A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

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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Harry Tribugoff's Meriton Apartments Group has bagged an 11 hectare waterside residential development site set in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for $245 million.
The Little Bay Cove site was sold through an expressions of interest campaign.
The deal was brokered by Knight Frank’s Tim Holtsbaum and Eugene Evgenikos along with JLL.
Holtsbaum said interest in the site was strong as it was “a dream site for developers; a massive 11 hectares of luxury, high end masterplan-approved land”. 
The site has approved masterplans for a combination of single-lot housing, town houses and luxury apartments. 
All remediation, site works, roads, park landscaping and infrastructure have been completed, including amenities such as water, electricity and gas.
“We’ve seen some large residential site sale transactions occur nearby in the South Sydney market but nothing of this prestige, with the coastal lifestyle and beach views,” he said.
Little Bay Cove would benefit from the NSW government’s CBD and South East Light Rail project, currently under construction down Anzac Parade, providing links to the CBD, added Eugene Evgenikos.
Meriton edged out Chinese developer Country Garden for the highly sought after site, near La Perouse, which after development will have an end value of more than $700 million, added The Australian.
Little Bay Cove is nestled along Sydney’s iconic beaches, stretching from Bondi, Bronte, Coogee and out to Little Bay. 
 
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Harry Triguboff's Meriton buys Little Bay Cove site for $245 million

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A heritage-listed commercial building in Brisbane’s retail precinct of Queen Street Mall is offering offices for lease.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-qld-brisbane+city-500391471" target="_blank">180 Queen Street</a> building was formerly the National Australia Bank Building.
Several floors of the eight-storey building were refurbished into smaller style executive suites. Office suites up for lease range from 15 sqm to 65 sqm.
It is also NABERS exempt.
The leasing agents are Conor Whiting and Andrea Cano of Colliers.
The property is held by Abacus Property Group and global investment firm Heitman LLC in a joint venture.
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Office suites in Brisbane's iconic 180 Queen Street building up for lease

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A Korean-themed ice cream group D21 has opened its first Sydney store after signing a lease for the Liverpool Street shopfront.
D21 will take up the former car park and storage unit at 76 - 78 Liverpool Street, Sydney in a deal negotiated by Ray White Commercial South Sydney’s John Skufris. 
He said whilst we are in the middle of winter, consumer appetite for ice creams and sorbets remains strong.
"This was a great value add opportunity for the owners in comparison to parking and storage rents for similar space," he said. 
"We were recently approached by another client nearby specifically for dessert bar operators as part of their tenant mix within a renowned hotel."
D21 has taken out a three- year lease at initial gross rental of approximately $3,275 per sqm per annum.
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Korean-themed ice cream group D21 opens in Sydney

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One of Brisbane's top hairdressers has snapped up the first commercial tenancy at Kangaroo Point's new apartment development, The Marc.
Sarah Seymour, a leading hair stylist who has worked with some of Australia's top models, Sydney Fashion Week and runs Brisbane's most regarded salons for the past decade, will open the doors to her first New York style, loft salon The Mane Attic, on August 26.
Seymour committed to a 48 sqm street level tenancy on a five-year lease, with options at the <a href="https://www.themarcapartments.com/" target="_blank">616 Main Street</a> development.
The space shares a floor with the apartment building's lobby and will spill out onto Main Street.
Three tenancies remain at The Marc, a short walk from the Kangaroo Point lookout, with leasing rates priced from $700/sqm and spaces ranging in size from 60 sqm to 121 sqm.
Seymour said in addition to The Marc's chic architecture, its prime location and proposed Boulevard style streetscape were key attractions.
"The Marc is a very contemporary building and while it's located just a few minutes from the city, it's out far enough out to allow my clients to switch off for a few hours in a more relaxed environment," she said.
"My salon will radiate a New York loft style design and will complement it perfectly.”
The Brisbane City Council has cited Kangaroo Point's Main Street as the east side's 'high street' and Seymour says the street's Boulevard style development covenants were great signs of the area's future growth.
The Marc consists of 69 contemporary apartments and is almost 85 percent sold with sales in excess of $30 million. The building is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Development partner Anthony Conomos said in addition to The Marc's location close to the CBD, Main Street's boulevard-style development covenants were proving key benefits to prospective tenants.
"Kangaroo Point is the first eastern suburb outside of the Brisbane CBD and Brisbane City Council granted Main Street the trophy 'high street' status, meaning the area has great appeal for both residents and visitors from surrounding regions," he said.
The four commercial spaces are on the ground floor. Bulk of the foundational work, such as installing air-conditioning, grease traps and exhaust ducting have already been done.
The eight-level apartment project, developed by joint venture partners - Artaria Developments, Main St (Bris) Pty Ltd and Chad is the third project by the group in Kangaroo Point.
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Top hair stylist leases space in Brisbane's Kangaroo Point development

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Xander Gagnet, Analyst, Residential Site Sales at Savills talks about Australia’s most promising suburb…
The commentary addressing Sydney’s residential property ‘boom’ over the last half decade has seemingly drowned out the remarkable story developing in one of the nation’s most promising suburbs. However, a series of significant transactions and projects nearing commencement has ensured Macquarie Park is and will remain in the spotlight for some time. 
In the last 18 months, Macquarie Park has seen 10 confirmed transactions amassing to over $1.2 billion in site sales providing more than 4,500 potential units. However, these development sales only tell part of the story with over 7,000 dwellings either approved and awaiting commencement or in various stages of the development application process. 
Developers aren’t concerned with an over-saturated market due to high clearance rates currently being achieved in off-the-plan sales and gross realisations outperforming early feasibilities. It is understood apartments in these developments are yielding an average realisation as high as $16,000 per square metre of internal area.
The mounting demand for residential accommodation in the suburb has seen both domestic and international developers scramble to acquire the remaining sites. This has been bolstered by the strongest appetite for development sites on record across Sydney as developers take advantage of the built up lack of supply from decades of underdevelopment.
Many of the developers actively seeking opportunities are pure offshore groups or offshore backed local groups with a long term view of the ‘safe haven’ of Australian investment. This means asset performance measures are diminished and building a brand image in Australia is more critical in winning the confidence of local investors. They achieve this through developing landmark CBD projects and due to their lower cost of capital metrics these groups over the past few years have outperformed the market. This has resulted in record breaking results for land bank development assets.
The hot topic concerning Strata Renewal law and the regulations made pursuant to those acts, has brought about a wave of excitement for individual strata owners. Formerly owners were held ransom by developers who have strategically implemented ‘blocking strategies’ in strata buildings. However, due to the law reform, owners of freehold strata are able to terminate their strata scheme through a ‘collective sale’ whereby at least 75% of owners in the scheme agree to sell.
For the owners in 15-21 Cottonwood Crescent, Macquarie Park the strata law reform was welcome news. An amendment to the 2014 Ryde Local Environment Plan saw much of the existing residential flat buildings surrounding the Macquarie Shopping Centre rezoned to B4 Mixed Use with significant uplift in floor space densities and building heights. As a result, an opportunistic developer purchased individual units throughout the buildings to halt any future sale and effectively dictate the future of the site.
Due to the strata law reform, 55 owners across the four strata plans were quick to capitalise on the massive uplift associated with their properties by appointing the Savills Residential Site Sales team to dispose of their apartments through a collective sale. The owners achieved up to 100% above current market value by selling their circa $700,000 apartments for in excess of $1,400,000 each, becoming instant millionaires.
For the purchaser and other developers actively looking in the area, the deal highlighted confident sentiment in the local market as some of the vendors attached a first right of refusal to the sales contract over a new apartment in the future development.
There are few opportunities remaining in the area, and it is advised that remaining owners groups consider working together with adjoining buildings to create an amalgamated site. Developers are willing to pay more for larger sites as they can take advantage of a number of local and state building code efficiencies resulting in more apartments. As a result, the existing owners will benefit from a greater return per apartment than if they were to sell as a single block. Owners realising the uplift associated with their properties should seek the professional advice of sales agents with pure development experience, such as the Residential Site Sales team at Savills.
The team at Savills Australia have over 50 years’ cumulative experience in residential development. Full-life cycle capabilities include: concept analysis, council approvals, valuation and feasibilities, JRPP submissions, planning proposals, pre-sale campaigns, construction delivery and project handover. The Residential Site Sales team have transacted the strongest sales rate per square metre of proposed GFA achieved to date for a collective sale and in the last three years transacted more than $1.7 billion worth of residential development sites. Furthermore, Savills access to offshore capital is second to none having introduced more than $2.7 billion worth of capital into the Australian market since January 2015 and transacting more deals over $10 million than any other agency in Asia-Pacific.  
Across Australia, low interest rates and continuing population growth have been driving demand for residential property and will continue to do so. Over the next five years, Australia’s population is forecast to grow faster than all other developed economies. The influx of international capital as a result will continue to support demand for housing that is reinforced by confident investors and owner occupiers within the existing domestic market. However, the incessant migrant growth forecasted especially from Asian countries to well serviced suburbs such as Macquarie Park, is set to see prices in these areas continue their upwards trajectory.
Macquarie Park has seen over 200 hectares of land rezoned to make way for much needed commercial and residential development. Situated within 13 kilometres of all major CBD’s in Sydney, the suburb also boasts New South Wales’ largest suburban shopping centre, one of Australia’s leading universities, a hospital as well as transport by way of two railway stations and the M2 connecting residents and employees to all major arterial routes.
The future of Macquarie Park is also filled with great prospects with the inclusion on the Sydney Metro line, Australia’s largest infrastructure project, and plans to grow into the fourth largest CBD by 2030 with 40,000 employees in over 2 million square metres of net lettable area.
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Xander Gagnet is an Analyst in the <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/sales-and-investment/metropolitan-and-regional-sales.aspx" target="_blank">Savills Residential Site Sales</a> team. Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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Is this Australia’s most promising suburb?

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GUEST OBSERVER
Imagine a world where nothing is wasted and resources are endlessly re-purposed.
From bamboo coffee cups to recycled paint, more companies are championing the idea of a circular economy in which discarded raw materials and products are repeatedly reused, producing no waste or pollution.
According to the United Nations, by 2050 we could need three times more resources than we currently use, due to population growth and unabated consumerism. Specifically, the US National Intelligence Council has stated that globally we will need 35 percent more food, 40 percent more water and 50 percent more energy by 2030 alone.
“In short, the ‘take, make, dispose’ model of production, also known as a linear economy, is forcing the planet into a state of disrepair,” says Sophie Walker, Head of UK Sustainability, JLL. “We inherently live beyond our means and as a result, have seen pressures on resources mount and the potential for irreversible environmental changes grow.”
Taking a fresh approach
In recent times the concept of a circular approach has gathered momentum as an attractive and viable way of generating economic growth and prosperity for people and planet. “The shift to the regenerative circular concept we are seeing is taking place because world governments and businesses have realized that increasing global competition has made access to resources, at affordable prices, an increasingly challenging proposition,” says Walker. “They have also realized that the environmental risks are too severe to continue down the ‘linear’ path.”
And the potential benefits of applying circular principles to domestic economies and businesses are mammoth. The European Commission states that it could bring an estimated net saving of £523 billion to European businesses. In London, net benefits of a least £7 billion per annum along with 12,000 new jobs could be obtained by 2036 by applying circular activities across a variety of sectors according to The London Waste and Recycling Board.
Big companies such as Apple, Unilever, Renault and Google are already taken action to embrace circular solutions. In the fashion world, H&amp;M aims to become 100 percent circular, helped by its in-store garment-collection program and polyester fashion line made from reprocessed PET bottles.Since adopting a circular mindset, professional services firm PwC has saved almost £25 million by cutting paper and energy consumption through measures such as using cooking fat from its canteens and other kitchens to fuel its offices and remanufacturing office furniture where possible. Its cut-throat examination of numerous waste streams helped it achieve zero-waste-to-landfill status in 2012.
The real estate impact
Can the same circular principles work for buildings? Walker thinks so: “In my opinion the answer is yes. The UK building sector utilises over 400 million tonnes of material a year and generates a third of all our waste which comes at great cost, not only to the planet but also to our pockets. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Durable, re-usable components that can be easily put together, taken apart and accessed for repair or replacement can make all the difference. This allows us to adapt to society’s ever-changing needs by extending the life and value of our buildings.”
She points to modular construction, where homes are built in a factory environment using state of the art methods and materials, as an antidote for reducing waste and improving speed and affordability of new builds in the UK housing sector. For example, Legal &amp; General has just built its first modular housing prototype outside its Selby factory in Yorkshire.
Elsewhere, companies are turning waste into building materials. Lendlease is a supporter of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), a material made from wood chips, normally considered scrap. CLT has a low ecological footprint and is faster and less labour-intensive to construct than conventional materials so much so, that the first 10-storey apartment building made with CLT took five skilled workers just 10 weeks to build. In what it calls “the latest example of high-performance workplaces, setting new benchmarks in environmentally sustainable building practices,” Lendlease is using CLT to erect the tallest and largest engineered timber office building by gross floor area in the world in Brisbane, Australia.
Why the future is circular
“Circular thinking really is gaining traction in the property sector,” Walker explains. “There are firms out there building entirely with circular economy principles.” The aptly named Circular Building was one of the first buildings in the UK built to satisfy these values, in which all parts were intended to be used to their full potential and to the duration of their life cycle.
“Another example is the Park 20|20 office development in Amsterdam which embraces a circular-economy approach by creating closed cycles for materials, energy, waste, and water, with everything having the potential to be composted or recycled back into industry,” she adds.
As circular thinking catches on, the need to move towards a new model is no longer in doubt nor are the potential economic opportunities. “Whether it’s property, retail or consumer goods, businesses are realising that big cost savings can be made from being socially and environmentally responsible and efficient,” says Walker.
To recycle the phrase Mark Farmer used in his assessment of the British construction sector: “the choice is simple, modernize or die.”
This article by Emma Hollingshead appeared in <a href="https://www.jllrealviews.com" target="_blank">JLL Real Views</a>
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How companies are reaping the benefits of circular thinking

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The Emporium Hotel Southpoint project, sister to Emporium Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, has received EarthCheck Design Certification, the first in the country to achieve such status.
EarthCheck is a leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.
Achieving EarthCheck Design Certification places the new hotel in a unique worldwide group of sustainable buildings that are certified to the internationally recognised EarthCheck Building Planning and Design Standard, with the exclusive EarthCheckTM science inside, according to a media release. 
Emporium Hotel Southpoint will open in mid 2018, and feature 143 suites, a patisserie, restaurant and Sky Bar. It will have views to Brisbane’s CBD and beyond.  
Located in the same tower as the hotel are 217 luxury apartments, with owners having access to Emporium’s services. 
On the EarthCheck Design Certification, Anthony John Group managing director Tony John said it was a proud achievement.
“We created this building from the ground-up with a vision to deliver a hotel and precinct unlike any other in Brisbane, and achieving this design certificate brings with it  global recognition, credibility, best practice performance markers, cost reductions and clever building benefits,” he said.
The hotel is being built by Hutchinson Builders. 
“Like its sister at Fortitude Valley, we expect Emporium Hotel Southpoint to create new pathways for tourism and service when we open next year,” added John.  
Stewart Moore, CEO and founder of EarthCheck, said its standards are based on Agenda 21 principles and are structured to help tourism projects become not only great places to visit and work in but also improve the quality of life of local communities, - which is exactly what the project has delivered for the South Bank Precinct. 
 EarthCheck’s certification is awarded to projects that demonstrate that match or exceed current industry best practice performance levels. 
A limited number of Emporium Residences remain available for sale from $1,950,000, with owner’s enjoying access to the services of Emporium Hotel Southpoint.
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Emporium Hotel Southpoint in Brisbane gets sustainability tag from EarthCheck

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Commercial property continued to be a popular with foreign investors in the 2016/2017 financial year, in particular office assets in the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs, according to Colliers International.
Investment across the office, retail, industrial and hotel sectors was $28.99 billion in the preceding financial year, according to the 2016/17 Capital Markets Investment Review series.  
Foreign buyers accounted for $8.19 billion, or with 28 percent, of those sales, according Colliers.
“Yield compression in each asset class will continue throughout the financial year ending (FYE) 2017, with limited stock creating competitive tension between investors and driving record prices,” says the report.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/15/InvestSnapshot.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/InvestSnapshot.png" alt="">
The states most in demand with investors are New South Wales and Victoria due to their thrust on infrastructure development, population growth, rising rental rates and tightening yields.
This has created opportunities for some of Australia’s premier developers to build the next generation of commercial assets, according to Colliers International’s managing director of Capital Markets and Investment Services, John Marasco.
“These development hot spots in Sydney and Melbourne will cement these cities’ reputations as globally competitive cities for both capital and tenants, and meet not only the current but also the future needs of occupants,” he said.
New South Wales grabbed the lion’s share of investment across office, retail, industrial and hotel sectors, totalling $12.51 billion.
It was followed by Victoria, which recorded $8.33 billion in investment across all four sectors.
“Not surprisingly, the eastern powerhouse states of New South Wales and Victoria have again dominated sales volumes, with generally more assets to offload and greater appetite from buyers for CBD locations,” Marasco said. 
Queensland had $4.75 billion in total investments, followed by Western Australia with more than $1.02 billion, the Australian Capital Territory with more than $628.5million, and South Australia with $601.5 million.
Anneke Thompson, Colliers International’s national director of Research, said one of the most notable trends this year was the increase in investment from offshore private investors, particularly in the office sector. 
“Throughout the past financial year, offshore privates purchased $2.09 billion worth of office stock, up 59 per cent from $855 million the previous year,” she said. 
Not surprisingly, half of the offshore private capital invested in Australian office markets came from China at $1.05 billion. Private capital from Hong Kong and Singapore also surged, growing to $906 million in 2017 from $73 million in the financial year ending in 2016.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/15/OfficeOffshoreVol.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/OfficeOffshoreVol.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/15/OfficeInvestmentByState.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/OfficeInvestmentByState.png" alt="">
Thompson said the influx in private capital could be explained by both the continued search for yield and the growing perception in the global investment community that Australian office property offered a “safe haven” investment environment.
“The improving leasing markets, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, are also helping drive investor confidence in the outlook for capital appreciation of core office assets,” she said.
Throughout the past year, Australian office markets have continued to build on their growing global reputation as a relatively high-yielding asset with solid long-term fundamentals, attracting more offshore capital.
According to Colliers International’s 2016/17 Capital Markets Office Investment Review, the total transactional value for the FYE2017 was $13.2billion, with about 75 per cent of sales taking place in New South Wales and Victoria and offshore investors making 44.9 per cent of purchases.
Although transaction value is slightly down on last year (by $2.7billion), the FYE2016 included the $2.45billion sale of the Investa portfolio to China Investment Corporation, Colliers said. 
Marasco said it was important to note the impact population growth in Australia’s capital cities was having on transaction volumes, with the country growing by 1.89million people between the 2011 and 2016 Census.
“Both federal and state governments are now more focused on building infrastructure to help our cities cope with their growing size,” he said. 
“These are key positive attributes for office markets, with both trends being felt most keenly in Sydney and Melbourne.”
 
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Offshore money continues to flow into commercial property: Colliers

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The Shafston Hotel, close to “The Gabba” and on Brisbane CBD fringe, is up for sale through Savills.
The “A Grade” <a href="https://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/1b623bd7-3c4b-e711-80c7-005056813885/Sale/East-Brisbane/3-Lytton-Rd" target="_blank">3 Lytton Road</a> property is well known for its live entertainment and sporting events, and has 34 gaming machines.
The East Brisbane freehold hotel has a 4,222 sqm corner location and is close to the CBD with views of the city skyline.
Its history dates back to 1853. The hotel last changed hands for $8.4 million in 2005, according to CoreLogic data.
It has strong cash flows across all departments, says the description.
<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/2017/08/15/BrisbaneHotel2.jpg" alt="">
The site is also suited for mid-scale apartment or hotel development subject to council approvals, according to marketing agents Leon Alaban and Sean Dollar of Savills.
The property is for sale by expressions of interest.
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Brisbane CBD fringe hotel up for sale through Savills

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An industrial site with development potential in Melbourne's inner-western suburb of Tottenham has sold for $6.5 million to an Asian investor.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-tottenham-502305290" target="_blank">213 Sunshine Road</a> site has an area of 16,457 sqm.
The deal was brokered by Mark Talbot of Fitzroys on behalf of Myer Herszberg, the former chairman of InfoMedia.
An Asian investor and landbanker purchased the site, which covers 12 separate titles and has a 9,346 sqm of industrial buildings, on a 4.1% net yield. 
The sale reflected a land rate of $394 per sqm. 
The property is close to Tottenham station. 
Talbot said the site returns a current rental of $304,457 per annum and has the potential for an increase, and presented a variety of development opportunities. 
“The Tottenham and West Footscray area has seen enormous changes with many older industrial buildings making way for smaller modern office/warehouse development. A number of industrial areas have also been rezoned, making way for high density residential developments including townhouses and apartments,” he said. 
Fairfax Media added that a housing estate is also being built opposite 213 Sunshine Road.
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