Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

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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Savills office in Vietnam has merged with Alternaty, a leading hotel advisory in Indochina, as part of its efforts to tap into the growing hospitality markets of the Asia Pacific, particularly South East Asia. 
Alternaty’s employees will join the hotel business at Savills and will be based in Savills’ Ho Chi Minh City office. 
Savills Hotel Asia Pacific, led by Raymond Clement, consists of individuals with experience and a strong track record across the tourism and hospitality sector. Mauro Gasparotti and Rudolf Hever will both take the role of director, Hotels, Savills Asia Pacific, driving business in Vietnam and South East Asia. 
On the team from Alternaty, Savills Vietnam managing director Neil MacGregor said: “The Alternaty team, led by Mauro and Rudolf, are well known as market leaders in hospitality in the IndoChina region. Their capabilities will add depth to establish a robust platform, offering a complete suite of services for the hotel development lifecycle.”
The merger will help Savills get a platform to tap into IndoChina’s rapidly growing hospitality markets, with Vietnam itself seeing a 26% increase in foreign arrivals in 2016.  
With a growing number of investors actively seeking hotel and resort assets, this will consolidate Savills’ investment brokerage platform.
The Hotel Advisory Services in Vietnam will provide hotel and resort market research including feasibility studies, operator selection, asset management and investment brokerage.
“We are delighted to become part of the Savills family and to leverage Savills’ extensive operation, sales and marketing platform in the region,” said Mauro Gasparotti, executive director at Alternaty.
Rudolf Hever, director of Hotels, Savills Asia Pacific said more players were entering Vietnam’s growing market with total hotel transaction volumes at nearly $500 million in the last 24 months. The number of five-star hotel rooms in 2015 soared by 37% year-on-year to reach 24,000 units, he added. 
This growing trend in hotel development can be seen across hotel segments with an estimated 15%-20% growth in total hotel supply in the short term. Besides the key cities of HCMC and Hanoi, up and coming markets such as Phu Quoc, Danang and Nha Trang are also catching investor attention. 
Alternaty is a boutique real estate consultancy which was founded in 2012. It is known for its contacts and track record in commercial property, hotel and resort advisory throughout the IndoChina region. 
The Savills Hotels team valued and advised on US$9.1 billion worth of hotel assets in Asia Pacific in 2016. Most recently, it has led the sale of the Anantara Ubud Bali, the Duxton Hotel Saigon and the Hyatt Regency Osaka.
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Savills Vietnam merges with hotel advisory firm

<html><body>
Three freehold buildings with land bank potenial along St Kilda’s iconic restaurant and lifestyle precinct and with views across Port Phillip Bay have sold recently.
The three properties at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-st+kilda-502097970" target="_blank">7, 9 and 11-15 Fitzroy Street</a> are tenanted. 
There is also scope for their re-development, subject to council approval.
The total land area is 1,335 square metres.
The rents from the three properties are as follows:
<ul>
<li>7 Fitzroy Street: Rent $111,508 per annum plus outs and GST. Restaurant and residence.</li>
<li>9 Fitzroy Street: Rent $161,820 per annum plus outs and GST. Ground floor Restaurant and three separate apartments.</li>
<li>11 – 15 Fitzroy Street: Rent: $428,045, per annum plus outs and GST. Three-level building with three ground floor commercial tenancies plus 10 apartments.</li>
</ul>
The selling agents were David Bourke and Mark Talbot of Fitzroys.
They are located close to Circa/Prince, Upper Esplanade, Catani Gardens and complimented with uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay.
The properties were first advertised for sale by expressions of interest closing October 6, 2016. 
11-15 Fitzroy Street was being marketed for its redevelopment potential as it is located in the restaurant precinct and has north-facing views over Catani Gardens.
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Three Fitzroy Street, St Kilda properties with tenancies sold

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Generation Z, considered the future shoppers of Australia, prefer to head in-store to make a purchase rather than buy online.
A recent report by AMP Capital, From A to Gen Z: Shopping with the Future Generation, found that 87 percent either like or love shopping in-store compared to 79 per cent who prefer to shop online.
Mark Kirkland, managing director of AMP Capital Shopping Centres, said the research highlights the importance of developing fun, social experiences in-store and the opportunities that emerge once brands and retailers align their online and offline offerings.
"The continued popularity of shopping in-store provides a positive outlook for retailers," he said.
"It’s important that, as an industry, we constantly evolve to adapt to the current trends that engage our future shoppers in order to stay relevant. It’s vital that retailers and shopping centres engage with the digital world to deliver a seamless online and offline experience that will create new and exciting avenues to connect with their customers. 
“Trailblazing Australian retailers such as Mecca Maxima and Culture Kings have captured the attention of Future Shoppers by creating a personalised customer experience that’s exclusive to in-store.
"These are just a few representations of the future of retail although we look forward to seeing more bold ideas from retailers within this innovative space.
 The RRP report identified four key themes:
1. Don’t panic! Traditional shopping is not dead
<ul>
<li> 53 percent of future shoppers feel more confident when shopping with others compared to just 27 percent of current shoppers.</li>
</ul>
2. Online and bricks-and-mortar work together
<ul>
<li>  61 percent of future shoppers research while in-store compared to 36 percent of current shoppers.</li>
<li>  63 percent of future shoppers use retailers’ wish list functions, compared to 43 percent of current shoppers.</li>
</ul>
3. Don’t just sell me something, mean something to me
<ul>
<li>  Just below 70 percent of both future and current shoppers prefer brands that give back to society.</li>
<li>  59 percent of future shoppers agreed they would pay more for sustainable products compared to 48 percent of current shoppers.</li>
</ul>
4. Male Future Shoppers are a whole new ballgame
<ul>
<li> 46 percent of male future shoppers have said they are more interested in staying ahead of popular trends than 36 percent of their female counterparts.</li>
</ul>
The term future shoppers is used to refer to adult Gen Zs between the ages of 18 – 22 years. Current Shoppers are used to reference the rest of the Australian population aged 23 and over.
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Future of shopping is bricks and mortar

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Six fully leased Melbourne childcare centres are on the market selling as a group or individually with prices around $7 million to $9 million each, or $50 million for the portfolio.
The six centres include:
<ul>
<li>66-70 High Street Road, Ashwood -   15yr + 10x10yr options. Net rental $486,218 per annum</li>
<li>105A Kangaroo Road, Hughesdale (above) -   20yr + 10yr option. Net rental $545,879 per annum</li>
<li>103-107 Koonung Road, Blackburn Nth -  20yr + 10yr option. Net rental $498,015 per annum</li>
<li>60 Florey Avenue, Point Cook -   20yr + 10yr option. Net rental $511,200 per annum</li>
<li>1 Toolambool Road, Carnegie (below) -   20yr + 10yr option. Net rental $438,697 per annum</li>
<li>37 Venice Street, Mentone -   20yr + 10x10yr options. Net rental $367,822 per annum</li>
</ul>
 
Julian Heatherich from Savills said the portfolio combines exceptional landholdings, quality buildings, geographic diversity and a tenancy profile that is rarely available elsewhere in the commercial property market.
"Put this together with built-in rental growth and significant income tax depreciation benefits in a rapidly growing, government backed industry and it is an asset that will find few peers,’’ he 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/2017/04/4/Carnegie%20CC%20Centre.jpg" alt="">
"The tenancy lists includes several highly regarded companies including ASX listed G8 Education, national provider, Guardian Early Learning, and Nino Early Learning Adventures.
"Investor appetite for well-located childcare investment properties was as strong as ever, with an increasing number of local and off-shore investors appreciating the combination of fundamental investment attributes available within this booming sector of the market.
"With recent child care sales at yields ranging from 3.89 percent in Thornbury to 5.1 percent in Rowville, investors have a fantastic opportunity to secure genuine value and compelling rental yields in this portfolio of properties."
Mr Heatherich said key drivers of the childcare market have been the rapidly growing nature of the childcare sector, the confidence that comes from the strong support the sector has from the Federal Government, and Victoria’s strong population growth.
 
The properties will be sold by Expressions of Interest closing Wednesday, April 26.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

$50 million Melbourne childcare portfolio for sale

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A corner site with permit for 47 apartments and retail has sold in West Melbourne for an undisclosed sum. 
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-west+melbourne-502180678" target="_blank">437-441 Spencer Street</a> property is north facing and full of natural light, according to its description.
The land area is 268 sqm and the zoning is mixed use.
The plan has been designed by architect Ken Sowery of ElevliPlus, who designed 'The Age Print Centre' in Tullamarine, and other renowned buildings.
The selling agent was Gideon Marcus of Teska Carson.
The property was is expected to fetch around $4 million.
 <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/2017/04/03/WestMelb2.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
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West Melbourne site with permit for apartments sold

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A storage unit with vacant possession in Sydney’s Alexandria has just sold for $155,000.
Last traded for $89,375, Bourkeside Storage at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-nsw-alexandria-500481051" target="_blank">48/53 Bourke Road</a> is a secure two-level storage unit.
Suited for business use, it is part of a building and has 24/7 access by security card.
The floor area is 25 sqm.
The deal was brokered by Jim Iverach of JS Iverach Real Estate.
Storage units at Bourkeside Storage have been selling for around the $130,000 mark, while the biggest sale came in 2015 when a unit sold for $240,000.
 
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Storage unit in Sydney changes hands for $155,000  

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A investment property at Hobart has been sold for $1.2 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-tas-hobart-502055826" target="_blank">52 Melville Street</a>, the 695 sqm property was originally built as a theatre and still retains many of its original features.
Dating back to 1896, the former theatre features imposing facades and high ceilings. Many of its heritage details are intact.
It is suitable for a number of uses and has a two-bedroom apartment on the first floor. 
The property was offered through Knight Frank agent Hayden Peck.
It last changed hands for $750,000 in 2006, according to CoreLogic.
It has been used for a variety of retail purposes over the past 40 years. 
 
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Former Hobart theatre sold for $1.2 million 

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Fife Capital has expanded its presence in Queensland’s industrial market, securing two facilities in the Brisbane suburb of Darra for $29.45 million.
CBRE’s Ed Bull and Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Corey Bott negotiated the sale of 2642–2666 Ipswich Road on behalf of Cambooya Pty Ltd.
Comprising 9,732 square metres over two modern corporate industrial facilities, the property is securely leased to two tenants, including two ASX-listed subsidiaries – Ensign Services and Multispares Limited.
Bull said the formal on marketing campaign yielded over 50 enquiries due to the quality of the investment offering.  
"This opportunity to acquire a secure investment backed by majority ASX-listed subsidiaries drew interest from a vast pool of buyers, including local, domestic and foreign purchasers," Bull said.
"In addition to its attractive tenancy profile, the property also benefits from an enviable location in close proximity to the Ipswich Motorway – one of south east Queensland’s major arterial roads."
Covering a total site area of 23,463 square metres, the property is located in the heart of one of the industrial precinct, with the Ipswich Motorway upgrade and ConnectWest Business Park project attracting more tenants to the area.
"The western corridor is already one of Brisbane’s most sought after industrial precincts, with major tenants including Toll, Cascade, Australia Post and Coca Cola Amatil," Bott said.
"Ongoing projects in the area will continue to drive growth in this thriving precinct and subsequently fuel investment activity.”
Each tenancy comprises a mix of corporate accommodation over two levels and adjoining clear span warehouse, with roller door access and concrete hardstand areas.
 
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Double Darra industrial investment bought by Fife Capital

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A Chinese BBQ restaurant will open up in a High Street building in Preston, following a deal negotiated by Fitzroys.
The two-level, 355 square metre 449 High Street building has a ground floor area of 280 square metres and first floor of 75 square metres.
Terence Yeh struck the terms of the deal with North China BBQ at $108,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST on behalf of a private owner.
Yeh said the property presented a very rare opportunity for a business to a gain a presence in a popular and tightly held area.
“Enquiry came from a range of operators who all recognised the scarcity of this type of offering, including banks, hospitality businesses and service retailers,” he said.
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Chinese BBQ has a taste for Preston

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There has been an increase in the number of shopping centres having some form of casual leasing, according to JLL’s latest retail report.
This annual report highlights the retail market industry and the views of retail centres managers view points on how the retail industry is doing.
Casual mall leasing is an important element in shopping centres with 91% of centres surveyed indicating having some form of casual leasing, up from 86% in the previous survey conducted in August 2016.
Vending machines remain the most common form of casual mall leasing closely followed by casual retailers, media advertising and “kiddie rides”.
Casual leasing is a small but important means of generating additional income for landlords, with many centres having budgets to meet from this revenue source.
Casual mall retailers, or “pop-up” retailers, were identified in 57% of centres, often occupying vacant tenancies or kiosks.
Some respondents indicated success in converting casual retailers into permanent tenants, which has been a positive outcome for the centre as well as the tenant.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/30/Table%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/03/30/Table%203.jpg" alt="">
60% of respondents indicated that their centres had current opportunities for casual mall leasing and 57% indicated they had received enquiries for casual leasing over the last six months.
This is down on enquiry levels for the six months to June 2016 (68%) although the report notes that centres with enquiry indicated their level of interest had increased.
The most common enquiry came from charity organisations, with 39% of centres indicating they had received enquiries from such groups over the last six months.
Of the retail enquiries, giftware and fashion were the two largest groups.
The level of enquiry from food and beverage operators was relatively low despite this category dominating overall tenant enquiry in centres.
Food and beverage operators are more willing to make the permanent commitment up-front while fashion and giftware operators have either short-term needs or desire to test the market first.
The low upfront costs offered by casual leasing provides such an opportunity.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/30/Table%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/03/30/Table%204.jpg" alt="">
Other enquiries have come from a range of local businesses, services and sporting groups.
This brings an element of the local community into shopping centres, and helps to build the centre’s attraction as a community hub.
There is a continued need for a balance between providing opportunities for new and exciting tenants that may invigorate a mall and ensuring the mall remains pleasant to customers.
Quality of presentation and aggressive “pledge” operators remain the major concerns that need addressing.
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