesy of archdaily.com
Of course there are many famous existing landmarks around the world that have earned nicknames, some not so flattering.
There is London’s “The Gherkin” building (pictured below) designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster as the headquarters for reinsurance firm Swiss Re with its distinctive spiralling glass-covered design over an oblong cylindrical shape. Officially, it is called 30 St Mary Axe, rising to 41 stories and opened in 2004.
<img alt="gherkinjuly5one" height="508" width="370" src="/images/stories/2013/07/gherkinjuly5one.jpg">
 
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Perhaps the most famously nicknamed building is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan, which has been likened to a toilet bowl and also a hangar for flying sauces. It opened in 1959, 10 years after the famous architect’s death.
<img alt="guggenheimjuly5one" height="289" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/guggenheimjuly5one.jpg">
A few buildings with nicknames you may not have heard of include the Clyde auditorium in Glasgow, Scotland, also designed by Sir Norman Foster, which is called ‘the Armadillo’ for obvious reasons:
<img alt="armadillojuly5one" height="237" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/armadillojuly5one.jpg">
And how about the Absolute World residential condominium twin tower complex in Mississauga, Ontario named the "Marilyn Monroe" due to them apparently resembling the Hollywood actress’s famously curvaceous figure. Not sure she'd agree.
<img alt="missijuly5one" height="642" width="370" src="/images/stories/2013/07/missijuly5one.jpg">
And of course, there's London's The Shard, resembling a shard of glass and designed by architect Renzo Piano.
<img alt="shardjuly5one" height="512" width="370" src="/images/stories/2013/07/shardjuly5one.jpg">
 
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A night in the high roller's vacuum cleaner, a meal in the bamboo bowl? Sydney adds to list of nicknamed architectural icons

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The total number of private sector house approvals rose 1.5% in trend terms in May, according to the latest ABS building approvals data.
This contributed to the 1.0% increase in the total number of dwelling units approved.
On a seasonally-adjusted basis, private sector house approvals rose 2.5% to 8,113 dwellings to be up 11.6% for the year.
"The number of approvals to build new homes is currently above the decade average and actually 4% stronger than the 5-year average," notes CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/abs_buildign_approvals.jpg" width="256" height="266" alt="abs_buildign_approvals">
Source: ABS
Unit approvals fell 9.8% to 5,156 to be down 24.5% for the year.
Yesterday, the HIA earmarked a solid recovery in the residential building sector when it reported that new home sales ncreased by 1.6% in May, taking monthly sales back to their highest level in 18 months.
The ABS figures show that dwelling approvals increased in May in the Australian Capital Territory (4.1%), Tasmania (3.6%), Western Australia (2.7%), South Australia (1.8%), Victoria (1.2%) and New South Wales (0.8%) but decreased in the Northern Territory (-4.9%) and Queensland (-0.5%) in trend terms. In trend terms, approvals for private sector houses increased for the six consecutive month in May.
Of the states and territories, New South Wales (2.6%), Victoria (2.3%) and South Australia (2.2%) experienced the largest rises in private sector house approvals.  The trend value of total building approved rose 1.9% in May and has risen for 16 months. The value of residential building was flat while non-residential building rose 4.1%. This media release focuses on movements in the trend as seasonally adjusted month to month movements can be highly volatile and are not necessarily indicative of the underlying behaviour in approvals data.
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Private sector house approvals trend up 1.5% in May: ABS

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New home sales increased by 1.6% in May, taking monthly sales back to their highest level in 18 months, according to the Housing Industry Association's (HIA) latest survey of Australia's largest volume builders.
The strong, but uneven improvement in May comes one day ahead of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/hia-summit-to-address-australias-affordability-and-availability-housing-challenges-with-stellar-line-up-of-speakers/2013070262641" target="_blank">HIA's housing summit in Sydney</a>, addressing issues affecting the supply of new housing.
Detached house sales posted modest growth of 0.9% through gains occurring in three out of five mainland states – New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
Multi-unit sales enjoyed a faster monthly growth pace of 5.7%
In the month of May 2013 detached house sales increased by 4.3% in New South Wales, 8.8% in Victoria, and 6.9% in South Australia.
Detached house sales fell by 2.2% in Queensland and by 10.3% in Western Australia.
"It is pleasing to observe upward momentum in new home sales continuing, especially given the low depths plumbed in 2012,” says HIA chief economist, Dr Harley Dale, a speaker at tomorrow's summit.
“A range of housing indicators, including new home sales, suggest Australia experienced modest growthin new residential construction in 2012/13, with some momentum in activity set to carry into the fresh financial year.
“That outcome was important, following as it did a sustained period ofweakness which saw activity in a majority of markets reach historically very low levels.
“The key is whether a new home building recovery can be sustained, and at a growth rate sufficient to meaningfully assist the Australian economy with its rebalancing acts,” says Dale.
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New home sales rise to highest level in 18 months: HIA

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There's a chance the world's tallest timber-framed building will be constructed in Sweden's Stockholm.

Its one of three shortlisted proposals in a housing design competition.
Its a 34-storey wooden skyscraper by architects C.F. Miller, Dinell Johansson, and consultant Tyrens which gives a vision of future housing that would be cheaper, easier and more sustainable than typical steel and concrete constructions.
Property Observer is currently running a poll with the question: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/would-you-buy-an-apartment-in-a-timber-building/2013062762781?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=dailypoll" target="_blank">Would you buy an apartment in a timber building?</a> given the world's tallest wooden apartment block is in Melbourne's Docklands precinct.
<img alt="norwayjune28one" src="/images/stories/2013/06/norwayjune28one.jpg" width="470" height="333">
C. F. Møller architect Ola Jonsson told Dezeen "the building industry has started taking responsibity for the environment."
According to Jonsson, using wood could even be a cheaper alternative, as it is a lighter material that costs far less to transport. It is also more fire-resistant than steel or concrete.
<img alt="norwayjune28two" height="456" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/norwayjune28two.jpg">
"We have a long history of building wooden structures in Sweden," he explains.
If built, the 34-storey building would exceed the height of Lend Lease’s timber Docklands development Forté (pictured below), the tallest timber residential building in the world.
<img alt="fortedec202" src="/images/stories/2012/12/fortedec202.jpg" width="470" height="353">
The $11 million project makes use of the lightweight cross-laminated timber (CLT), commonly used in Europe, which has a structural strength similar to concrete and steel.
There are be 23 apartments in the 32-metre, 10-storey building. Prices start from $435,000 for a 59-square-metre one-bedroom apartment, climbing to the high $600,000s for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom pad, with the penthouses reaching $795,000.
Construction of the building was quieter, more efficient, faster and safer than construction with more traditional materials.
There was also <a href="https://www.waughthistleton.com/project.php?name=murray" target="_blank">the nine-storey Murray Grove tower in London</a>, as well as a proposed 20-storey tower in Vancouver by architect <a href="https://mg-architecture.ca/" target="_blank">Michael Green</a> and a Swedish tower approved at 30 floors.
The winning entry in the competition, organised by Swedish building society HSB Stockholm, is scheduled for in 2023 to coincide with the organisation's 100th birthday.
Anyone can vote for the winner using <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HSBstockholm?sk=app_532283563494727#13714021372123&amp;if_height=2453" target="_blank">the HSB Stockholm Facebook page</a>.
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Stockholm aims for the world's tallest timber-framed building but Melbourne's Forté on secure footing until 2023

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A recent survey by Mortgage Choice found that over 40% of homeowners plan to renovate their home to improve their quality of living.
“While renovations can potentially increase the value of a property, our survey results show that the purpose for many Australians is to improve their lifestyle by customizing their home to suit them,” says Belinda Williamson head of corporate affairs at Mortgage Choice.
The survey revealed that the outdoor entertaining area was among the top three most popular areas to renovate, followed by upgrading the kitchen and bathroom.
Property Observer has compiled a list of the top 10 renovating tips from the many experts.
Top 10 Renovating Tips
1. Chris Gray (Property Empire) Start by choosing the right property, making sure it is an unemotional investment, as opposed to an emotional home purchase.
Are you looking to buy, renovate and sell, or buy, renovate and hold? If you’re selling it’s imperative that there is an immediate and almost guaranteed profit in the deal. If you’re looking to hold, you need to buy the right property that will continue to grow strongly forever. The renovation profit in a hold strategy is more about icing on the cake, maximising your rental return and ensuring you have minimal maintenance to do in the future.
2. Shaynna Blaze (Selling Houses Australia) Assess your lifestyle.
Before working out the design and layout of your home, the first thing for any renovators to ask themselves: how do I like to live? Is your lifestyle casual? Do you like to entertain? Do you hate cleaning or noise? These different lifestyles will not only effect how the layout is but also the surfaces and colours you end up choosing.
3. Nick Tobias (Tobias Partners Architecture) Research your architect.
Establish a shortlist of architects you feel are best equipped in terms of aesthetic and technical prowess. Spend time reviewing the work of different practices, including speaking to past clients. Remember to keep things simple, trends come and go.
4. Andrew Winter (Selling Houses Australia) Put your hard earned cash where it shows.
Make sure you put your hard earned cash where it shows. Quality kitchens and bathrooms will always add value to your home and a smart façade will make your house the envy of your neighbours.
5. Amanda Talbot (Stylist and author) 5% of the value of your house should be in your kitchen
Your kitchen needs a wow factor, including good storage; quality hardware, drawer runners and soft closing draw mechanisms. 5% of the value of your house should be in the kitchen.
6. Cherie Barber (Renovating For Profit) 1% of the value of your house should be spent on your bathroom
Aim to spend between 1% to 1.5% of your current property value on your bathroom renovation. If your property is worth $400,000 you would spend around $4,000 renovating it.
Once you know your budget, allocate your money according to how immediately obvious each component is. If the vanity is the first thing you see when you come through the door, spend more money on a nice vanity, splashback and mirror. Your bathroom is the second most important room in your house, besides your kitchen, in terms of adding real fiscal value.
7. Angus Kell (Archicentre) Go Green
Go green and cash in on the latest change in buying behaviour. Buyers can’t get enough of solar hot water, rainwater tanks and drip-feed irrigation systems
8. Patrick Bright (EPS Property Search) Avoid doing the work yourself to “save money”
A small budget means there is always a temptation to do some or all of the work yourself to save money but DIY renovations can easily backfire. If the quality of workmanship is substandard this will diminish your sale price, possibly eliminating any profit you might have made in much the same way as under-capitalising on a renovation.
9. Lisa Montgomery (Resi Mortgage Corporation) Landscaping is important
The indoor/outdoor room is now a popular part of the Australian lifestyle, so allow for a percentage of your overall budget to be spent on landscaping so you can complement the work you’ve carried out inside the house. Even if your budget is modest, basic greenery and clean, functional outside areas will only improve a property’s appeal.
10. Carolyn Burns-McCrave (House Rules, Burns-McCrave Design) Work from the inside out
A good floor plan is at the heart of a successful design and that each space should be tailored to the people who live there. Burns-McCrave says to work from the inside out; creating spaces that function and flow before thinking about colours and accessories.
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The 10 best DIY renovation tips from the experts

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Two winning design submissions are expected to be announced next week for the residential and commercial development Central Park in Sydney’s CBD.  
Six architectural firms were invited to submit designs for Block 8 and Block 11 of Central Park by Frasers Property Australia in Chippendale.  
Block 11 will have 320 apartments across nine to 14 storeys. Townhouses and a childcare centre may also be added.  
Block 8 will be a 180 apartment building of eight to 14 storeys.  
The competition was a part of Central Park’s modified concept plan in an endeavour to ensure consistent design excellence across the precinct.  
Central Park joins a number of other high-profile developments to be constructed by designs procured by competition including James Packer's  Crown Hotel Sydney at Barangaroo, a new cultural precinct in Evandale on the Gold Coast, Flinders Street Station in Melbourne’s CBD and Monash University’s $150 million l<a href="https://monash.edu/giving/law-bus-building/details" target="_blank">aw, business and economics complex</a> in Melbourne’s south-east.  
More developers may be realising the advantages of this process, said Ross Clark, chief operating officer of the Australian Institute of Architects.  
“It’s perhaps that developers are increasingly understanding where their project has a public profile or a community element to it that engaging in a competitive process has benefits in it,” he said.  
A number of submissions can be helpful for developers who are unsure of what they want as a opposed to working alongside an architect to create a brief for the structure but this doesn’t necessarily mean a better quality design.  
“What ought to be improved is the developer or client’s alignment with that design because they get to choose from the designs, especially if they’re not clear with what they want,” said Clark.  
However, choosing an architect on their design alone isn’t failsafe as the winner could have difficulty in other areas of the process such as working with builders or construction, said Clark.  
“It’s both less risky and more risky...if you commit to a competition depending on how it’s structured, you have to take the team that wins the competition,” he said.  
Three of the architecture firms invited to compete have previously worked with Frasers. PTW Architects and Smart Design Studios worked with Frasers on One Central Park and Nettletontribe designed the proposed student residences on Abercrombie Stret.
 Bates Smart, Tony Caro Architectural and Richard Francis-Jones, who have had no previous business with Frasers, were also invited to submit designs.
The successful designs will have to be unique but also comply with environmental standards, said a spokesperson for Frasers Property Australia.  
“We're looking for interesting, original architecture which is complimentary to the Central Park precinct...The winning designs also need to comply with the modified concept plan approval for height, mass and GFA, and achieve a minimum 5 green stars under the Green Building Society of Australia's rating tool - as is the case for all buildings at Central Park (for which a rating tool exists).”
The two winning designs will be developed for state significance development applications to go to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure in September.
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Central Park design competition

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Sydney-based Architectural firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer has been awarded the Romaldo Giugola Award for Public Architecture for its work on the Village Centre - National Arboretum.
The venue hosted the 2013 ACT Architecture Awards, which were held on Saturday night.


"Through the application of distinctive materials and a curvilinear form that displays subtle empathy with surrounding landforms, the architects have ensured that the National Arboretum will become one of Canberra’s most notable iconic buildings," the jury said.

The firm, which formed in 1987, has an extensive portfolio that includes a RAIA award winning library for the Royal Blind Society.
There have also been state and national RAIA award winning projects incouding the Hyde Park Barracks, the Hastings Cultural Centre at Port Macquarie and the redevelopment of The Newtown Silos.
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