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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GUEST OBSERVER
The retail sector continues to thrive in Sydney. 
Low interest rates and Australia’s economic rotation has favoured the south eastern states with consumers, retailers and landlords all enjoying sector tailwinds through the second half of 2016. Unsurprisingly therefore, investor demand in the Sydney region is high, reflected in overall transactional volumes and the associated shift lower in yields.
In many instances, Sydney holds the lowest yield per retail asset class, and the potential for further compression is high, especially within the CBD sector. Strong investor appetite is supported by rental growth as infrastructure development and population growth facilitate consumer demand. 
 
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Melbourne 
The Melbourne retail market has been busier than ever, particularly on the shopping centre front. Institutional investors have been actively managing their portfolios, reinvesting capital into the development of prime assets with an aim to boost income streams and lift capital values. More than 377,000sqm
of shopping centre supply is expected to come online in Victoria through to 2021, boosted by projects such as Chadstone Shopping Centre, West eld Knox, Highpoint Shopping Centre, and West eld Doncaster.
This activity has also translated across the CBD, where landlords have been adding value to their assets to keep up with the competition from their suburban counterparts. We therefore expect rental growth to continue across all major retail markets in Melbourne in the next 12-24 months, as redevelopment activity and the growing presence of international brands continue to spur tenant demand. 
Adelaide
Rundle Mall has seen vacancy increase slightly in the last 12 months, with rents also which has reduced the average slightly. Sales volumes are well below last year, but this is due to two major assets in Rundle Mall transacting last year. Demand for assets in the precinct remain strong which has resulted in yields tightening over the last six months. New development is mostly outside Rundle Mall with developments proposed for the Central Arcade in the Central market and further investment in the public realm for key laneways in the CBD.
Perth
Retail vacancy in the CBD, particularly in the Hay and Murray Street malls, remained relatively low in Perth. This has seen CBD market rents out-perform Neighbourhood and Sub Regional centres, where rents have declined due to softer retail turnover growth, easing tenant demand and increased stock levels. This, along with a moderating population growth, has created more uncertainty for the timing of mooted major centre expansions. However, both population and nominal retail turnover growth are still forecast to grow, even if per capita spend continues to moderate.
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Brisbane
The Brisbane CBD continues to evolve into a new world city as part of the Brisbane City Council’s centre plan. As a result of Council’s works and a state economy that has proved to remain resilient, a number of private and public groups are investing substantial resources in Brisbane’s CBD. As a result of the developing vibrancy of the CBD there are major international brands along with bespoke operators entering the CBD, contributing to a positive feedback cycle which is expected to continue. 
New Zealand 
Eight years on from the global nancial crisis, many retailers in New Zealand have streamlined their operations, ramped up their sales campaigns and, in some cases, rationalised their space to meet the changing demand of the new consumer. New Zealand is also receiving more enquiry from international retailers and a select few national retailers are looking to expand their footprint with a more targeted approach. For these retailers, the new strategies being employed - although challenging - are working. 
Positive underlying retail conditions have given buoyancy to property leasing enquiry and activity. We are seeing occupancy highs in many locations - albeit retailers sticking to basics are the winners. Investors remain competitive and attracted to retail property due to the attractive gap between returns and debt costs in the current low interest rate environment.
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Daniel Lees is director of director of research, Colliers, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney, Melbourne retail markets busier than ever: Colliers

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A prestige commercial investment in Concord is for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-concord-502192390">50 Mortlake Street</a> the 228 sqm zoned B2 Local Centre property is an impressive two-level building with dual street frontages and eye-catching exposure.
It is leased to Antoine’s Grill, a popular restaurant that has been awarded Chef Hat 2015 and featured in AGFG and Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide.
The restaurant includes commercial kitchen, indoor and council approved outdoor seating areas, a fully licensed bar, polished timber floorings, floor-to-ceiling bi-folding doors, a grease trap, cool room, storage, M/F amenities and rear lane access to secure off-street parking.
It is a short distance to ample street parking, bus stops and Mortlake ferry wharf with close proximity to Concord Golf Club, Concord RSL, Parramatta Road’s vibrant business districts and surrounding neigbourhoods such as Rhodes, Strathfield and Five Dock.
It has direct access to major traffic routes such as Major Bay Roads, Concord Roads, Lyons Road, Victoria Road and M4 Motorway.
It is offered through Gerald Cole Property Consultants agents Gino Anzini and Steven Poller.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Property leased to Antoine's Grill at Concord for sale

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A strategically located land development at Port Augusta is for sale.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-sa-port+augusta-502191634" target="_blank">land</a> is available for immediate development or can be held onto for future development and growth in this economic region.
There are two sites in this sale, the Winninowie site has a size of 61 ha with either side of the existing rail line and adjacent to the Augusta National Highway.
There is a proposed Intermodal Facility at this location and a scoping paper is available upon request.
The other one is the Wilmington site which has a size of 7 ha operating as the Wilmington East-West Shed Road Train Assembly Yard.
It is strategically located on road and rail routes at the crossroads to South Australia’s mineral-rich far north and western regions.
Both of these sites are offered together, but the separate sale of the properties will be considered.
Port Augusta has developed into a significant regional service centre in the northern region of South Australia. It is a natural hub for transport and distribution services across Australia.
International expressions of interest close on 16 December and is offered through LJ Hooker Commerical agents Con Kavooris and David Buenfeld.
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Strategically located land development at Port Augusta for sale

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Shelving provider Business Warehouse has signed a three year lease in a factory facility in Laverton North through CBRE’s Todd Grima and Harry Kalaitzis.
The deal, comprising a 385sqm office and 4,312sqm warehouse is at 12 William Angliss Drive.
The property features a 10 metre loading canopy, four on-grade doors, two recessed loading docks and an architecturally designed office.
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Business Warehouse strikes leasing deal in Laverton North

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Warehouses in Thomastown and Moorabbin are advertising their trade units as mancave storage.
The Moorabbin development, aptly named <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/building/mancave-storage-17#502159198" target="_blank">Mancave Storage</a>, is 25 kilometres south east of the Melbourne CBD and has 48 units on the market.
The marketing suggests the space has been designed 'with your needs and wants in mind.' Especially for building supplies, materials and tool storage.
Each warehouse has its own private bathroom plus there's an onsite cafe, car wash and manager.
The listing images show a second floor relax zone overlooking the storage space.
The smallest unit on the market is 139 sqm and is listed for $276,000. The largest is 242 sqm and that's listed for $415,000.
A <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-thomastown-501787590" target="_blank">Thomastown development</a>, 35 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD, have 26 small trade units ranging from 111 sqm to 143 sqm.
Set in the Meridian Business Park, the units are priced from $277,500 to $336,500.
Completion is expected early 2017.
Andrew Briffa and Alex Gazis at National Estate Agents are handling the marketing.
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Mancaves in outer Melbourne coming to market

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A commercial property in Glebe has sold prior to its auction for $3.55 million, the first time its traded in over 20 years.
It was set to go under the hammer on November 19 through LJ Hooker agents Nicholas Katsikaros, Branko Strehar and Akanksha Chaudhari, but it sold three days before.
Refurbished and constructed in 2015, <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-glebe-502145074" target="_blank">79 Glebe Point Road</a> has 365 sqm of external and internal dining capacity.
There are three storerooms, a cool room and rear parking for six vehicles behind its period facade.
It offers a current incomew of $156,000 per annum leased to Turkish restaurant Otto Noorba until May 2021 with two five year lease options.
It last sold for $585,000 in 1993.
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Glebe home of Turkish restaurant Otto Noorba has sold

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Port Arthur Villas, a set of self-contained getaway units near Hobart, has recently sold for an undisclosed sum.
The freehold property, located opposite the Port Arthur Historic Site, went to the market with price expectations of $1,45 million.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-tas-port+arthur-5337846" target="_blank">complex</a> includes a residence, reception and laundry building, nine four star units in three separate blocks, tractor shed, barbecue shelter and surplus development land all set amongst landscaped gardens and lawn on 1.2 hectares.
The target price was split as $450,000 for the residence and $1,000,000 for the nine units. It last traded for $300,000 in 2006, according to RP Data.
The property was built from 1987 to 1989 and the units were upgraded in 2006 for more than $100,000. They have a private sewerage system, town water, plus a large dam fed by a running creek.
The residence spans two-storeys and has three bedrooms and a private courtyard.
The property is only a five-minute walk to the historic site. Previous DA approval was received for adding six more villa units.
World heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is among the most significant convict era sites in Australia and worldwide. Port Arthur attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year.
The vendor wanted to sell as he is retiring.
The selling agent was Knight Frank's John Blacklow.
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/PortArthur1.png" alt="">
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Self-contained villas near historic Port Arthur site sells

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A site earning more than $300,000 in Sydney's St Peters with potential for apartments and commercial uses was recently sold through Taylor Nicholas. The price was not disclosed.
Zoned B7 business park, the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-st+peters-502130666" target="_blank">2-22 Hutchinson St &amp; 27-33 Applebee St, St Peters, NSW 2044</a> has a land area of 2623 sqm.
It has two street frontages and seven factories and the current income is $314,511.49 pa.
Located within St Peters Triangle Precinct 25, the site is close to St Peters station and shops. 
Pre-development approval plans have been lodged for two buildings of three and five storeys, subject to council approval.
There is a potential for five commercial units, four home offices and 46 apartments in a mix of one, two and three bedrooms.
The selling agent was Nick Spasevski.
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Site in Sydney's St Peters with plans for mixed use sells

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Melbourne's Tavistock House in the middle of the CBD has been sold at auction for $7.9 million.
The iconic triple-storey corner freehold building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-502136982" target="_blank">383-387 Flinders Lane</a> comprises a 442 sqm land parcel and over 42 metre triple street frontage.
It's surrounded by major corporate headquarters, Melbourne’s finest restaurants, luxury retail, high end hotels and entertainment as well as all forms of public transport.
It was offered with up to 12 months settlement and has traded for the first time in over two decades. It last sold for $600,000 in 1993.
It comes part leased to established tenants.
Colliers International handled the sale with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BM8YKO8BslB/?taken-by=cooleyauctions" target="_blank">Cooley Auctions handling the onsite auction</a>.
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Tavistock House in the Melbourne CBD sells for $7.9 million

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After only one week on the market, Lantern Hotels has sold its top gaming hotel, the Five Dock in Sydney's inner-west.
The sale of the Five Dock, by Ray White hotel broker Andrew Jolliffe secured $28.75 million.
It represents a 38 percent premium to the 30 June 2016 book value.
Other notable Lantern Hotels sales - some 12 have been sold - have included Sydney’s El Toro at $24 million and Uncle Bucks in Mt Druitt for $25.3 million.
Jolliffe believes the Five Dock Hotel was brought about because of the quality of the property.
"In effect, the market had been anticipating the sale of this prominent hospitality asset for some time; and the interest generated from the beginning of the sale campaign was commensurately strong" advised Jolliffe.
<img src="/images/2016/11/22/HERO%20Aerial.jpg" alt="">
The Five Dock Hotel has performed very well since the recent introduction by Lantern Hotels of some modest capital, and I wholly expect the successful purchaser to unlock the inherent value so patently available with the benefit of time" Jolliffe added.
The Australian suggested former Wallaby Bill Young, whose family business includes the Hotel Concord, The Wiseman’s Ferry Hotel and The Palace Hotel, Mortlake, purchased the Five Dock ­property.
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