Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pdg-corporation">PDG</a> has unveiled its vision for the former Water Tank Site in Ivanhoe, which would see it transformed into a thriving residential neighbourhood, complete with a 2000 sqm public park.&nbsp;

Delivered in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a>, the proposal would transform the prominent corner of Bell Street and Upper Heidelberg Road into a connected community comprising two residential buildings, generous public open space and shared amenities.&nbsp;

The vision includes 287 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with a minimum of 10 per cent allocated to affordable housing, alongside a 2,000-square-metre publicly accessible park featuring a children's playground, activity lawn, indigenous planting, timber climbing logs, seating areas and a rock gathering circle.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, the proposal draws on the site's industrial heritage, using a robust architectural language that references the former water tank through expressive structural elements and durable, self-finished materials.&nbsp;

Extensive landscaping has been woven throughout the development, creating a living landscape that strengthens connections to nature while responding sensitively to the surrounding neighbourhood. Two residential buildings ranging from three to 12 storeys are linked by a landscaped forecourt, creating a welcoming arrival experience and improving pedestrian connections through the site.&nbsp;

Residents would also enjoy more than 1,000 square metres of communal open space, including barbecue and dining facilities, vegetable gardens, landscaped seating pavilions and a dedicated coworking space.&nbsp;

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the vision reflected an opportunity to transform one of Ivanhoe's most recognisable sites into a place that balanced housing, community and landscape.&nbsp;

"This is an opportunity to reimagine an important site and create a neighbourhood that delivers lasting benefits for Ivanhoe," Giuliano said.&nbsp;

"We're creating much more than new homes. The vision brings together affordable housing, quality architecture, meaningful public open space and shared places that encourage people to connect, while respecting the site's history and its place within the local community."&nbsp;

Development Victoria’s Executive General Manager Precincts, Niall Cunningham, said the application is an important step for the government-owned site.&nbsp;

“This is about delivering more homes in a well-connected location, along with public open space that the Ivanhoe community will benefit from for years to come,” Cunningham said.&nbsp;

PDG was selected as development partner in late 2025 following a competitive tender process.&nbsp;

A planning submission for the project is currently being progressed through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with positive early engagement from both Banyule Council and the Department of Transport and Planning.

Joel Robinson

PDG unveils plans to transform landmark Ivanhoe Water Tank Site

Shane Wilkinson's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace Development Group</a> has lodged plans for a major residential precinct on the former Presentation College site in Windsor, with an eight-building masterplan ultimately rising to 10 storeys.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/167-dandenong-road-windsor-vic-3181">167–187 Dandenong Road</a> spans a substantial 19,027 sqm site and is being progressed across six stages, with the first residential stages comprising 170 homes across four buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>.

Stage Two will deliver the bulk of the initial housing, with Building A comprising 81 apartments and Building B 49 apartments, both rising to six storeys.

Stage Three will deliver a further 40 homes. The heritage Nagel Building, identified as Building C, will be converted to 12 dwellings, while a new five-storey Building D will comprise 28 apartments at the Hornby Street and Dandenong Road corner.

The 170 homes across Stages Two and Three will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including townhouse-style dwellings.<img alt="First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c56e3e-dfb9-4e12-b172-c3f18513ec32" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_9.png?VersionId=xRcRpSZsxX.UX_NDDGcRZktw7HVrzx7u" />

&nbsp;

The longer-term masterplan points to considerably greater density across the site.

Indicative plans show Building E accommodating around 80 dwellings across up to 10 storeys, while Building F is earmarked for around 120 dwellings and also up to 10 storeys. Building G is planned to range between four and 10 storeys, however its apartment yield is yet to be determined. That means the masterplan currently identifies at least 370 dwellings across Buildings A to F before any apartments within Building G are counted.

Across the 1.9-hectare site, that represents an indicative density of at least 194 dwellings per hectare, with the final figure to increase once the yield of Building G is established.

Pace is pursuing the project through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with Urbis lodging a combined Section 96A planning scheme amendment and planning application on behalf of the developer, which secured the site earlier this year.

The application seeks detailed approval for Stages One, Two and Three, alongside approval of the broader masterplan framework that will guide the later residential stages. Stage One will see an existing heritage building adaptively reused for a wellness and fitness-related facility, while the broader precinct will retain several significant heritage buildings and established trees as part of the redevelopment.

A minimum 10 per cent affordable housing contribution is proposed across both the initial residential stages and the later masterplan stages, delivered through a discounted rental model.

The project comes immediately after a major change to the site's planning controls.

The site was rezoned to the Housing Choice and Transport Zone through Planning Scheme Amendment GC285, gazetted on July 22, 2026, and now sits within the inner catchment of the Windsor Station precinct under the State Government's Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program.

While the new controls identify large sites within the inner catchment for buildings of up to six storeys, Pace's masterplan pushes height to 10 storeys in parts of the site, with the taller buildings concentrated toward the centre and along the Sandringham railway corridor.

Lower-scale built form is proposed toward the site's more sensitive residential and heritage edges, with Buildings A and B generally stepping from three storeys at their interfaces to six storeys at upper levels.

Cera Stribley's masterplan breaks the development into a collection of separate buildings rather than a continuous built form, with landscaped spaces, new pedestrian links and a new publicly accessible road forming part of the precinct.

The planning report says the development will create new pedestrian connections to Elm Place and along the railway corridor, as well as a new publicly accessible road linking Elm Place with Dandenong Road. The proposed buildings will occupy around 54 per cent of the site, leaving a substantial portion available for landscaping, communal areas and permeable surfaces.

Urbis said the scale of the project reflected the site's strategic location close to Windsor Station, tram services and the Chapel Street Activity Centre, with the former school campus identified as a significant opportunity to increase housing supply on an underutilised inner-Melbourne site.

&nbsp;

First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/jl-place">JL PLACE</a>'s Veil Brighton is approaching its final months of construction, with the nine-townhouse development at 17 Rooding Street expected to complete in December 2026.

The milestone is bringing the boutique project closer to becoming a finished part of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brighton-vic-3186">Brighton</a> streetscape, with much of Brighton's everyday amenity within a short walk.

Palace Cinema, Coles Supermarket and North Brighton Station are all around five minutes on foot from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/veil-brighton-17-rooding-street-brighton-vic-3186">Veil</a>, alongside numerous cafés, restaurants and bars. The station provides a direct rail connection toward Melbourne's CBD, while Bay Street and the wider Brighton retail and dining network add to the range of services accessible without relying on a car for every trip.

"The location was fundamental to the project. Brighton is an established suburb where many buyers already have strong connections to the area and want to remain close to the people, places and amenities that form part of their everyday life," the developer said.

"Veil sits in a highly walkable part of Brighton, with a Walk Score of 90/100."

For buyers looking to right-size within Bayside, that level of walkability adds to the appeal of a more manageable way of living. Everyday shopping, dining, entertainment and public transport can be accessed without relying on the car for every trip, while residents remain connected to the places and routines that make Brighton familiar. It allows buyers to simplify day-to-day life without giving up the convenience, amenity and connections they already value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355754]

As completion approaches, the architecture, landscaping and material palette are progressively becoming visible on site, giving prospective purchasers a clearer view of the finished development beyond its plans and renders.

Veil comprises nine townhouses, predominantly three-bedroom homes with between 2.5 and 3.5 bathrooms, two car spaces and, depending on the residence, study areas and private outdoor space. Selected homes include a bedroom on the ground floor.

Veil occupies a middle ground between detached housing and apartment living, retaining private gardens, storage and secure parking within a more manageable residential format.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/schmidt-pang-architects">Schmidt &amp; Pang</a> designed the architecture around natural light, ventilation, privacy and practical use of space. From Rooding Street, the façade has been composed to read as a cohesive residential building rather than nine individual townhouses, with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a> integrated throughout the site.

Inside, natural stone, oak flooring, integrated joinery and brushed nickel finishes establish a restrained material palette, while kitchens include Miele appliances and substantial storage such as pantries. Walk-in robes and dedicated study spaces have also been incorporated across the collection.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355852]

The project team said the planning of the homes has been informed by how the spaces function for both daily routines and larger gatherings.

"Our new homes owners at Veil have enjoyed the attention to detail in creating efficient layouts that use every space well. Hosting Christmas lunch and large family gatherings is an ease when care is taken to consider how people really live and entertain."

Private landscaped gardens extend the living spaces outdoors, while secure basement parking and bicycle parking are provided below. The homes have also been designed to achieve a 7-star energy rating, supported by double glazing, high-quality insulation, natural ventilation, LED lighting, water tanks and water-efficient fittings. Each residence is backed by a 10-year building guarantee.

Veil is being built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/jeniton">Jeniton</a>.&nbsp;Limited-time stamp duty savings are also currently available on selected purchases at Veil, adding another consideration as the project moves toward completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7877]

Veil Brighton nears completion in one of the suburb's most walkable pockets

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a> has recorded 134 sales worth just over $400 million in two months of pre-release activity at The Riversdale, as the developer brings its $750 million South Brisbane riverfront project to the broader market.

The sales represent more than 60 per cent of the project's 213 apartments, with Mosaic reporting the majority of purchasers have been local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale</a> will rise 39 storeys from its north-facing site at 91 Montague Road, delivering a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments alongside a collection of Mosaic's premium Masterpiece Series Sky Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371872]

The early buyer response comes ahead of the wider evolution of the northern end of Montague Road, where The Riversdale will be one of the first major residential projects delivered within an emerging riverfront precinct.

Directly adjoining the development is a planned 7.1-hectare mixed-use precinct, set to introduce new residences, parkland and public realm along the river's edge. The Riversdale's position directly on the Brisbane River gives it a relationship with the waterfront that Mosaic says cannot be replicated by future buildings within the precinct.

The site is also the result of a years-long pursuit by Mosaic. The developer first earmarked the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a> property in 2018, reflecting what Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan has described as a deliberately patient approach to acquiring development sites.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=372083]

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan previously told Apartments.com.au.

"Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau Proberts</a>, The Riversdale has been shaped around the qualities of the riverfront site, with apartments oriented to capture northern light and uninterrupted Brisbane River views.

Generous floorplans and expansive balconies extend the living spaces towards the river, while natural materials and a restrained interior palette have been selected with longevity in mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371890]

Residents will have access to a level of amenity more commonly associated with world-class hotels and private members' clubs, with almost 3,000 sqm dedicated to wellness, connection, recreation and everyday convenience.

At ground level is a business lounge, private meeting rooms and dedicated workspaces. Mid-tower is a wellness sanctuary featuring magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, steam room, infrared therapy facilities, a Pilates and yoga studio, and a commercial-grade gymnasium.

Crowning The Riversdale is a rooftop featuring a 35-metre swimming pool with lap lane and spa, outdoor dining and seating terraces, firepit lounges and views of the city, river and Mount Coot-tha.

A private members' club-inspired retreat offers private dining rooms, a whisky lounge, media rooms and immersive entertainment experiences. Completing the amenity offering are two hotel-style guest suites and a resident-exclusive electric vehicle fleet and car-share program.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371877]

The Riversdale sits at the northern end of Montague Road between South Bank and West End, around 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, providing access to the city's major cultural, dining and recreation precincts.

It becomes Mosaic's largest Brisbane project to date and adds to a pipeline already under construction across the city.

In Brisbane, the developer is currently delivering The Bedford and The Carter at Kangaroo Point, both of which are approaching sell-out, with a further four projects being delivered on the Gold Coast. Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects since 2012 and has a further development pipeline exceeding $2 billion across South East Queensland.

Early works are underway at The Riversdale, which will be delivered by Mosaic's in-house construction division. Completion is anticipated in late 2029, with remaining apartments priced from $1.98 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151614]

Mosaic records more than $400m in two months at South Brisbane's The Riversdale

Lender, fund manager and apartment developer Princeton has completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, the first new apartment development in South Sydney to provide its owners with a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, the most comprehensive insurance available for a new apartment building.

The policy has been a key consideration for prospective purchasers of the 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, strategically located between&nbsp;Rockdale Plaza and Rockdale Station.&nbsp;

Buyers have also been drawn to the fact that it is one of few new apartment developments delivered in the suburb in the last 10 years, and the only one located on Princes Highway to be set well back from the street to reduce noise. There's also a communal rooftop, a rarity in the suburb, complete barbecue facilities, landscaped seating areas, a children's play zone and herb gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374084]

Ray White Projects’ Matt Otway said buyer enquiry reflected the increasingly diverse and cosmopolitan population that has made Rockdale home.

“We’re seeing strong interest from a broad mix of buyers, including young professionals and people who have rented in Rockdale and the surrounding suburbs and now see Marque as an opportunity to buy a brand-new apartment in an area they already know,” Otway said.

“Proximity to the CBD and Sydney Airport is another key advantage particularly for buyers working in these locations who want the added convenience of living close by.”

Investors have also been attracted to the project, with rental yields of more than five per cent, which is considered a strong result for the Sydney market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374090]

Adding another layer to the buyer proposition is Marque's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance, making it the only new apartment development in Rockdale to offer the cover.

The policy protects apartment owners against major structural and waterproofing defects for 10 years following completion, giving Marque purchasers cover until early 2036 at no additional cost.

The likelihood of defects emerging has also been mitigated through the Technical Inspection Service (TIS), which saw independent experts inspect the building at various stages throughout construction to identify potential issues during the build, rather than after the fact.

SDSS, which provided the TIS, consistently ranked the construction quality at Marque, undertaken by iCIRT-rated builder Coplex, among the best across its extensive portfolio of projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374088]

Otway said the LDI had become a major drawcard for buyers, particularly given Rockdale has seen relatively little new apartment development over the past decade.

"Rockdale hasn't had a lot of new apartment buildings in the last decade, and has never had a project with 10-year defect insurance," Otway said.

"Marque presents a truly rare opportunity at an affordable price point, so well connected to the Sydney CBD."

One-bedroom apartments at Marque start from $735,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Marque Rockdale completes as South Sydney’s first apartments backed by 10-year defect insurance

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 Bank of Queensland (BOQ), expects this month’s relocation of its national headquarters to 100 Skyring at Newstead’s Gasworks precinct will further support the organisation’s operational and cultural transformation.
BOQ has taken five floors at the $175 million, A-Grade, 12-storey building, which will be home to around 960 employees.
The bank has also secured the naming rights for100 Skyring.
The new headquarters at 100 Skyring has a five-floor atrium stair space.
Located within the new Gasworks precinct at Newstead which is home to Energex, Leighton Contractors, Bechtel, Virgin, AECOM, Macquarie Bank and Australian Agricultural Company, and will soon be home to the national headquarters of Tatts Group.
Charter Hall Regional Asset Manager, Belinda Kalinin said 100 Skyring offers improved amenity and campus-style opportunities on the Brisbane fringe which has major appeal for organisations looking to renew themselves in a contemporary and innovative business environment. 
“With easy access to the City Cat, City Glider, ferries, train stations and bike paths as well as retail, cafes, bars and shopping, the precinct offers a variety of quality choice in a vibrant location, only 1.7km from the CBD,” she added.
The building, which reached practical completion three months ahead of schedule in August  this year, has received a 5 Star Green Star – Office Design v3 rating, and is targeting a 4.5 Star NABERS Energy rating.
BOQ will be joined by fellow tenants including Redchip Lawyers and Konica Minolta, leaving over 35% or 8,000 square metres of contiguous office space available for lease on the top four levels of the building. 
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Five floor atrium stair space at BOQs new headquarters

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Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, chief executive and managing director of ASX listed developer Mirvac, took out the Private &amp; Corporate Award at the Telstra Australian Business Women's Awards.
But she wasn't the only housing sector boss to win at the awards. The other was Andrea Galloway, the chief executive of Evolve Housing, a community housing provider which has provided accommodation for 9,500 people who have experienced homelessness or housing stress.
Galloway received a joint award for Business Innovation. The award recognized Evolve Housing's "Journey Home" program, which supports the progression from social housing to supported home ownership via affordable housing and private rentals.
The program aims to help provide stability for communities, improving health and employment outcomes through the provision of secure housing.
"In leading a community housing provider and operating within a sector of uncertainty, one of my key roles is to constantly seek to elevate the needs and issues around homelessness and housing stress and the obstacles faced by not-for-profits in addressing these needs," said Galloway.
In her acceptance speech, she noted that over 105,000 Australians, including 16,000 children do not have a home.
"I passionately believe that everyone has a right to a home," she said.
She told the audience at the awards she had left home at the age of 16 due to personal circumstances and raised the systemic failures contributing to homelessness.
"The current system does not do enough to change the lives of people it does serve. We need an innovative system that provides people with a safety net when they need it.
"We need to give them a pathway to independence in cases where that is a realistic goal.
"This cannot be delivered by government alone, and requires strong partnerships to deliver outcomes around housing affordability, across the entire spectrum, whether it's relating to disability, social, affordable, or even shared equity arrangements."
Lloyd-Hurwitz has been the chief executive of Mirvac, where she is spearheading a growth strategy, since 2012. This year, Mirvac expects to release 2,700 apartments onto the market.
In her acceptance speech, Lloyd-Hurwitz likened careers to spiders' webs, rather than ladders: "Everybody here's got a different journey. You can go up it, round it, through it – down and up again. And there's plenty of room from others on the spider web, as opposed to the ladder."
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Two very different housing chiefs win at 2014 Telstra Australian Business Women's Awards

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Online Australian retailers are increasingly seeing the value of greeting their customers face-to-face, choosing to turn their hands to running bricks-and-mortar stores.
While bricks-and-mortar retailers are often urged to improve their online offerings, the likes of Groupon Australia and online <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/smartcompany-awards-2014/827-smartcompany-awards-2014/43755-7-hard-to-find" target="_blank">homewares boutique HardToFind</a> are using the Christmas period to experiment with physical pop-up shops.
Daily deals site Groupon Australia quietly opened its first Australian pop-up three weeks ago, offering shoppers in Surry Hills 70% off 20 products, which they can either purchase in store, or order online and pick up in person.
Groupon Australia chief executive Alistair Venn said this morning the retailer wanted to ensure the pop-up shop was “running perfectly” before officially launching the concept this week.
“It’s really ramping up now that we are fully into the Christmas period,” Venn says.
So far the feedback has been positive, with Venn saying Groupon is seeing both existing and new customers venturing in store. A spinning prize wheel, and special “Sydney pick up deals” on the Groupon website, offer extra incentives.
Venn says, of the Groupon customers that have purchased one of the 20 stocked products online, 47% have opted to “click and collect” – one of the most popular items to date is a 3 metre-wide deck umbrella – which is a “much higher ratio than we expected”.
“We foresee it will get even higher as we get closer to Christmas,” he says.
“The key is to provide customers with whatever solutions they need at the time they need them.”
Catering to Groupon customers who want to “click and collect” is the primary motivation for opening a physical store, says Venn, but introducing Groupon to new customers is also part of the strategy.
Venn says the concept will appeal to new customers who want to purchase physical goods from Groupon, as well as those who are interested in Groupon’s “experience” vouchers for things like holidays and beauty treatments.
Sydney is home to the largest share of Groupon’s four million members so it was an obvious choice for the site’s first physical store, says Venn. But the company is open to launching pop-up outlets in other cities during the festive season, as well as having a “physical presence all year round”.
“The peak of the benefit will still be in the peak season in the run up to Christmas,” he says.
Another online retailer trialling a Christmas pop-up shop is online homewares boutique HardToFind. The HardtoFind bricks-and-mortar store popped up at The Rocks in Sydney’s CBD last Thursday.
Erica Stewart, co-founder of HardToFind, said the shop has so far been embraced by Sydney shoppers.
“We’ve been open for one weekend and we had a steady flow of people through,” Stewart says.
“We had a lot of great comments about the products, lots of people took home the catalogues or shopped from the iPad stations we set up.”
The HardToFind pop-up shop is open between Thursday and Sunday for the next two weeks, with Stewart and co-founder <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/44120-diary-of-an-entrepreneur-how-trudi-jenkins-found-fashionable-success-with-hard-to-find">Trudi Jenkins</a> hoping to “make the most of weekend traffic and the market activity in the area”.
“For us it’s a way to bring the brand to life,” Stewart says of the decision to venture into bricks-and-mortar retailing.
“It’s the idea of new retail or showrooming, customers can come in and browse and then order in store. We have iPads in store and we printed out 5000 glossy catalogues for the pop-up store. All the products in store are listed in the catalogue so people can order products they have seen from the comfort of their own home.”
This is the first time HardToFind has experimented with a physical store and Stewart says if the pop-up shop is successful, the retailer will consider a more permanent physical presence. At the very least, Stewart says she “would love to roll [the pop-up shop] out to other states”.
While Stewart admits the shop’s fitout was “costly” because the HardToFind team “wanted to do a good job”, she says there are “great rental deals” to be found in Sydney at this time of the year thanks to an abundance of vacant storefronts.
“There is also a bit of a pop-up movement at The Rocks,” she says.
Like Groupon, HardToFind is also running promotions in conjunction with the pop-up shop, including offering shoppers free frozen yoghurt.
“Omni-channel is still a big buzz word in the ecommerce space, customers want something a bit different or experiential,” Stewart says.
“It’s about offering that little bit extra, something a bit different.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Online retailers turn to Christmas pop-up shops in bid to cash in on “new retail”

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Legal services firm CBP Lawyers has signed a new lease to occupy the entire 35th floor of Waterfront Place at 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane.
The firm will be relocating to the 1,867 square metres of riverfront property on an eight and a half year lease.
CBP Lawyers, a law firm with a 110 year history and well established offices in Melbourne and Sydney, recently merged with Brisbane firm Hemming + Hart. 
The deal was negotiated by Amanda Foggo and Mark McCann of office leasing at Colliers International, in conjunction with colleague Chris Orr, director of tenant representation.
CBP'S lease for the entire 35th floor was on a deal struck between $825 per square metre and $850 per square metre with market incentives.
The landmark 40 storey office tower Waterfront Place has also attracted St. George Bank which will relocate to an 1,800 square metre office in 2015. 
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Brisbane's Waterfront Place attracts CBP Lawyers tenancy

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The boutique Italian designer retailer Maliparmi, has committed to a new lease in Melbourne CBD‘s prime fashion precinct in a deal negotiated by Savills Australia.
The 146 Little Collins Street lease comprises a ground floor retail area of 50 square metres leased on a three year term at circa $2,200 a square metre per annum net. 
Savills Australia retail director, Michael Di Carlo said the tenant had expanded its business to take on a CBD location following the success of its existing store in Malvern.
"Little Collins Street is now regarded as prime real estate for fashion and innovative creations which appeal to those looking for somewhat distinctive and diverse fashion products," Di Carlo said.
A private offshore investor paid $2.48 million for a 34 square-metre strata titled shop on Little Collins Street recently on a net yield of 3.9%. 
The shop was leased to British clothing brand Fred Perry till 2017.
It sold through Oliver Hay and Daniel Wolman of Colliers International.
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Maliparmi takes on Little Collins Street retail lease

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Melbourne based private developer the Keo Group has sold a seven level office and retail building in Melbourne’s CBD to a local investor for around $13.7 million on a 6.76% yield in a sale brokered by Savills Australia.
It was one of 20 CBD buildings Savills have sold since March 2014, for a total of more than $250 million
The developer, Mark Keo undertook a refurbishment of the building in 2010 and added an additional level on the rooftop of the 1912 building, known as the Melbourne Steamship Company building.
It is one of a few remaining examples of the  Edwardian Baroque commercial style.
The building comprises 564 square metres of retail space over three - basement, ground and mezzanine levels plus five floors of office totalling 1,224 square metres.
The 1788 square metre building was sold 98% leased to 11 tenants, with a fully leased net income of $926,117 per annum.
The building occupies a 361 square metre site zoned Capital City 1.
Savills’ Divisional Director, Nick Peden, who brokered the deal with head of city sales and investments, Clinton Baxter, said the marketing campaign for the 27-31 King Street property generated more than 100 recorded enquiries.
Baxter said the rate per square metre of building area of $7,656 was a very strong result.
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Keo Group net $13.7 million in Savills Melbourne sale

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Lend Lease has announced Italian food and wine emporium Mercato e Cucina will open at its Barangaroo South development. 
The 700 square metre store will open in early 2016. The store will be run by the brother and sister team Vanessa and Robert Martin, who made their reputation at their Gladesville outlet.
It will be on the new harbourside eat street precinct which will include Gelato Messina and Bourke Street Bakery.
Their genuine Italian hospitality serves up home-style ‘Nonna-worthy’ meals prepared by the head chef Vanessa Martin.
The venue will be inclusive of a panini bar, a walk through cellar, a fresh produce section, delicatessen, bakery and patisserie.
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Mercato e Cucina to open at Barangaroo South

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NAME: Robert da Silva<img src="/images/2014/12/03/Robert-da-Silva-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Head of research, fixed income and alternatives
COMPANY: SQM Research
OFFICE LOCATION: Level 1, 9 Castlereagh Street Sydney
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
I have been in the funds management industry since 1984, so 30 years.
<ul>
<li>What's happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Fixed income is my current focus - the challenge in that area for funds is how to protect the downside from interest rate rises (when they eventually come) and maintaining income distributions at reasonable levels in a low interest rate environment.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
I haven't had a direct involvement in commercial property.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
Extensive knowledge of the markets, keeping up to date on economic and market developments, attention to detail, an ability to communicate well and interact with clients/ fund managers.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Meeting and interacting with the best fund managers in the business, across a wide range of markets, asset classes and investment styles.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
Mainly in defensive assets, cash, absolute return fixed income, defensive alternatives that have some downside mitigation and a smattering of the riskier elements small cap stocks and emerging markets equities. Would keep an eye on commodities as well.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
South Sydney Rabbitohs
<ul>
<li>What's your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
The usual suspects from Apple - iPhone, iPad, iPod.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/rob-da-silva/21/598/149" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>for professional reasons, outside of that not really much of a user (yet).
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In profile: SQM Research's head of research, fixed income and alternatives, Robert da Silva

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Sydney pub patriarch Arthur Laundy has snapped up Noosa’s iconic Sheraton Spa and Resort on Hastings Street for around $110 million, partnering with the Sydney-based liquor king turned property investor Theo Karedis in acquiring the 176-suite resort.
Valad Property Group sold its ­Sheraton Noosa resort at one of the highest price per room rates achieved in Australia through McVay Real Estate.
Managing partner Sam McVay said the passing income of the property was about $6.6 million, putting the yield at about 6%, according to The Australian Financial Review. 
The reported price represents a rate of $615,000 per room. 
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The buying syndicate expects tourism on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is set to grow.
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