Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

Joel Robinson

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

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.

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

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 Inland Oasis Motel in Queensland’s Mt Isa is back on the market with price expectations of $1.1 million after failing to sell at auction earlier.
The 55-room motel at 195 Barkly Highway sits on a 7,388 sqm site, and is the first accommodation on the northern entry from the airport into Mt Isa.
All the rooms are ensuite and there is a bar and swimming pool as well. There is also a four-bedroom manager’s residence. 
Neil Scanlan of Colliers International is the listing agent.
The property went to auction in June after not finding a buyer, it was under contract by a local purchase. It failed to settle and has been put back on the market, according to Scanlan.
According to the description, the property is likely to attract an owner operator or investor seeking to capitalise on a repositioning, redevelopment or alternate use of the property.
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Mt Isa’s Inland Oasis Motel passed at auction, back on the market

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Australian architecture firm Crone and Kengo Kuma &amp; Associates (KKAA) have jointly won an international design competition for a five-star Wanda Vista Hotel in Sydney’s Circular Quay. 
The 110 metre, 25-storey hotel is part of Dalian Wanda’s $1 billion makeover of Gold Fields House at 1 Alfred Street. Construction of the hotel will commence in 2017 with completion expected in 2020. 
The architecture firms’ winning design features an elegant tower that slowly pixelates, breaking down the scale of the building and making it more human-scale at the lower levels, according to the media release. 
The competition brief called for a design that best demonstrated the ability to deliver a world-class hotel and achieve design excellence in accordance with the City of Sydney Competitive Design Policy.
Alongside the hotel will be a 57-storey luxury residential tower designed by Kerry Hill Architects.
The hotel’s design also complements the adjacent residential tower, using harmonious use of sandstone, cascading green walls and large windows framing views towards the harbour, the release said.  
CRONE design director Sandra Furtado, who led the design team in Sydney, said, “We are extremely proud to be involved with Wanda’s ambitious reimagining of this prominent site in Sydney, working alongside our colleagues in Japan. 
“Located on the ‘dress circle’ of Circular Quay, our design aspirations for the Wanda Vista hotel required the crafting of a building with a distinct identity, while being mindful of site constraints, the client’s ambition, as well as the City of Sydney’s plans for the surrounding Alfred-Pitt-Dalley-George (APDG) precinct.”
The Japan-based half of the design team was led by Kengo Kuma.
The 5 Star features include a lobby which extends visually onto Herald Square, a 300-person grand ballroom with views of Sydney Harbour, two levels of restaurants as well as a rooftop bar.  
John Wei, MD of Wanda One Sydney said, “Together, CRONE and KKAA have fulfilled the brief to create a world-class hotel that together with our residential, retail and public realm elements will create a destination address and enhance this important city precinct. CRONE and KKAA will be appointed as the Lead Design Architect until completion of the Wanda Hotel.”
Chinese developer Dalian Wanda Group’s assets at the end of 2015 were at 634 billion yuan with revenue of 290.16 billion yuan.
Apart from the views, the Wanda Vista hotel will have easy access to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Australian design firm Crone wins design competition for five-star hotel in Sydney’s Circular Quay

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Kingston Estate Wines has purchased Lake Marmal Vineyards in central Victoria for $3.575 million.
The winery features a 298 hectare landholding planted to 172 hectares of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Kingston Estate Wines, owned by the Moularadellis family, has purchased the vineyard and has a Grape Supply Agreement in place up to and including the 2018 vintage.
CBRE’s Phil Schell negotiated the sale on behalf of Lake Marmal Vineyards Pty Ltd and said Lake Marmal is a highly productive vineyard that was established in 1998 with the objective of supplying a substantial quantity of fruit to Treasury Wine Estates.
“The site was originally selected for its favourable climate, soil profile, ability to be managed efficiently, expansion capabilities and its strategic location with regard to numerous processing facilities,” he said.
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Lake Marmal Vineyard sold to Kingston Estate Wines

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GUEST OBSERVER
The multi-unit apartment and townhouse construction industry has reached record highs over the past five years. However, volatile conditions have led to mixed results for many construction firms.
Construction features prominently in IBISWorld’s Top 500 Private Companies list for 2016.
The list features 57 construction companies, including three companies in the top 20: BGC, Meriton Apartments and Hutchinson Builders.
Year-on-year revenue growth for the 57 listed construction companies varied widely, from growth of 327.5 percent to a decline of 49.1 percent, reflecting a tumultuous year in construction.
The top five private construction companies for growth in this year’s list include Central Equity, Lipman, Mainbrace Constructions, Pellicano Builders and Burbank Australia, which have displayed revenue growth of between 327.5 percent and 51.8 percent over the past year. 
While construction companies generally performed well in this year’s Top 500 Private Companies list, four appeared in the top 10 private companies with the biggest revenue declines, including Murphy Pipe and Civil Group, S J Higgins Group, Vaughan Constructions and Grocon Group.
Multi-unit residential construction
The multi-unit apartment and townhouse construction industry has grown strongly over the past five years, boosted by foreign investment and Australians becoming increasingly comfortable with inner-city living.
Underlying demand for new housing is underpinned by Australia’s migrant intake, population growth, foreign investment in the property market, historically low mortgage interest rates, and an increasing desire to live in inner-city multi-unit apartments and townhouses.
IBISWorld expects the multi-unit apartment and townhouse construction industry to post annualised growth of 3.8 percent over the five years through 2016-17, to reach $17.4 billion. Revenue is projected to strengthen further over the five years through 2021-22, increasing at an annualised 5.0 percent to reach $22.1 billion.
Sharp correction
Despite the industry’s bright outlook, revenue is expected to slump by 17.3 percent over the current year as investors hold off on new developments to allow recently added stock to be absorbed.
Recent additions of new apartment stock have exceeded immediate housing requirements, and vacancy rates have climbed in several major markets, particularly in Melbourne and Brisbane. The decline in activity also reflects the anticipated completion of several major projects during 2016-17.
Industry revenue is expected to decline sharply over the current year, before stabilising in 2018-19. Industry revenue is forecast to recover strongly following these corrections, reaching new record highs over the next five years as demand for new housing and rental accommodation underpins a return to accelerated growth.
Around the nation
Apartments have captured an increasing share of total residential building commencements over the past five years, particularly for inner-city multistorey apartment complexes. These projects are expected to make up 39.7 percent, or $6.9 billion, of the industry’s total revenue of $17.4 billion in 2016-17.
Over the past five years, much of the industry’s focus has been on well-publicised multistorey apartment towers in capital cities.
South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory have experienced declines in the value of multi-unit and townhouse residential property construction activity over the past five years. Other states, particularly New South Wales and Queensland, have seen strong growth from the same market.
Foreign investment
Multi-unit residential commencements are forecast to surge from 2019-20 onwards as more projects are brought to the start-up phase. Foreign investment in apartment developments, particularly from investors in China, Singapore and Hong Kong, is likely to support this growth. 
The Australian market is expected to remain attractive for foreign investors, especially as the value of the Australian dollar is anticipated to remain low.
Anthony Kelly is senior industry analyst, IBISWorld and can be contacted <a href="https://www.ibisworld.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Surging apartment construction driving growth across multiple states: Anthony Kelly

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A report released by CBRE tracking investment into and out of the Pacific region found increased inbound capital targeting the industrial, hotel and residential site sectors over recent years.
The report, titled The review of capital  flows in and out of global commercial real estate markets - Pacific Edition H1 2016, found net capital inflow into Pacific real estate in H116 was $720 million and a long-term trend of offices property being the preferred sector for inbound capital investment and retail the preferred sector for (Pacific) outbound capital. 
<a href="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.51.59%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.51.59%20PM.png" alt="">
Stephen McNabb, head of research CBRE Australia,  said the big shift in net position reflected a decline in capital outflow from domestic investors which in H115 reached $4.4b but fell away to $1.4b in H116.
"It aligns with the trend for investors to be more inclined to ‘stay at home’ in times of heightened risk, preferring markets they know best," he said.
"Net capital inflow into Pacific real estate in H116 was $720 million, comparing favourably to the $2,170 million net capital outflow recorded in the previous corresponding period (PCP, H115).
"The big shift in net position reflected a decline in capital outflow from domestic investors which in H115 reached $4.4b but fell away to $1.4b in H116. The net position of the offshore investor sector was largely unchanged at $2.2b.
<a href="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.54.28%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.54.28%20PM.png" alt="">
"Cross-regional investment activity was lower in volume. H116 saw $8.7 billion of capital flows to and from the Pacific region, 30 percent down on the $12.4 billion recorded in the PCP. This trend is consistent with the global theme of lower cross-border commercial real estate investment activity in 2016.
"Investors are more inclined to ‘stay at home’ in times of heightened risk, preferring markets they know best. Several events through the first half are likely to have impacted confidence: greater stock market volatility from September 2015 to February 2016, persistent concerns over the Chinese economy (albeit receding recently), the US election and Brexit."
"Historical capital flows in and out of the Pacific region (Chart 1) reveal a long-term trend of office as the preferred sector for inbound capital and retail the preferred sector for (Pacific) outbound capital. This trend held true in nine of the past ten years.
"We postulate that outbound capital prefers retail because of the limited opportunities to acquire institutional grade shopping centres in Australia and New Zealand, due to them being fewer in number (compared to office buildings) and also tightly held. Continents such as North America and Europe have much larger populations so naturally have more retail space.
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<div><a href="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.50.26%20PM.png" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.50.26%20PM.png" alt="">
"Inbound capital prefers office assets because they are typically less management intensive and better suited to passive investors. Additionally, yields on Australian offices since the GFC have held onto a sizeable (but diminishing) spread over office markets such as New York, London and Hong Kong.
"Superannuation funds since 2013 have been the main source of outbound capital by Pacific investors, accounting for 30% of outflows (Chart 2). REITs were prominent in 2014-15 but have been more subdued in 2016. 
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Increased industrial, hotel and residential inbound capital: CBRE

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A quick overview of the latest trends in key Australian economic data.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.22.43%20PM.png" alt="">
 
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<img src="/images/2016/09/26/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-26%20at%202.26.47%20PM.png" alt="" width="680" height="297">
Andrew Hanlan is senior economist for Westpac and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-hanlan/3/222/430" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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Australian data summary table 26 September: Westpac's Andrew Hanlan

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The latest research from South Sydney Cityscope shows property sales for the quarter to September 2016 have increased in terms of total value, according to CoreLogic's latest report.
Sales recorded in the most recent quarter totalled $512.7 million from 58 sales, as compared to the $276.7 million from 39 sales in the quarter to June 2016 and the $286.9 million from 51 sales recorded in the quarter to March 2016.
This quarter brings the twelve-month total value of sales to $1.447 billion from 214 sales, an increase from the $1.111 billion from 400 sales recorded for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of South Sydney Cityscope.
<a href="/images/2016/09/23/South%20Sydney%20Score%20Card.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/23/South%20Sydney%20Score%20Card.jpg" alt="">
Notable sales in the September 2016 update of South Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Metrolink Corporate Park, comprising Tower A at 201 Coward Street, Mascot and Tower B at 197A Coward Street, Mascot, two seven-storey office and retail buildings providing net lettable areas of 12,700 sqm and 10,253 sqm respectively; together with 299 car spaces and 245 car spaces respectively in the 12-level car park building at 197 Coward Street, Mascot, which sold for $143.4 million; 
</li>
<li>17 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, a four-storey office building with warehouse and laboratory facilities above basement parking for 97 cars with a net lettable area of 11,907 sqm, which sold for $112.9 million; and 
</li>
<li>Euston Business Park at 215 Euston Road, Alexandria, a four-storey office building with a large high-clearance warehouse to the rear and basement parking, providing 7,577 sqm office spaces and 6,873 sqm warehouse spaces, which sold for $92.5 million.</li>
</ul>
<a href="/images/2016/09/23/South%20Sydney%20Quarterly%20Sale.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/23/South%20Sydney%20Quarterly%20Sale.jpg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in the September 2016 update of South Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Alexandria Creative Park at 41-43 Bourke Road, Alexandria, also known as The Mill, a 20,176 sqm business precinct comprising 10 commercial buildings, an onsite cafe and a three-storey car parking building on a site of 18,930, is available through CBRE; 
</li>
<li>A high-clearance workshop with mezzanine office building on a 949 sqm site at 50-54 McCauley Street, Alexandria, which is scheduled for auction on 13 October 2016 through Colliers International Sydney South; and 
</li>
<li>Unit 9 at 8-10 Burrows Road, St Peters, a 244 sqm two-storey industrial unit with two car parking spaces, which is scheduled for auction on 20 September 2016 through Raine &amp; Horne.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities in the September 2016 update of South Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Office space ranging from 400 sqm to 5,000 sqm in the development at 289 King Street, Mascot, for pre-lease through Knight Frank. The proposed building will comprise a 13-storey building with a 246-bedroom hotel, six office floors, retail space and a 5-storey car park; 
</li>
<li>60 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, comprising a two-storey office building and two high-clearance warehouse buildings with 100 car parking space on a site of 7,666 sqm, which has 4,589 warehouse space for lease through Link Property Services; and 
</li>
<li>The Solvay Interox Banksmeadow site at 18-22 McPherson Street, Banksmeadow, a chemical and solvents plant, including distillation towers, a high-clearance metal fabricated factory building, a two-storey brick office building and several small brick offices on a site of 43,680 sqm, which has warehouse space of 3,168 sqm available through JLL Mascot.</li>
</ul>
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Quarterly South Sydney commercial sales figures up: CoreLogic

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Based on preliminary results over the week ending 16 September, 80.8 percent of commercial auction results cleared, according to CoreLogic's latest market report.
A total of 26 results have been reported so far, down from 46 last week when half of all reported auctions were sold. One year ago, 107 commercial auction results were reported and 56.1 per cent were sold.
A total of 188 commercial auction results have been reported over the four weeks ending 16 September, with 112 sales. Of these 112 sales, 79 were reported with a sale price, totalling just over $162.3 million.
<a href="/images/2016/09/23/Auction%20Clearance%20Graph.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/23/Auction%20Clearance%20Graph.jpg" alt="">
The table below indicates National Auction Clearance Rate figures.
<a href="/images/2016/09/23/Auction%20Clearance%20Table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/23/Auction%20Clearance%20Table.jpg" alt="">
 
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Commercial auction clearance rates above 80 percent: CoreLogic

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Historic Hordern House at Potts Point has been listed for sale with $6.5 million hopes.
The 1880s Victoria Street terrace house was bought by the rare book dealers Anne McCormick and Derek McDonnell for $438,000 in 1985. 
Anne McCormick has been involved in rare books, manuscripts, paintings and prints since the 1970’s first in business in Paddington. They are moving to new premises.
The freestanding terrace has a 19 wide frontage, spanning three levels over 561 square metres.
The Richardson &amp; Wrench listing agent Geoff Cox said in the marketing it was ready for adaptation to a "large, stunning and private residence with at least 4 bedrooms."
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Historic Hordern House, Potts Point listed by rare book sellers

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A securely leased retail investment in Melbourne's popular inner-eastern suburb Prahran is expected to sell for in excess of $2.5 million.
Available through Teska Carson, the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-prahran-502086482" target="_blank">254 Chapel Street and 4 King Street</a> property comprises two retail tenancies totalling 257 sqm.
It forms part of the Vicino Apartments building, a double storey mixed used development with ground floor retail and apartments on the upper levels.
The properties are currently used by Sister of Society, who operate a bar/function space at the Chapel Street site and uses King Street for storage and office use.
The Sisters have a five year lease with two, five year options at current rental of $150,000 per annum with four percent annual increases.
Marketing agents George Taki and Fergus Evans suggest the property presents an exceptional opportunity for investors to acquire a securely leased asset situated on one of Melbourne’s premier retail strips.
"Rarely do properties of this calibre with such a strong lease covenant become available in what is a very tightly held and very popular retail strip," George said.
The property will be auctioned October 14 on site.
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