<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
If you think your local supermarket is shrinking, you might be right.
Coles has announced that it will open smaller-sized supermarkets in more locations. This follows the lead taken by other large retailers such as Woolworths, Harris Scarfe and Target.
Australia’s growing population may mean more customers, but it is also putting pressure on available real estate for retailers. As population density increases, mostly in urbanised areas, many retailers are shrinking to grow.
The blame for recent store closures has fallen mainly on Amazon and other global players entering the Australian market.
However, high rents, a lack of prime real estate, and rising inventory costs and wages have also contributed to the need to downsize.
Shrinking to grow
Retailers have responded to increased costs and competition in two ways: either by “rightsizing” - closing underperforming and unprofitable locations as Myer has done, or by “downsizing” - shrinking their store footprints.
Smaller store formats allow retailers to maintain a bricks-and-mortar presence at a more affordable cost.
Several established firms, as well as retail start-ups, are taking the small store trend a step further by opening “micro” stores.
Some retailers are also cleverly using smaller shopfronts as “click and collect” points for their online customers.
Smaller stores equal smaller rents. Retail rents are charged per square metre, meaning the bigger the store, the higher the rent.
To put it in perspective, while global retailers seek retail sites from anywhere between 7,500 square metres (Lululemon Athletica) to 40,000 square metres (Uniqlo), smaller stores typically measure around 600 square metres which is around a quarter of the size of the average supermarket.
Prime location retail rents continue to increase due to lack of available space and strong demand from overseas retailers such as Zara and H&amp;M, who are happy to pay up to A$20,000 per square metre per year to shore up key inner city locations.
Industry reports indicate that the Sydney CBD remains the most expensive for retailers, with an average of A$13,335 per square metre per year. Melbourne’s CBD is half the cost at A$6,670, Brisbane is A$4,704, Adelaide is A$4,000-5,000 and Perth is nearly A$4,000 per square metre per year.
Annual average rents in trendy inner-city suburbs, like Surry Hills and Wooloomooloo in Sydney, come in at almost A$14,000 per square metre.
So if you have a very small 80 square metre convenience store in a prime Sydney CBD location, your annual rent bill will be a little over A$1 million.
Going smaller can open up new, and often better, locations. As some real estate analysts noted last year, “with the current environment characterised by a lack of premium retail investment offerings” retailers are increasingly finding it difficult to snap up prime locations.
Going smaller therefore opens up more opportunities) for retailers to capitalise on prime locations, particularly in highly populated and affluent inner-urban and suburburban areas.
But there are other benefits too, such as less inventory, which also means less discounting. Smaller stores also require fewer staff, and less cleaning and maintenance.
What are the benefits for consumers?
Research shows that customers are increasingly suffering from choice overload, also known as the “tyranny of choice”.
This is particularly so for online shoppers and for those browsing the aisles in superstores, department stores and large chain stores. A limited product offering, in a much smaller space, helps consumers make decisions more easily, and appeals to those shoppers who are primarily looking for “convenience”.
Small stores appeal directly to a growing number of affluent baby boomers and millennials who shop more frequently with smaller basket sizes. These shoppers demand personalisation, special services and quality products.
Because small retailers have less inventory, they are able to turn stock over, replenish and refresh products at a much faster pace than their larger rivals. They can promise new items arriving in store at shorter intervals. The lure of “newness” is a very attractive prospect for shoppers.
Are smaller stores here to stay?
In 2018 and beyond, retailing will continue to evolve. Retailers have always had to adapt to meet changing consumer demands, advances in technology and the like.
A sure sign that physical retail is still alive and well is evident in the growing number of online retailers and established brands that are opening physical stores to complement their online offerings.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/98246/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Just as pop-up retailing has cemented itself in the retail landscape, smaller stores are also likely to become a significant long-term strategic proposition for the retail industry, where it is now “big to be small”.
Louise Grimmer, Lecturer in Marketing, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania
Gary Mortimer, Associate Professor in Marketing and International Business, Queensland University of Technology
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/honey-i-shrunk-the-store-why-your-local-supermarket-is-getting-smaller-98246" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Why your local supermarket is getting smaller

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A new ground floor lobby commissioned by Charter Hall, has transformed the building into a community hub.
The occupants were given charge of the design, activities and offerings at 65 Berry Street in North Sydney.
It includes a ‘Wellness Area’ with complimentary yoga and pilates, an auditorium which can be hired for events and used by tenants free of charge, North Sydney’s only Not For Profit café, an artists studio and a variety of events including Wellness Weeks, after work drinks and morning teas.  
“It’s exciting to see landlords going to extra lengths to attract and retain tenants,” said Michael Arcus, director office leasing at Colliers International. 
The ground floor at 65 Berry Street originally contained a series of offices (approx. 1000sqm) which has been redesigned into a collaborative lobby space. 
Architects WMK responded with a beautiful minimalist design incorporating a wellness area, artists studio, exhibition space, auditorium and communal environment.
Symbol Café , a Not-For-Profit café – the only one of its kind operating in North Sydney – which donates 100% of its profits back to the community. 
Symbol has a menu of locally-sourced, sustainable and organic food.
On payment, customers simply choose a charity to donate to causes like Ozharvest, Greenfleet and Eat Up, and can see these contributions displayed on a board at the café. 
“A Not-For-Profit cafe is an extremely rare entity – I have never leased anything of this nature throughout my 15 of years in the industry,” Michael Arcus said.
 <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/2018/6/18/65%20Berry%20Street%202.jpg" alt="">
The lobby at 65 Berry Street is also home to Project 504, a collaborative artist’s studio sponsored by Charter Hall which has been established to provide an outlet for artists to showcase their work outside the mainstream gallery scene, offering artists a supportive creative working environment.
The paintings, some of which have been showcased at the Archibald, are displayed in the lobby. 
<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/2018/6/18/65%20Berry%20Street%203.jpg" alt=""> 
 
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Tenants inspire new lobby at Charter Hall's 65 Berry Street, North Sydney

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Townsville commercial property market continues consistent upward trend.
The remainder of 2018 is likely to remain status quo in the Townsville commercial property market with overall confidence and market sentiment positive, according to the latest report from Heron Todd White.
The inner city remain buoyant with inner-city projects including the Townsville Stadium and proposed waterfront precinct being "positive factors".
The valuers at HTW stated that "the present market is highly suburb selective, with reasonable turnover levels in the sought after mid to inner suburbs, but patchy sales in other areas and suburbs with perceived social issues."
During 2018, the trending rental vacancy rate has remained in a "balanced market range" with the overall trend vacancy rate at just over 3%.
This is significantly lower than the prevailing trend in vacancy rate for the similar period of 2017 at 5.52%.
The unit market is currently steady, albeit at low volumes, with some resistance still being experienced due to the holding costs associated with unit ownership including body corporate fees and high insurance costs.
The report forecasts that the remainder of 2018 will remain similar to what we has been seen to date, with any changes to demand or sentiment heavily reliant on factors such as unemployment, job security and population growth.
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Townsville commercial property market continues consistent upward trend: HTW 

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Strong sales have been achieved in Melbourne’s Box Hill following the sale of a block of adjoining offices for $10.85 million.
CBRE sold a 1,220sqm landholding at 25-29 Ellingworth Parade, which comprises three office buildings.
CBRE Victorian Development Sites Manager Chao Zhang, who has been selling development sites in the City of Whitehorse since 2015, said the success of well-known Chinese and local developers in the area is fueling confidence amongst buyers.
“The Asian demographic is a significant catalyst for the continued interest by local and new off-shore Asian developers in the area” said Mr Zhang.
“Box Hill is the centre piece of the City of Whitehorse in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. It's council has also been working alongside local and international developers that working on landmark developments.”
There 1,161 apartments under construction in Box Hill, and four more projects being built or currently permitted, joining the 30-storey Whitehorse Towers development in the central activity centre.
CBRE Director Scott Orchard said the sale reflected the strongest land rate achieved this year in Box Hill for a development site.
“The Box Hill activity centre represents a range of different development opportunities given the differing height potential in various locations."
"However, the Ellingworth Parade sale of approximately $9,000sqm on land represents the strongest land rate achieved in Box Hill when analysed in context to the height potential,” stated Mr Orchard
Mr Orchard concluded that appetite for commercial office properties in Box Hill is also incredibly healthy.
“The 25-29 Ellingworth Parade sale is the second recent office sale with 18-20 Prospect Street also transacting to a local Chinese buyer.
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Strong sale achieved in Melbourne's Box Hill

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A 1,100sqm Fitzroy corner building in Melbourne’s inner-north has been sold to international volunteering organisation AVI, which will move its headquarters to the building from nearby Kerr Street.
Fitzroys Director, David Bourke and Manager, Terence Yeh, together with Rodney Morley Real Estate’s Rodney Morley and Naomi Dorevitch, sold the 160 Johnston Street property under the hammer for $5.050 million.
It marked the first time the vendors, a private local family, had put the property to the market in half a century.
The 579sqm site is between the bustling Brunswick Street and Smith Street hospitality and lifestyle precincts, and has frontages of more than 20m to busy Johnston Street and more than 28m to Hertford Street.
It has a two-level office and showroom building with onsite parking, and traded with a holding income of $110,732 per annum.
Yeh said the property’s attractive Commercial 1 zoning saw strong enquiry from investors, owner occupiers and developers, with more than 120 enquiries received during the campaign and strong competition in front of a large crowd at auction.
In close collaboration with the Australian government, AVI - initially Australian Volunteers International - has been at the forefront of volunteering initiatives since sending the world’s first international volunteer to Jakarta in 1951.
Last year, it was selected to deliver to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s new Australian Volunteers program, which began at the start of this year, as part of a consortium with Cardno and The Whitelum Group.
Another not-for-profit agency has purchased an office building, this time in Fitzroy.
The deal leaves AVI in front from two property disposals in 2016 and April which banked a total of $15.1 million, former headquarters at 71-75 Argyle Street and 88 Kerr Street.
The property's Commercial 1 zoning (which would allow for the construction of apartments) generated more than 120 inquiries.
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AVI stays local after securing Fitzroy corner site 

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Lifestyle clothing brand Mister Zimi has taken a lease of an office and warehouse facility at Prahran in Melbourne’s inner east.
Teska Carson’s Jack Kelliher, who brokered the 3-7 Walker Street deal, with Luke Bisset, said the two level, 880 square metre, premises was let at $160,000 per annum net.
It was on a five year term with a five year option.
He said the property offered a very flexible premises in a sought after inner city location.
"This was a great opportunity to secure a unique and very functional property in a prime location just off Chapel Street in the heart of Prahran and within walking distance of public transport and a range of lifestyle amenities,’’ Mr Kelliher said.
He said the tenant was attracted to the utility and adaptability of the two level space in a location which offered accessibility and close proximity to all necessary services and amenities as well as clients and staff.
The lessor is a Melbourne based private investor. 
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Mister Zimi clothing brand takes Prahran lease

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Two Paddington terraces that are operating as a high yielding 16 studio boarding house have been listed for sale.
The Paddington <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-terrace-nsw-paddington-128629126">Oatley Road properties</a> on two separate titles are being offered in one line.
Last traded for $1.05 million in 2009, the properties yield over $406,000 per annum.
All of the studio's are fully self-contained, offering a variety of different floorplans. 
Spread over two levels, there are two triple studios, 10 double studios and four single studios.
They all have their own kitchenette and wall-mounted flat screen TV and are being sold as a going concern with all furnishings and inventory included in the sale.
There are two communal courtyards, the main featuring outdoor tables, chairs and barbecue facilities.
Each terrace has coin-operated laundries.
D'Ettorre Real Estate Woollahra agent Dominic D'Ettore is marketing the property for a July 17 auction in conjunction with McGees Property agent John Grujovski.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Two Paddington terrace boarding house listed

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The property at 1 Kilmore Road, Gisborne, has been listed for sale.
The 2.1 hectare property comes with a dilapidated 1840s hotel.
It is on the market for $1,395,000.
Macedon House at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-gisborne-202131722" target="_blank">1 Kilmore Road</a> is because it is a rare surviving example of an early Victorian hotel, according to Heritage Council Victoria. 
The rendered bluestone building retains a host of original features, including the hardwood-framed roof, chimneys, sash widows and timber mouldings.
The building sits about 500 metres from the township.
The property was at the gateway to Gisborne.
It is offered through Rodney Morley agent Rodney Morley.
The property is located in a road and rural conservation zone on two titles made up of eight allotments.
It has 214 metre frontage to Melbourne Road.
It has attracted buyers wanting to establish a retirement village, Morley noted.
It is believed to have been built for Elizabeth and Thomas Gordon as the Mount Macedon Hotel.
The hotel changed hands over the years, also including a blacksmith’s business from 1863 to 1867.
From the 1880s, it became a boarding and guest house for many years.
During the 20th century it has been a private house, restaurant, reception centre, bowling clubhouse and school.
<img src="https://www.realestate.com.au/blog/images/1600x1600-fit,progressive/2018/06/13160008/capi_6333670f8c0e3755ba65c089a51f5786_4e3c11e7eecbc10c596e9d8a1034b2ba.jpeg" alt="1 Kilmore Rd, Gisborne, Sunbury Leader real estate" data-capiid="4e3c11e7eecbc10c596e9d8a1034b2ba">
Photo: Heritage Victoria
The property also includes significant trees including monterey cypresses, an Irish strawberry tree and English oak trees.
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Retirement village mooted for 1840s Gisborne hotel site, Macedon House 

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Brisbane’s industrial space has seen a few new estates come online recently.
They all have two things in common: good access to major transportation infrastructure and surrounding amenities, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
This is the case in particular for North Lakes Business Park (further stage released in 2017 and now almost sold out), Metroplex at Westgate South in Richlands (one lot remaining) and Colmslie Business Park on Lytton Road in Morningside (recently released).
North Lakes Business Park is a mixed-use development precinct that accommodates a variety of uses including retail, office, warehousing and service industry.
An example if a a new office/warehouse warehouse (pictured above) that sold for $3.1 million just weeks after completion last year.
The valuers stated that "this prime location has attracted a wide variety of occupiers due to its exposure and road connectivity to the Bruce Highway, Gateway Motorway and Gympie Road".
"Stage 1 was completely sold out after being released in 2017 and Stage 2 is expected to come online around the third quarter of 2018."
The Metroplex at Westgate has offered an alternative to Brisbane’s existing high profile commercial centres within the CBD, Airport precinct and Port of Brisbane.
The Metroplex South estate is located in Wacol within Brisbane’s "western growth corridor" and sits at the nexus of the Ipswich Motorway, Logan Motorway and Centenary Highway.
Metroplex Westgate is serviced by both rail and bus transport options.
Transportation infrastructure around Metroplex Westgate has been significantly upgraded, making it a prime industrial location the report noted.
The valuers stated that Colmslie Business Park’s prime location within the TradeCoast is a major asset to the development, having direct access to the Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane and major transport routes with the added benefit of being close to the CBD, major infrastructure and public transport.
The TradeCoast precinct is the most tightly held industrial precinct in Brisbane.
"We expect to see high levels of pre-commitments throughout 2018, as was seen in 2017 with a 19% increase in space from 2016 supply levels."
"This is due to the desire of tenants to occupy new, modern space with attractive rents and good incentives," noted the valuers at HTW.
On the other hand, there has been limited levels of speculative development.
Development activity for owner-occupiers has been "subdued" with Sigma Pharmaceuticals being the only major build in 2017 of approximately 14,990 square metres.
Hilton Foods meat processing facility at Logos Heathwood Logistics Estate will comprise circa 45,000 square metres as well as a Coca-Cola Amatil expansion being completed in the first half of 2018.
Several transport-related infrastructure projects are well underway in Brisbane that will stimulate industrial development through better connectivity and transport options.
The Kingsford Smith Drive update commenced mid-2016 at a cost of $650 million and involves widening Kingsford Smith Drive from four to six lanes in certain areas, road improvement works, public transport improvements and cycling and pedestrian infrastructure and is projected to be completed in 2019.
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has invested $1.7 billion in infrastructure projects since 2012 with a further $1.7 billion investment in redeveloping the domestic terminal, building a new runway, building a new multi-storey car park, investing in the latest passenger friendly technology and developing a new Industrial Park and Auto Mall project.
The Gateway Upgrade North Project (Nudgee to Bracken Ridge) is a $1.143 billion project aimed to reduce congestion (particularly from population growth and continued expansion of the TradeCoast), improve safety and increase the efficiency of the motorway network.
The Logan Enhancement Project is a $512 million project to improve congestion along the Logan Motorway/Mt Lindesay Highway/Beaudesert Road interchange and the Wembley Road/Logan Motorway interchanges.
It also includes construction of southfacing on and off-ramps on the Gateway Extension Motorway at Compton Road. 
The Inland Rail is another major project that will see the construction of a 1,700-kilometre freight rail that will run from Tottenham in Victoria to Acacia Ridge in Queensland.
This will be up to ten hours faster than the existing rail network via Sydney and will assist in reducing congestion on highways the report noted.
The valuers stated that overall, industrial yields stabilised over the first quarter of 2018.
Prime yields are currently sitting between 6.25% and 7.25% with the TradeCoast precinct having the tightest investment yields, whilst secondary stock typically ranges between 8% and 12%.
The latest report noted rent levels have been low some time now but have remained stable over the past year.
Developers offering competitive rents and incentives in the pre-commitment market are factors holding back rental growth.
Leasing demand increased over the first quarter of 2018 and was mostly concentrated in the south side.
Net face rents for prime industrial assets generally range between $95 and $140 per square metre per annum whilst secondary rents range between $50 and $100 per square metre per annum.
Incentives being offered to secure tenants typically range between 5% and 20% for prime assets depending on size and between 8% and 25% for secondary assets.
The majority of leasing transactions during 2017 were design and construct and pre-commitments, with a high volume of this also expected for 2018.
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Latest industrial estates to hit the Brisbane market coming up big: HTW 

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The announcement by the NSW Government that they will be funding $285 million for apprenticeships is good news for housing supply.
The current boom in construction in NSW and particularly in Sydney will need a continuing supply of skilled trades people.
The NSW Government support for a continuing number of apprentices in the building and construction industry is therefore essential for the future work-loads.
New South Wales currently has 400,000 people employed in the development / construction industry with 280,000 of these working on new residential projects.
While recent approvals for residential projects seem to be slowing down this is hopefully a short term dip that will be balanced by continuing growth.
The allocation of almost $300 million to a continuing program of apprenticeships is a good move to help the future of the industry and will ensure thousands of young people have opportunities to develop valuable skills and undertaking training which will help them secure employment.
But the NSW Government needs to carefully manage the current community concerns about the extent of development in the residential sector as well as for major infrastructure projects.
It is important that the current extent of development is maintained so that the thousands of apprentices trained through the government’s funds have employment opportunities now and into the future.
To ensure a good flow of construction work into the future the state government needs to also manage demands from councils to increase infrastructure levies and affordable housing levies that will add to the cost of housing and slow down the supply of new housing.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO.
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