<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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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<h1>
Parramatta's 3,000sqm Albion Hotel is on the market after being privately held for more than thirty years.  
</h1>
<div class="entry-content">
Bruce Solomon’s hotel and restaurant group Solotel is on the market through Ray White’s Andrew Jolliffe and Jeff Moxham and Anthony Khoury of Khoury Partners.
Solotel will retain and relocate the hotel licence and invest the sale proceeds in further growing the business, which already includes Double Bay’s Golden Sheaf, Aria and Chiswick restaurants, and the now world famous Opera Bar at Circular Quay.
Ray White’s Asia Pacific director of hotels Andrew Jolliffe said the George St site would appeal to hotel and residential developers alike; including a mixed use outcome.
“The flexibility afforded by this site is absolutely key for developers, and the combination of riverside positioning, north east orientation, scale of the land holding and permissible height levels, suggests to us that the interest in acquiring the opportunity will be both aggressive and certainly not restricted to local Australian development groups,” he said.
“We recently ran a hotel operator selection process for a China based client of ours, for a mixed use site they had in Chatswood, and the international interest from recognised hotel operators, developers and investors was profound."
The sale is through an expressions of interest campaign concluding Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The landmark P.J. Gallagher's Irish Pub at 74 Church Street could be a step closer to becoming an apartment and hotel tower if the planning proposal is given the green light by the Parramatta City Council this month. 
</div>
</div>
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Albion Hotel, Parramatta development site hits market

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The 1903 Karbeethong Lodge at Mallacoota remains listed by the Sydney jewellery designer Rosemary Luker and her partner, tree surgeon Russell Freeman.
The couple stumbled upon the place in 2002 looking for a room, and fell in love with the place set on an inlet halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. 
Unique Estate’s Nicolette van Wijngaarden has listed the <a href="https://uniqueestates.com.au/listings/residential_sale-278785-mallacoota/" target="_blank">Karbeethong Lodge</a> on the shores of Mallacoota inlet in Victoria’s East Gippsland with $1.8 million hopes.
The coastal Edwardian retreat with views over the Bottom Lake from its Schnapper Point Drive vantage point began taking guests back in the 1920s.
During Luker's stewardship it has been restored, renovated and re-decorated the lodge which is rated 4.5 star on Trip Advisor.
The waterfront 10 bedroom guest lodge on 1.12 acres of waterfront land has hosted Australian and international guests all the way back to poet Banjo Patterson.
Cartoonist Michael Leunig was so smitten by the place he created a Mr Curly ode, featuring the lake, its fish, the moon with angels singing above the scenic location. 
Set among fruit trees, with access to a jetty, the lodge has also been featured in Country Style, Inside Out and other design magazines.
Mallacoota was like Byron Bay 30 years ago, Rosemary Luker, who also works as a Sydney financial industry communications consultant, suggests.
The town is also rumoured to have more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in Australia, given its abalone divers; and sea changers from Melbourne and Sydney, along with Canberra public servants who have weekenders.
Luker commutes occasionally to the investment from Glebe where she bought Reuss Cottage, the 145-year-old post-Regency cottage in 1994. 
The lodge has been marketed as representing a lifestyle investment opportunity for young retirees, who still want to run a profitable business and earn an income.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Historic Mallacoota lodge up for sale

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Melbourne’s commercial property market continues to its strong run, with a tranche of sales in the lead-up to the end of the year.
Highlighting the trend, a ground floor retail shop in the heart of Brighton’s restaurant and retail precinct recently sold for $1.9 million.
Located at 370 Bay Street, the 233 square metre ground floor retail shop (above) is securely leased to food retailer Burger Edge. 
It provides an annual income of about $50,000 per annum with short-term upside. 
The selling agent was CBRE’s Rorey James.
“This result is yet another example of the strong market confidence towards well located strip retail properties, which is being further enhanced by the low interest rate environment, improved consumer sentiment and upturn in business confidence,” James said.  
In further evidence of the uptick in sales activity, an owner-occupier recently secured a retail presence in North Balwyn for $700,000.  
Shop 3, 74 Doncaster Road is a 62 square metre retail property in the heart of Balwyn North Shopping Village.  
CBRE’s  Sandro Peluso brokered the deal.
“The building rate was equivalent to more than $11,000 per sqm, indicating the strength of demand shown by these owner occupiers looking to secure retail space in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs,” Peluso said.  
The two transactions follow a recent  sale of a Richmond development site for $16.7 million, on a tight yield of 1.5%.  
Situated at 79-89 Swan Street, the 1,540 square metre site comprises a 2,057 square metre two-storey building that has 10 shops and eight office suites with shared amenities.  
The property was sold through auction after an initial Expression of Interest sale process.
Seven bidders drove the price more than $4.2 million above reserve to the final bid of $16.7 million – a rate of just under $11,000 per square.  
“In a trend that is continuing to gain more traction in 2015, the property was sold to a local buyer, who managed to outbid several activity offshore and local groups,” CBRE director Mark Wizel said. 
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Melbourne retail property market continues bull run: CBRE

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Land use zoning is a tool used by local governments to define the types of land use permitted or prohibited in each zone.
Simply put, zoning is a framework to decide what can and what cannot be built in specific areas.
Zoning differs from state to state in Australia, but land under the control of the Commonwealth (federal) government is not subject to state planning controls.
Although zoning differs from state to state, zones are generally classified into these broad categories: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural and Mixed-Use. Within these are sub-categories, with zones typically identified by a colour on a map.
When considering investing in commercial property, it pays to check with the local council about the zoning of the land to avoid running afoul of the law and nasty surprises later.
Listed below is the zoning for states and the ACT.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has commercial zones from CZ1 through to CZ6, with CZ5 for mixed-use, while CZ6 is a leisure and accommodation zone.
New South Wales
NSW has a Standard Instrument Local Environment Plan in place with that covers residential, commercial and mixed use among others. Listed is the zoning for commercial: 
B1 Neighbourhood Centre
B2 Local Centre
B3 Commercial Core
B4 Mixed Use
B5 Business Development
B6 Enterprise Corridor
B7 Business Park
B8 Metropolitan Centre
Northern Territory
The NT has a long list of codes, with commercial zones divided into the following:
CB Central Business
C Commercial
SC Service Commercial
TC Tourist Commercial
The residential goes from single dwelling to high density.
Queensland
The Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP) document provides a format and structure for local governments to prepare their planning schemes while allowing the flexibility to address each local government's circumstances. Zoning is controlled by individual councils and differ from council to council across the state.
South Australia
In SA, zoning differs from council to council across the state.
Tasmania
Tasmania has 23 different zones, and all its 29 councils each have a planning scheme within the guidelines of the Tasmania Planning Commission , with the exception of the Hobart City Council which has two.
Victoria
All land in Victoria has a zone, specifying particular purposes for land, such as residential growth, low density residential or commercial 1. The framework is managed by the Victoria Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure.
Western Australia
Local councils in Western Australia set their own planning schemes, which are controlled by the Western Australian Planning Commission.
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Property 101: Get in the zone on commercial property 

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A Main Street office location in the seaside town of Mornington near Melbourne has sold for $445,000.
The two offices plus reception at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-mornington-501788350" target="_blank">3&amp;4, 216 Main Street</a> occupy about 80 square metre. Additionally, there’s a kitchen and toilet.
The property is on a two-year lease starting in November 2014 with an extension of two more years.
The property fetches a rent of $19,200 per annum, implying a yield of about 4 percent.
The sale was through Michelle Adams of Jacobs &amp; Lowe.
The property last traded in 2011 when it sold for $203,584.
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Office space in Victoria's Mornington fetches a cool $445,000

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A modern single-level former licensed bowls club/sports club in Queensland’s Highfields is up for sale with expected offers in excess of $750,000 plus GST.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-qld-highfields-501833050" target="_blank">55 Highfields Road</a> site is a 3,988-square metre holding with 590 square metre premises.
It comprises a bar, open plan dining/function room, bistro with commercial kitchen including two cold rooms, gaming area, two offices and other amenities.
Highfields has been earmarked as the fastest growing area in Queensland.
External areas include parking for 29 cars, garage/storage shed, landscaping and a synthetic bowling green. 
The property presents opportunities for various alternative commercial purposes such as for church or community use, medical centre, childcare centre, or retaining its sport/recreation facility according to Dan Dwan of Colliers International.
The commercial opportunity last traded in 2011 for $770,000. 
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Bowling club green in Queensland’s Highfields on the market

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A corner building in Melbourne’s Fitzroy with potentially a multitude of uses including retail, office or gallery is on the market for $895,000.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/218-johnston-street-fitzroy-vic-3065-2012372391" target="_blank">218 Johnston Street</a> building has a floor area of 140 sqm.
The property features polished floorboards, allows plenty of natural light, has a kitchen and multiple bathrooms and basement car parking. The building has Commercial 1 zoning.
Located between Brunswick Street and Smith Street, it is near to the CBD and close to transport.
The facade and the building could suit retail, office, gallery and/or residential uses.
The property is being marketed by Bradley Ellul and Ian Angelico of CVA Property Consultants.
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Contemporary multipurpose corner building in Melbourne’s Fitzroy up for sale

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A group of Perth barristers has bought office chambers in the city’s new legal hub at auction for $1.45 million.
Located on the top floor of the Equus Commercial building at 580 Hay Street, the 213 sqm-partitioned office space has a 57 sqm terrace complete with putting green, two basement car bays and panoramic views of Perth Town Hall and the CBD skyline.
The building also has a gym and pool for tenant use.
The buyer group - comprising Perth criminal barristers Paul Bevilacqua; Anthony Elliott; Anthony Eyers; Edward Fitzpatrick; and Helen Prince - acquired the property with the intention of opening new legal practice, Meridian Chambers. 
CBRE’s Milne said the property offered a fantastic opportunity to secure a prime position in Perth’s premier legal precinct. 
“This sale reflected an opportunity to secure commercial space in one of the city’s most prestigious legal destinations, neighbouring leading law firms, barristers and QCs,” said CBRE’s Milne, who along with Ben Younger, brokered the deal.
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Perth legal eagles swoop on top floor nest in legal hub for $1.45 million

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Office culture has dramatically evolved over the last decade, with an environment that supports the need for a more innovative, creative and collaborative workforce a priority for many major firms, writes JLL senior research analyst Jonathan Bayer.
Corporate awareness of how office space can promote efficiency is not new. But the post-2007 economic downturn acted as a catalyst for many white-collar businesses to review their use of space. The desire for a technology-rich environment which promotes innovation and faster decision-making while incorporating cost savings became the focus.
Hot-desking as a concept has been around for decades, but the shift to Activity Based Working environments along with focus rooms, collaborative work spaces and funky fit outs has gained momentum. The potential benefits include a more flexible work environment, cost savings, improved productivity and job satisfaction.
While the workspace has taken leaps and bounds over recent years, what do we think will happen over the next 10 to 20 years? Will the workspace continue to evolve or will the pace of change plateau as it did over the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s?
Here are a few future work space trends to watch:
To increase efficiency, professional services firms will continue to reduce space per worker. This high-performance workplace will consist of a variety of settings that provide choice and balance among work modes. Remote working will continue to gain in popularity while the office will mainly be the locus of face-to-face engagement with clients and collaboration with colleagues.
Technology will continue to drive workspace change. Laptops, instant messaging and wireless connectivity have enabled a more open and mobile workforce. Technology will continue to push the possibilities of communication and mobility, while the next generation of office workers will be more adept at maximising the benefits of new communications devices.
Future-proofing will be a high priority, with greater flexibility to accommodate head-count shifts and evolving work styles cost-effectively within the same tenancy. Senior management will need to effectively plan for employee numbers to fluctuate over the lease period.
CBDs will continue to be the epicentre of business activity. However, as populations grow, suburban centres will develop into new mixed use business hubs attracting a large array of office tenants and service providers – gyms, courier services, IT support and retailers.
Premium CBD office buildings will create a vibrant and modern environment within and around the building that attracts a younger, more creative and collaborative workforce. The demographic shift of younger workers with a preference for living in the CBD and adjacent areas will reinforce this trend.
Traditionally the working environment has come second to the core motivations of a firm’s business plan. Looking ahead, technology will advance, management attitudes will continue to change as well as worker preferences and skills. Firms that embrace this shift and use it to their advantage will ultimately reap the benefits of attracting the smartest, most creative and innovative workers in the market place.
For more information from JLL, <a href="https://www.jllapsites.com/research/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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The evolution of the office workspace

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Vicinity Centres today reported a statutory net profit of $424.6 million for the six months ended 31 December 20151.
Underlying earnings were up 10.1% to $377.6 million with underlying earnings per security (EPS) up 9.3% to 9.5 cents, compared to the six months to 31 December 2014 on an aggregate basis.
"This reflects solid portfolio performance and the delivery of significant merger benefits," Angus McNaughton, CEO and managing director, said.
“We are pleased with the performance of the Group in the first six months post merger.
“Key operating metrics have improved across the board.
"Portfolio occupancy strengthened in the half by 30 basis points (bps) to 99.2%.
"We have seen comparable specialty store moving annual turnover (MAT) growth improve to 3.4% and specialty occupancy costs remain largely unchanged.
"Comparable net property income (NPI) growth6 of 3.7% is up from 2.5% at June 2015, supported by fixed rental increases, strong growth in ancillary income and flat expenses.
“The improvement in our sales performance is pleasing considering that two of our prime assets, Chadstone and Emporium Melbourne, are not in the comparable reporting basket.
"At Chadstone, which is in the midst of a significant development, same-store MAT growth for specialties was 5 per cent.
"At Emporium Melbourne, monthly same-store specialty sales growth has been averaging 18% compared to the previous year.
“We have enhanced the quality of our portfolio in the period with the acquisition of two high quality centres and the sale of five non-core assets.
“Following the completion of a comprehensive review of our portfolio, we reiterated our strategic focus to create value and drive sustainable growth from a quality portfolio of Australian assets across the retail spectrum.
"We also announced the Group’s through the cycle financial targets of a total return of greater than 9 per cent per annum and underlying earnings growth of greater than 3 per cent per annum.
“We have set clear investment criteria for benchmarking our existing assets and potential acquisitions.
"As a result, $750 million to $1 billion of asset disposal opportunities have been identified, with asset sale proceeds to be reinvested into value accretive development and acquisition opportunities over time."
Three current projects at Colonnades, Halls Head Central and Warriewood Square remain on track to open by June 2016. There are also a further two minor projects (DFO South Wharf and Rockingham) totalling $21 million, which are forecast to have a blended year one yield exceeding 12% and an IRR exceeding 19%, that will complete later in this calendar year.
Development plans are well advanced at Mandurah Forum, with the project expected to commence in mid-2016, while planning for major redevelopments at Roselands and Galleria remains on program. 
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