<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Joel Robinson

Smith by Valli delivers design-led apartments to Melbourne’s inner north

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146358]

MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110588]

Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Many predictions about the “future of retailing” have been made. These range from the supposed dominance of certain technologies, to increased use of data and analytics, the rising need for personalisation and customisation, and the transformation of physical spaces.
The challenge with specific predictions is that these are susceptible to becoming obsolete fast. Future technologies are likely to make the current cutting-edge redundant, and the methods by which customers can customise products are likely to look very different in the future.
However, when you take a step back, some common themes emerge from these predictions, such as convenience, customer experience, business intelligence, and personalisation. It’s these themes that will really shape the future of retail.
Many specific predictions about the use of new technologies, for example, link back to the notion of providing convenience to shoppers, or learning more about customers.
Predictions relating to the rising use of data and analytics are about becoming more intelligent in interactions with customers.
While the specifics of each theme may change, their impact is likely to stay. For example, convenience in the future may relate to payment technologies, store opening hours, or other as yet unknown methods. Whatever the case, the drive for convenience is likely to persist.
While some themes are easily identified, others are less obvious; including fragmentation, flexibility, and transparency.
Fragmentation
At a population level, PWC describes fragmentation as the widening gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” and the impact this has had on consumer behaviour. Similar fragmentation is driving the future of the retail industry in a number of ways.
A common prediction is that retail space (including stores and centres) will become smaller. Yet some retailers are opening new flagship stores and some already large centres have been expanded.
Fragmentation is also occurring at the retail level. Mega-retailers like Amazon and Alibaba are holding strong positions in many markets. At the same time small, niche and independent retailers are gaining exposure through outlets such as Etsy and 100 Squared.
The major question arising from this theme is what will happen to the middle? Already department stores like Myer have struggled to find a place. They lack the range and scope of the largest retailers, but don’t have the independence and flexibility of niche operators.
Flexibility
Flexibility is about retailers adapting to changing trends and consumer demands. This is clearly seen in current trends and future predictions related to personalisation and customisation.
Allowing customers to customise products requires flexibility to adapt product or service offerings. At the same time, more flexibility is expected with physical spaces.
Traditional large store footprints are giving way to small and flexible showrooms. A new format of “super-neighbourhood” shopping centre is expected to focus on flexibility for local communities.
This theme has interesting implications for the future. How can stores and shopping centres be designed and managed to provide flexibility? How will the need for flexibility impact the already challenging relationships between retail tenants and landlords?
Finally, how far can flexibility in product and service design really go? Will retailers of the future be able to let consumers design anything they want with no boundaries?
Transparency
The idea of transparency has gained a lot of attention with discussions about Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. However, a similar theme is impacting retail.
Consumers have unprecedented access to information about stores, brands and products through online channels, mobile devices and consumer-to-consumer sharing.
This challenges retailers to be transparent and honest with product or service offerings, as misrepresentations are easily identified.
How can retailers best manage the need for transparency while still maintaining a competitive advantage? Alternatively, should retailers and shopping centres look to discourage consumer information-gathering? Or can transparency be leveraged to create mutual benefit for consumers and retailers?
What next?
Australian retailers have had a tough time in recent years. Online shopping is growing steadily and major international companies like Costco are also expanding.
This has turned retail into a global competition.
No-one really knows what the future will hold, as confident as some predictions may sound. However, considering the underlying drivers of current trends, as well as future predictions, there are some key factors to consider. The real value comes not from focusing on only one driver, or the latest buzz trend.
It is important to consider how these multiple trends overlap. For example, providing more flexible services might help satisfy the need for greater customer experience, as well as convenience. Alternatively, greater transparency might help cope with the fragmentation of the industry.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/100518/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">The challenge for the retail industry is to develop specific strategies for the future based on these driving forces.
Jason Pallant, Lecturer of Marketing, Swinburne University of Technology
This article was originally published on The Conversation. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The factors driving the future of retail: Jason Pallant

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The Carr architectural practice has welcomed the completion of the United Places Botanic Gardens Hotel.
Marketed as an "intimate, highly considered hotel experience" the hotel opened recently at 157-159 Domain Road, South Yarra.
Room rates start at $650 per night.
It is the project of hoteliers Darren Rubinstien and Richard Rogers. 
The evelopment was where the former post office and newsagent were located.
With only 12 suites, United Places is marketed as set to become Melbourne's most exclusive hotel.
"The hotel’s exuberance comes from the carefully calibrated floor plans, surface integrity and a superlative level of execution,” noted Stephen Todd, Design Editor, Australian Financial Review.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/25/CARR.jpg" alt="">
The property located at 159 Domain Road South Yarra last sold in October of 2010 for $3.175 million.
In 2014 it was reported VCAT had overturned the City Council refusal to grant a planning permit to 157-159 Domain Road.
It's 2012 initial planning application was made to the Melbourne City Council for a permit to demolish the existing building and construct a three-storey building accommodating a ground floor café/shop, first floor tavern and second floor restaurant.
A combined patron capacity of 650 was proposed.
The planning application also sought permission for the reduction of the Planning Scheme’s car parking requirement to zero and a waiver of the Planning Scheme’s loading and unloading requirement.
Its notice of the application saw 352 objections received, and plans substantially amended.
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Carr Architecture completes United Places Botanic Gardens Hotel

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A Dural function centre has been sold through Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
<div class="prop-details-description__content">
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The 632 Old Northern Road, Dural property (pictured above) was sold at auction for $5.5 million acting under the instructions of the agent of the mortgagee, Ian Purchas of SV partners.</div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">It was last sold in 2016 for the same price of $5.5 million.</div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The holding currently contains a vacant 5 bedroom house at the rear of the 7551 sqm block. </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The block hold two large function rooms and is zoned RU6 Transition.</div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The property has 47 metres of street frontage.</div>
</div>
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Dural function centre sold for $5.5 million

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The Alderley Coles has been listed listed through Colliers International.
James Wilson and Stewart Gilchrist of Colliers are selling the Alderley site with a freestanding market-style Coles supermarket and Liquorland.
Offers close August 29 for the 1.25ha site, which is seven kilometres from the CBD and just 100m from Alderley railway station.
It is fully leased to Coles on a new 15-year net lease, with four 10 year options.
The offering includes a separately titled adjoining 641 sqm parcel.
“With the market starved of blue-chip investment opportunities, Coles Alderley meets every stringent investment criteria,” said James Wilson at Colliers International.
“Coles Alderley offers an absolute premium covenant with strong trading figures, a 15-year net lease with Coles paying all outgoings, a new building with substantial depreciation allowances, and a prime protected inner-city location that features exceptionally high barriers of entry,” he added.
Coles Alderley is the only supermarket in the affluent primary sector, "with an income higher than the Brisbane metro average.”
The supermarket opened in February 2017 after its design by Power Architects.
The full-line Coles supermarket comprises a lettable area of 4,410 square metres including Liquorland and 247 parking spaces.
Freestanding supermarket investments have become one of the tightest and most competitive markets among private investors, both onshore and offshore, with secure income streams and limited management requirements being key attractions, said Stewart Gilchrist, National Director, Retail Investment Services at Colliers International.
“In 2018 there have been only four freestanding supermarket transactions announced along the Eastern Seaboard, including Coles Sippy Downs and Coles Earlwood, demonstrating the rarity of these offerings.
"Campaigns of this calibre typically generate more than 150 enquiries, further highlighting the pent-up demand for high quality metro product such as Coles Alderley.”
The supermarket giant secured the site in 2012 after developers Alderley Square Pty Ltd went into receivership.
It has been using a controversial new policy to discourage people leaving cars in their parking lot when they catch public transport to work by charging customers $77 dollars if they stay in the parking lot a minute more than two hours.
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Coles tenanted Alderley property offering 

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Flinders chocolatiers Milton Laycock and Isilda Caldwell are selling their home and business premises in the Mornington Pensinsula town’s main street.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/45-45b-cook-street-flinders-vic-3929-2014484660" target="_blank">45-45b Cook Street</a>, Flinders holding has a price guide of $3.15 million.
The property includes a commercial kitchen and twin showrooms in the business dwelling and a contemporary three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence at the rear of the block. 
The living spaces include a fireplace and a black and white island kitchen with Miele appliances, and there are decks front and back for outdoor entertaining.
 Domenic Zanellini of Nicholson Real Estate has the listing.
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Flinders chocolatiers list Main Street business premises

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A development site in Queensland's Scarborough, a suburb of the Moreton Bay region, has been listed by mortgagees. 
It is listed for sale through Stephanie Williams at Raine &amp; Horne.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-scarborough-126723826" target="_blank">425-429 Scarborough Road, Scarborough</a> site is an 2,024 sqm of prime development site, three separate titles, four lots, 40.4m frontage x 50.3m depth approximately.
It has water in 3 directions, potential views from 3rd level, current DA approved site for 28 units, comprising of two and three bedroom units.   It is well designed floor plans to enhance saleability.
The suburb's median house price sits on <a href="/news">$541,500</a>  according to CoreLogic.
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Scarborough site with DA approval listed by mortgagee

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The disturbing trend of persistently low inflation continues, as Wednesday’s data release shows.
Headline inflation was 2.1% for the last 12 months. But the more relevant “underlying” rate came in at 1.9%. This is even below the 2.0% the RBA forecast in May.
Given that the RBA’s target band for inflation is 2-3%, and that inflation has barely touched the bottom of that band over a protracted period, there are implications for monetary policy.
But, before we get to that, the obvious question to ask is: why is inflation so low?
One strand of thinking involves the “Philips Curve”. This basically says that low unemployment pushes up wages growth and hence inflation.
We could get into a long discussion of whether the current 5.4% unemployment rate is “low”. And whether the effective rate really is 5.4% given anecdotal evidence about “underemployment”, the impact of recent decisions on penalty rates and minimum wage rises, and the robot revolution as a backdrop to the whole labour market.
But we don’t need to go there. There is barely any evidence of the Philips Curve in the data over the past quarter century, so let’s just reject that theory and move on.
Plausible factors keeping a lid on inflation
<ol>
<li>
Technology. The information technology and internet revolution has made lots of things much cheaper. Take music. Gone are the days of paying A$20-plus for a CD with maybe 16 songs on it. Streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify give access to literally millions of songs for a small monthly fee.
</li>
<li>
China. The rise of Chinese manufacturing has led to everything from kids’ toys to cell phones being produced vastly more cheaply than if those things were manufactured with higher-cost labour.
</li>
<li>
Globalisation and trade. The world has become radically more connected, and so have company supply chains. This not only allows access to lower-cost manufacturing but also leads to better specialisation through the principle of comparative advantage. This means that high-labour-cost countries like Australia can specialise in other components of goods and services, get better at producing those components, and reduce overall costs further.
</li>
<li>
Wages. Wage growth has been subdued for a long time now. Since labour costs are an important component of many goods and services, this has served to tame inflation. One potential reason for low wage growth is that automation sits as a background threat to human labour. If labour costs get too high then processes get automated, which serves to keep wages in check.
</li>
<li>
Leverage and consumer spending. A final factor is that given how heavily indebted Australian households are –largely through mortgage debt – they simply don’t have a lot of discretionary income. This limits consumer spending and makes price rises in the retail sector less likely.
</li>
</ol>
These factors don’t look likely to change any time soon – with the possible exception of trade due to the Trump trade war. But even if that escalates dramatically it will shrink economic activity, further depressing prices.
So we have long-run, persistently low inflation. Is that a problem?
The major concern is that it could turn into deflation, although that doesn’t look terribly likely right now.
If, however, there was another significant economic downturn then deflation is a very real prospect. That would raise the spectre of Japan’s experience of the 1990s where deflation caused people to hoard money, severely contracting economic activity.
But for now the real impact of low inflation is on the RBA.
Faced with inflation below its target band for an extended period, the standard response would be to cut interest rates. The RBA is clearly worried about doing this.
One reason is housing prices – the RBA is worried about further fuelling the bubble.
With housing prices easing, this may become less of a concern, although household debt levels remain extremely high. Not encouraging households to become further indebted seems like a reasonable concern.
A second reason the RBA may be nervous about cutting rates is that it doesn’t have very far to go with the cash rate at 1.50%. If there is another major economic downturn then the RBA wants to have some firepower left to respond.
If short-term rates were already near zero then the only tools available to the central bank would be non-standard measures such as quantitative easing. That would be uncharted territory for the RBA, which seems reticent to explore that territory.
So, as with economic growth and wage rises, the RBA response seems to involve crossing as many fingers and toes as possible and to publicly proclaim that things are looking good, but may take a while.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/100514/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">We will get a better look into how that strategy is going when wage price index figures are released mid-August.
Richard Holden, Professor of Economics and PLuS Alliance Fellow, UNSW
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/vital-signs-inflation-misses-again-so-where-does-the-rba-go-next-100514" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Inflation misses again, so where does the RBA go next?

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The NAB Commercial Property Index fell 4 points to +17 in Q2 but remains 14 points above its long-term average of +3.
State indices declined across the country, except in VIC.
Sector indices for CBD hotels, office and industrial property converged in Q2, but remain much lower for retail.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/25/NAB%20CProp%202.JPG" alt="">
CBD hotels eased despite solid occupancy and a favourable tourism outlook.
Office and industrial indices also fell - even with positive lead indicators in office and online and warehousing demand for industrial.
Retail better (but negative) as subdued retail business conditions and slow wages growth hurt consumer sentiment.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/25/NAB%20CProp%204.JPG" alt="">
Confidence was largely unchanged in VIC and QLD, but slightly weaker in NSW.
SA/NT was the least confident by some margin (and in all sectors), with WA also trailing.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/25/NAB%20CProp%203.JPG" alt="">
Confidence fell most in CBD hotels (from high levels) but is still highest overall.
Industrial also lower and now on par with office after out-performing in Q1.
Office changed very little, with sector benefiting from demand in key states and nascent signs of recovery in under performing states.
Retail improved a little, but is still negative and weakest of all sectors. 
Expectations for capital growth in the next one to two years are strongest for office property at 1.6% &amp; 1.7% (replacing CBD Hotels), with VIC &amp; NSW leading the way.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/25/NAB%20CProp%205.JPG" alt="">
They are weakest for retail (-0.8% &amp; -0.7%), with values tipped to fall or stay flat in all states. 
National office vacancy fell to 8.5% in Q2 (9.0% in Q1) - lowest since Q4’15. Despite small increases in VIC and NSW, they remain the tightest markets for space.
Vacancy also fell further in QLD (lowest level in 4 years) and looks to have stabilised in SA/NT and WA. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/25/NAB%20CProp%201.JPG" alt="">
Office property also expected to lead way for rental growth in the next-12 years (1.5% &amp; 2.0), followed by industrial (1.2% &amp; 2.1%), with NSW and VIC out-performing in both markets.
In retail, the outlook is for rents to continue falling.
This quarter NAB asked property professionals for their take on the RBA and around two in three property professionals think next RBA move on rates will be up.
Only 4% see a cut and 23% no change while most (53%) believe next move will occur in six-12 months (NAB’s view (up) also sits in six-12 month range but at latter end).
If rates continue rising in medium to longterm, 18% think it will cause property values to fall over 10% and 51% less than 10%. 
Less than one in 10 (9%) property professionals use interest rate hedging to mitigate risk and almost six in 10 (59%) said they did not hedge and did not expect to do so in the future. 
When asked how their view on rates was impacting their hedging decision, 44% said they did not intend to change their position.
But 36% planned to increase the amount of hedging and 11% would increase the length of interest rate hedging. 
Despite a cooling housing market, a survey high 65% of developers starting new projects are still targeting residential development. 
The recent improvement in accessing funds has reversed in Q2.
In net terms, -29% said it was harder to obtain loans (-21% in Q1) and -16% equity (-14% in Q1).
More property professionals now also expect funding conditions to worsen in next six-12 months.
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NAB quarterly commercial property survey shows confidence still strong but declining

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The Whitsunday Islands will see IHG take over management of Hayman Island, rebranding it as Hayman Island, by InterContinental.
Hayman Island, by InterContinental will be an oasis at the northernmost point in the Whitsunday Islands.
It opens in 2019, following significant investment to refurbish the product. 
The 166-room hotel is on the 400-hectare island where Mulpha Australia Limited will offer a bespoke collection of homes for sale to those who want to own a piece of heaven on Hayman Island. 
Malaysia’s Mulpha Group told The Australian last month it was spending more than $100 million redeveloping its cyclone-ravaged Hayman Island, one of the poshest resorts.
Mulpha plans to redevelop the 400ha island as one of the most luxurious lifestyle resorts in Australia, introducing an exclusive private beach house, a range of new penthouse suites and four ­exclusive townhouse-style private residences for sale or rent.
Hayman Island’s houses have been designed by award-winning, Singapore-based architect Kerry Hill and fitted out by ­­Blainey North.
Mulpha can ­develop 21 houses on Hayman ­Island, and has completed four with butler’s pantries, private pools, four bedrooms and four ensuite bathrooms priced at about $10 million each.
The houses, to be completed next March, are about two minutes’ on a golf buggy from the resort.
The landmark agreement with Mulpha Australia Limited also sees IHG continue with a long-term agreement to manage both InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. 
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove was the first InterContinental Resort to open in Australia.
Under the new agreement, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove will enjoy a refurbishment that will see it continue its legacy as one of Queensland’s most prestigious hotels.
IHG currently has 47 hotels operating under four brands across Australasia: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express with a further 19 in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels.
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Mulpha Australia to offer homes for sale on Hayman Island as InterContinental arrives

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Sydney’s "cult" chicken and burger eatery Chargrill Charlie’s has chosen Camberwell for its Melbourne debut.
Fitzroys' agent Chris James negotiated the long-term 10-year lease for <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-camberwell-502644570" target="_blank">10 Prospect Hill Road</a> (pictured above) at $228,000 per annum net.
The building has a 365 sqm ground floor area and sizeable 58 metres of frontage, positioned near Woolworths, Target and Aldi.
Chargrill Charlie’s has operated for nearly 30 years and has 10 locations across Sydney including Woollahra, Mosman and Rose Bay.
James said the long-term lease secured for the prime Camberwell retail space shows the confidence in the area’s revitalisation held by experienced and established operators, spurred by a strong residential development pipeline.
“This large, flexible space, located close to Woolworths supermarket and with frontage to the Market Place car park, attracted strong enquiry from a range of operators, particularly from the hospitality industry,” he said.
James said there has been growing enquiry in the inner-east as developments such as Camberwell Village, Hawthorn Park and others nearby come online.
He also recently negotiated the lease of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-camberwell-502538406" target="_blank">670 Burke Road</a>, just metres away on the corner of Burke Road and Prospect Hill Road, to optometry group EyeQ.
Similarly, the lease was a long-term deal at 7+5+5 years for the 87 sqm ground floor space, at $85,000 per annum net.
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