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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The major refurbishment of several office buildings in the Canberra CBD over the past couple of years has attracted several high calibre tenants to the area, and another building is hoping to benefit from the trend.
The refurbishment of 17 Moore Street, owned by CorVal, will be completed in the coming months.
Benn Vicic, senior asset manager at CorVal said they worked closely with architects Peckvonhartel on the building’s core design upgrades to improve tenant amenity.
The program includes refurbishment of the façade and entrance point, as well as upgrades to upper floor lift lobbies and bathrooms.
Tenancy area upgrades include new carpet, ceilings and LED lighting, which will significantly reduce tenancy occupancy costs, Vicic said.
“We believe property owners have an obligation to limit the environmental impact of their investments and this fundamental belief has driven the sustainability upgrades at 17 Moore Street,” he said.
“In 2016, we started works on a BMS tuning and retro commission program, culminating in an extensive 211 panel, 56 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system which resulted in the building achieving a 5-star NABERS Energy rating.
“Once fully leased, the systems have the capacity to achieve 5.5-stars, which if achieved will make 17 Moore Street the first pre-existing building in Canberra to reach this level.”
<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/2017/02/23/160728%20-%2017%20Moore%20-%20V02%20-%20Lobby%20-%20Final%202000.jpg" alt="">
Located on the corner of Barry Drive and Moore Street in Civic, 17 Moore Street has 5,750 square metres of office space available to lease across six levels with 65 secure basement car spaces.
The floor plates of approximately 1,000 square metres is suitable for a variety of fitout designs and working environments.
Colliers International and Raine and Horne Commercial are the appointed leasing agents.
Michael Ceacis, director of office leasing at Colliers International, said:
“17 Moore Street is the only refurbished office building in Canberra CBD that has achieved a 5-star NABERS Energy rating.
“We know that many tenants seeking office accommodation in the City are looking for modern and energy efficient space, and with the refurbishment works at 17 Moore Street nearing completion, it will be an attractive option for all tenant types.
“This landmark structure will embody modern design and the latest environmental technology, resulting in the highest standards of workplace collaboration and energy efficiency.”
Nick Cotis, director of operations at Raine &amp; Horne Commercial said all works at 17 Moore Street were anticipated to be completed in May.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra's 17 Moore Street sets sights on top tenants with eco-friendly makeover

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A tenanted industrial investment in the heart of a well-established industrial precinct at Southport on the Gold Coast has been sold at auction for $1.31 million.
The freehold industrial complex with seven tenancies at 55 Bailey Crescent, Southport, was sold under the hammer to a private investor by Steven King of Ray White Commercial Gold Coast on behalf of a private owner for a yield of 6.8%.
King said six of the seven tenancies are occupied and the complex is currently generating gross rental income of approximately $90,000 per annum.
“The marketing campaign for this property attracted 36 enquiries and there were four registered bidders at the in-room auction,” he said.
“After some spirited bidding, this strategic industrial investment with development potential sold under the hammer.
“This property provides potential for income upside and is an investment with a diversified holding income stream.”
King said the complex offers a combined net lettable area of up to 2,668 square metres on a site zoned ‘low impact industry’.
“The industrial complex is situated with ample frontage to Bailey Crescent, which leads directly onto Southport Nerang Road enabling travel east-west from Southport, or north-south along Wardoo Street towards Smith Street and the M1,” he said.
“The property is a significant parcel of land within the very tightly held Bailey Crescent industrial area.”
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Southport industrial investment sold for $1.31 million

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A Melbourne based developer has paid $3 million for a Moonee Ponds site with a permit for a mixed use development.
The 841 square metre site at 21-23 Norwood Crescent property is zoned Activity Centre Zone1 and was sold at a land rate of $3567 a square metre. The private sale was brokered by Savills' Jesse Radisich and Julian Heatherich.
Radisich said the property has a permit for 19 apartments and ground floor commercial space and had attracted strong interest from developers. 
"The property generated considerable interest with more than 65 individual enquiries from a wide range of local and off-shore developers, and that reflected the strength of not only the Moonee Ponds market, but the northern suburbs in general,” 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/2017/02/28/21-23%20Norwood%20Cres%20markup.jpg" alt="">
The property is located close to Moonee Ponds Central Shopping Centre, public transport and schools.
Heatherich said the area was undergoing rapid growth with apartment development sites keenly sought after.
"Moonee Ponds has long been a popular centre and it continues to attract new residents looking for a home in an area which offers all essential amenities within close proximity of the CBD,’’ Heatherich said.
The vendor was a local private developer.
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Moonee Ponds development site fetches $3 million

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An iconic three level hotel at Darlinghurst has been listed for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-darlinghurst-502305458" target="_blank">122 Flinders Street</a> the award winning pub, The Local Taphouse, is a pioneer in the Sydney beer market.
It has a brand new 20 year lease, including options, along with $54,000 per week in weekly revenue.
Featuring several bar areas, kitchen and a rooftop terrace the property is also centrally located to Oxford Street, the CBD and the Sydney Sports Grounds.
The Darlinghurst pub has won numerous awards from publications such as Time Out for its impressive craft beer selection, numbering in excess of 200 options.
The pub's elder sister is on Carlisle Street, St Kilda East.
The property is offered through Ray White agents Blake Edwards and Xavier Plunkett.
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Darlinghurst craft beer pioneer pub The Local Taphouse listed

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An three level hotel at Darlinghurst has been listed for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-darlinghurst-502305458" target="_blank">122 Flinders Street</a> the award winning pub, The Local Taphouse, is a pioneer in the Sydney beer market.
It has a brand new 20 year lease, including options, along with $54,000 per week in weekly revenue.
Featuring several bar areas, kitchen and a rooftop terrace the property is also centrally located to Oxford Street, the CBD and the Sydney Sports Grounds.
The Darlinghurst pub has won numerous awards, including from Time Out, for its impressive craft beer selection, numbering in excess of 200 options.
The pub's elder sister is on Balaclava Road, St Kilda.
The property is offered through Ray White agents Blake Edwards and Xavier Plunkett.
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Darlinghurst craft beer pioneer The Local Taphouse listed for sale

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Chapel Street commercial property sales increased in the last three months of 2017, according to CoreLogic's Cityscope.
The property data firm says that sales recorded in the quarter ending February 2017 totalled $26.6 million from nine sales, compared with $3 million from three sales in the three months to November 2016.
However this is less than the recorded $211.8 million from eight sales in the three months to August 2016, though this August figure was the result of the sale of The Como Centre and 650 Chapel Street, which were bought together for $202.7 million.
This data brings the 12 month total to $372.6 million from 33 sales, a decrease from the previous 12 month total of $417.5 million from 44 sales.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Chapel Street Cityscope:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-1.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-1.jpeg" alt="">
Notable sales recorded in the February 2017 update of Chapel Street Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Unit 5 at 529 Chapel Street, South Yarra, an office/penthouse on the whole of the first level, which sold for $6.85 million through Colliers International and</li>
<li>403 Chapel Street, South Yarra, a two-storey retail building with a later brick addition to the rear on a site area of 185 square metres, which sold for a total of $5 million through CBRE – Melbourne.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-2.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-2.jpeg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in the February 2017 update of Chapel Street Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Shop 2 and shop 3, at 529 Chapel Street, South Yarra, two ground floor retail units tenanted by General Pants, to be auctioned March 9, 2017 through Vinci Carbone and</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-south+yarra-502159070" target="_blank">49 Toorak Road, South Yarra</a> (pictured above), a two-storey retail building on a 56 square metre site, for sale through LINQ Property;</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities listed in the February 2017 update of Chapel Street Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>409 Chapel Street, a two-storey retail building with a yard to the rear, built in 1910, has the whole of level one for lease through TeskaCarson;</li>
<li>262-264 Chapel Street, Prahran, a three-storey brick retail building to Chapel Street with a single-storey warehouse building to the rear has retail space of 500 square metres for lease through CRS Property and</li>
<li>219 Commercial Road, South Yarra, a single-storey brick retail building of 455 square metres for lease through CVA Property Consultants.</li>
</ul>
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Chapel Street commercial property sales increase: Cityscope

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The total value of South Sydney commercial property sales decreased for the quarter to December 2016, according to CoreLogic’s South Sydney Cityscope report.
The property data firm says that 48 sales recorded in the most recent quarter totalled $411.3 million.
This compares to the $512.7 million from 58 sales in the quarter to September 2016 and the $276.7 million from 39 sales recorded in the quarter to June 2016.
In total there were 196 sales totalling $1.487 billion over 2016, an increase from the $1.260 billion from 403 sales recorded for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of South Sydney Cityscope:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/23/South%20Sydney-1.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/2017/01/23/South%20Sydney-1.jpg" alt="">
Notable sales in the December 2016 update of South Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Alexandria Creative Park, also known as <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-alexandria-501462611" target="_blank">The Mill at 41-43 Bourke Road, Alexandria</a> (pictured above), a 20,176 square metre business precinct comprising 10 commercial buildings, an on-site cafe and one three-storey car park building on an 18,930 square metre site, which sold through a mortgagee sale for $110.2 million;</li>
<li>Pullman Sydney Airport, at 191 O’Riordan Street, Mascot, a 12-storey, five-star hotel, with 229 guest rooms, restaurant, bar and conference facilities, completed in June 2016, which sold for $84 million; and</li>
<li>Kent Business Park, at 55 Kent Road, Mascot, a complex of five high-clearance two-storey warehouse units with small two-storey office sections, and parking for 94 cars on a 11,950 square metre site, which sold for $30 million.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/23/South%20Sydney-2.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/2017/01/23/South%20Sydney-2.jpg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in the December 2016 update of South Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Three adjoining properties in Rosebery – at 12-20 Rosebery Avenue, consisting of a modern two-storey office building extending to high-clearance warehouse to Dalmeny Avenue and a smaller building, a high-clearance warehouse with two-storey office section and car space in a paved yard; at 108 Dalmeny Avenue, consisting of a modern two-storey office building and a yard for parking (25 cars) and warehouse access; and at 22-40 Rosebery Avenue, consisting of two high-clearance warehouses with two-level office sections (Building A and Building B), built around 1985; with a combined site area of 15,198 square metre are is available through Colliers International Sydney South;</li>
<li>563-567 Gardeners Road, Mascot, a development site of 948 square metre currently with a two-storey brick building with showroom on ground level and first floor offices and parking to the rear, available through Taylor Nicholas South Sydney; and</li>
<li>96A Denison Street, Hillsdale, consisting of a vacant land and to the rear, a two-storey building with parking space on the ground floor and offices above on a 4,166 square metre site, available through Cushman &amp; Wakefield Sydney.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities in the December 2016 update of South Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>1-3A Ricketty Street, Mascot, consisting of an older single-storey brick and corrugated iron warehouse with a two-level office extension and a newer high-clearance warehouse/factory building with a two-level office extension, to the north of the site, which has warehouse and office space ranging from 745 to 1,824 square metre available in Tenancy B and D for lease through Collier’s International Sydney South;</li>
<li>Alexandria Industrial Estate, at 35-39 Bourke Road, Alexandria, consisting of ten single and two-storey high-clearance warehouse buildings with office areas built in 1985 with total building area is 43,600 square metre, comprising 3,826 square metre of office space and 39,774 square metre of warehouse space, has office space of 2,405 square metre in Unit C1 available through Knight Frank Sydney South, JLL Mascot, CBRE South Sydney and Goodman Industrial and</li>
<li>Part of the Lakes Business Park at 2-12 Lord Street, Botany, a complex of office and warehouse buildings, with surrounding on-grade parking areas and a two-level car park, total building area of 48,411 square metre over seven main buildings, which has floor area ranging from 225 to 1,180 square metre available through Dexus Property Group and JLL Mascot.</li>
</ul>
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South Sydney commercial property sales fall in final months of 2016: Cityscope

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Parramatta commercial property sales increased in the quarter to December 2016, according to CoreLogic's Cityscope report.
The property data firm says that for the three months to December 2016, there were 32 sales at a total value of $150.2 million, compared to 17 sales at a total value of $139.3 million for the previous quarter.
Over the year there were 97 sales at a total value of $492.8 million, a decrease from the 171 sales at a total value of $578 million for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Parramatta Cityscope:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-1.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-1.jpeg" alt="">
Notable sales in the December 2016 update of Parramatta Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-parramatta-501863054" target="_blank">Albion Hotel, 135 George Street, Parramatta</a> (pictured above), a single and two-storey building with beer garden, bottle shop and parking on a site of 1,920 square metres, which was sold together with Albion car park, 118 Harris Street, Parramatta, a paved car park for the hotel on a site of 1,214 square metres for about $60 million through Khoury &amp; Partners Parramatta;</li>
<li>80 George Street, Parramatta, two office buildings of six and 11 storeys providing a net lettable area of 8,115 square metres with basement parking for 103 cars, which was sold for $51.88 million through Knight Frank</li>
<li>292 Church Street, Parramatta, a three-storey retail building with a net lettable area of 2,090 square metres and six car spaces, which was sold for $9.75 million through Ray White Commercial – Sydney.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-2.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-2.jpeg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in the December 2016 update of Parramatta Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>295-309 Church Street, Parramatta, a two-storey building with a net lettable area of 1,362 square metres and 17 car spaces, which is available for sale through Savills and Khoury &amp; Partners</li>
<li>Unit 3 at 411 Church Street, Parramatta, a 77 square metres office suite on level one in a two-storey building, which is for sale through LJ Hooker Commercial Parramatta.</li>
</ul>
Properties with leasing opportunities listed in the December 2016 update of Parramatta Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>197-205 Church Street, Parramatta, two interconnected buildings of two and three-storeys, which have office space of 1,500 square metres available through CBRE Western Sydney;</li>
<li>90 Phillip Street, Parramatta, a four-storey office building with a net lettable area of 3,180 square metres and 61 car spaces, which has office space up to 1,200 square metres available through CBRE Western Sydney</li>
<li>486 Church Street, Parramatta, a 10-level residential building and a two-storey retail annexe, which has retail space up to 1,200 square metres available through Khoury &amp; Partners Parramatta.</li>
</ul>
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Parramatta commercial property sales bounce back: Cityscope

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Southbank property sales have increased in the past three months, according to CoreLogic’s Cityscope report.
The property data firm says that sales recorded in the quarter ending February 2017 totalled $758 million, an increase from the $610.6 million recorded in the three months to November 2016.
However this is a decrease from the $952.9 million recorded to August 2016.
This data brings the 12 month total to $2.509 billion, an increase from the $1.465 billion recorded the same time last year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Southbank Cityscope.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-3.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-3.jpeg" alt="">
Notable sales in the February 2017 update of Southbank Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>World Trade Centre, also known as WTC Wharf at 18-38 Siddeley Street, Docklands, which comprise Towers 2, 3 and 4 and are linked by a three-level concourse of shops, showrooms and office suites plus basement parking for 436 cars. It was built in 1983, refurbished 2010, and has sold for $267.5 million through Knight Frank and JLL;</li>
<li>Esso House, Riverside Quay site 5 at 51-65 Southbank Promenade, Southbank, a 17-level office building of 20,000 square metres, built in 1995 at a cost of $100m, and featuring a glass-covered rainforest atrium on a 6,603 square metres site, has been sold for $160 million through  JLL Melbourne and</li>
<li>A 25% interest in the DFO South Wharf and the DFO Homemaker Hub South Wharf, two four-level buildings, both completed in late 2009 was bought for $141.25 million. The two buildings are interconnected at first floor level and basement level. The Homemaker Hub extends over level 1 of both buildings and the ground floor of the northern building and DFO South Wharf on ground and basement of the southern building plus studio offices on levels 2 to 4.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-4.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/24/Corelogic-4.jpeg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in February 2017 update of Southbank Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>190 City Road, a three-storey glass-fronted office building of concrete construction built in 1987, and refurbished in 1990 and in 2005 with building area of 3,815 square metres on a 1,597 site, for sale by expressions of interest closing March 23, 2017 through CBRE;</li>
<li>Shop 9R at 3 Freshwater Place, Southbank, a retail space of 95 square metres on the ground level, for sale by auction on 2nd March 2017 through Fitzroys and</li>
<li>8-16 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne, a two-storey rendered concrete-block building built in 1988 on a 908 square metres site, for sale by expressions of interest closing March 8, 2017 through Colliers International.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities listed in the February 2017 update of Southbank Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>99 Queensbridge Street (pictured above), a five-storey building with three ground-floor showrooms, office floors of about 1,040 square metres, and to City Road a single-storey showroom plus entry to 70 car spaces on ground and roof levels, built in 1991, has office space ranging from 210 to 1,974 square metres for lease through Ryder Commercial and Colliers International Melbourne;</li>
<li>2 Southbank Boulevard, the 37-storey commercial tower of Freshwater Place, completed in June 2005 with net lettable area of 55,769 square metres, has office space ranging from 276 to 23,000 square metres for lease through CBRE Melbourne and Colliers International Melbourne and</li>
<li>Lot 1, a three-storey rendered brick office building with undercover parking for 32 cars and Lot 2, a one and two-storey office, showroom and warehouse building, both at 164 to 182 Kings Way, South Melbourne, has office floor areas ranging from 1,390 to 1,900 square metres for lease through CBRE Melbourne.</li>
</ul>
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Southbank commercial property sales on the rebound: Cityscope

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The industrial and logistics sector has emerged as the surprise performer of Australia’s commercial property market, with rental growth and projected growth in 2017 making investors confident about the sector, according to commercial real estate firm CBRE.
Strong levels of consumption and investment spending is supporting goods demand in major markets across the country, providing a strong basis for rental growth in 2017, says the firm's Industrial and Logistics, Q4 2016, MarketView report.
In the final three months of 2016, the industrial and logistics sector recorded positive quarterly rental growth of 0.5% nationally, underpinned by strong gains in Sydney, it said. 
The figures point to the beginning of a growth period for the sector, said CBRE’s senior managing director, industrial and logistics, Pacific, Matt Haddon.
“The tide has turned, with the latest quarterly rental growth and projected growth in 2017 injecting confidence into the sector, which, despite mixed economic conditions, has continued to succeed,” Haddon said. 
“It’s well documented that the manufacturing sector is declining – and has been for years. Gains in consumption and investment spending are where our focus needs to lie, with this sector of the market driving future occupier demand growth.” 
Reduced supply in 2016 is also expected to stimulate rental growth, with just 433,000 square metres released in the December quarter – 34% lower when compared to the same period in 2015, the report says.
In terms of deals, Victoria recorded its strongest year on record in 2016, with $1.92 billion in assets changing hands – representing a 15% increase from 2015. 
The report shows $394 million in property transactions during the last three months of 2016 helped propel the Victorian market to its strongest position on record. 
CBRE senior research manager Kate Bailey said a number of high quality assets and portfolio sales had underpinned strong transaction activity in Melbourne. 
“In 2016, there was an imbalance of available premium assets and large scale opportunities to meet demand in most locations across the country – with the possible exception of Melbourne,” Bailey said. 
“Similar drivers were responsible for a slowdown in offshore investment, with portfolio sales the key driver of foreign investment in 2016.” 
Nationally, $4.831 billion in industrial and logistics assets changed hands during 2016 – marginally down from a record $5.267 billion in 2015, due to the available stock shortfall.
New South Wales recorded $1.559 billion for the year, followed by Queensland with $537.67 million, $617.2 million in Perth, $146.05 million in South Australia and $31.25 million in the ACT. 
“Global capital remains highly focused on this strongly performing segment of the commercial market,” Haddon said. 
Haddon said further compression of yields in major markets during 2016 indicated that investors were anticipating both occupier demand and rental growth in the sector. 
In Q4, super prime average yields compressed a further 10 basis points to reach record lows of 6.9% nationally, driven by a low of 6.0% in Melbourne, 6.1% in Sydney and 6.5% in Brisbane.
Haddon said current market conditions pointed to a strong year for the market. 
“Current activity levels suggest that an increased number of opportunities will be available for investors in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the same period 12 months ago.” 
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