Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

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 Country Women's Association Potts Point headquarters is being bullishly sold to Chinese developer interests for about $18.5 million.
There were five offers at or above $15 million <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/elizabeth-bay/1179875/" target="_blank">through Ray White</a> and CBRE Hotels when expressions of interest closed September 3.
It followed the <a href="/news/country-womens-association-of-nsw-to-sell-potts-point-headquarters">recent decision by the Country Women's Association of NSW</a> (CWA) annual state conference to sell its long-time 51 room property.
The sale successfully captured the current huge Chinese buying interest, rather than the association delaying going to market with formal redevelopment approvals which would have been the normal prudent process.
The 11-13 Greenknowe Avenue building houses the head office and auditorium as well as providing $50 a night accommodation.
It was secured in the early 1950s, and opened in 1954 by Lady Slim.
Around 20 developers sought the 1,347 square metre site with the CWA now set to purchase modern office space.
The CWA was formed in 1922 when country women were fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities. 
It has been incorporated by an Act of NSW Parliament since 1931.
It was listed through Ray White agents Ian Campbell and Craig Pontey, in conjunction with CBRE Hotels.
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CWA's Potts Point headquarters sells to Chinese developer

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The former Country Women's Association Potts Point headquarters that sold to a Chinese developer for $18.5 million in 2014 has reportedly been onsold for a bullish $34 million.
The asking price was $30 million plus.
There is no sold sticker posted by its out of area agents, but the local paper has reported its sale.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/12/5/CWA.jpg" alt="">
The Wentworth Courer says it has been sold as a women's refuge.
<div class="XGJcx _1DCKj _2yu-G">
The SHMH Group used as its offices while it has run into planning height redevelopment issues.
A concept study undertaken by PTW Architects for an eight-storey apartment building scheme with 38 luxury units over two levels of basement parking.
The 1347sq m site is at 11-13 Greenknowe Avenue.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/12/5/SHMH.jpg" alt="">
</div>
There were five offers at or above $15 million when it last sold in 2014.
Its sale followed the <a href="/news/country-womens-association-of-nsw-to-sell-potts-point-headquarters">decision by the Country Women's Association of NSW</a> (CWA) to sell its long-time 51 room property.
The Greenknowe Avenue building housed their head office and auditorium as well as providing $50 a night accommodation.
It was secured in the early 1950s, and opened in 1954 by Lady Slim on its 1,347 square metre site.
The CWA was formed in 1922 when country women were fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities. 
 
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Former CWA Potts Point headquarters offloaded by do-nothing Chinese developer

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The former Country Women's Association Potts Point headquarters that sold to a Chinese developer for $18.5 million in 2014 has returned to the market.
The asking price is around $30 million, Nine Entertainment reported, but $30 million plus in a subsequent press release.
<div class="XGJcx _1DCKj _2yu-G">
The SHMH Group did secure a deferred commencement consent for the site at 11-13 Greenknowe Avenue in 2017, but has in the meantime considered several options including a boarding house.
The premises have been used as its offices while it has run into planning height issues having initially considered a concept study undertaken by PTW Architects for an eight-storey apartment building scheme with 38 luxury units over two levels of basement parking.
The 1347sq m site is approved for up to 22 metres.
</div>
There were five offers at or above $15 million when it last sold in 2014.
Its sale followed the <a href="/news/country-womens-association-of-nsw-to-sell-potts-point-headquarters">decision by the Country Women's Association of NSW</a> (CWA to sell its long-time 51 room property.
The 11-13 Greenknowe Avenue building housed their head office and auditorium as well as providing $50 a night accommodation.
It was secured in the early 1950s, and opened in 1954 by Lady Slim on its 1,347 square metre site.
The CWA was formed in 1922 when country women were fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities. 
 
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Former CWA Potts Point headquarters being offloaded by do-nothing Chinese developer

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Australia is about to face a shortage of office development sites, according to a new report.
Colliers International’s Competitive Rivalry: Office Versus Residential in Metro Markets report suggests that increased appetite for residential development is now driving the metropolitan office markets.
In most metropolitan markets the demand is heating up, said John Marasco, Colliers International managing director of capital markets and investment services. He noted that developers are increasingly building residential properties on land previously earmarked for office developments.
“This is increasing competitive pressure on land values across metropolitan office markets, at the same time as demand from investors for office investments continues,” Marasco said.
“Zoned sites and existing commercial buildings are being converted to residential at an increasing rate, and in metropolitan markets this had led to minimal new development of office buildings. This increased competition has resulted in a tightening in yields for most eastern seaboard markets, following the similar trend witnessed in CBD office markets on the east coast.”
Nationally, new development supply of office space to the metropolitan market is recorded by Colliers to be at 124,996 square metres in 2014. In 2015, this figure is 100,963 square metres, with Victoria and Queensland driving the supply through 2014 – adding up to 37.6% and 33.6% respectively.
Marasco says that investors are increasingly demanding A Grade metropolitan office assets, particularly noting that institutional investors are expressing interest.
The graph below describes the type of buyers purchasing metro office stock:
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/chart%20sept%2017.jpg" alt="">
“Institutional investors remain highly active in the metropolitan office markets, accounting for 69% of total sales volume during the year,” he said.
“Compared to last year, there is a significant shift towards domestic investment in metro markets, in particular domestic institutional investment. Last year, offshore investment in metro markets was driving the lion’s share of investment.”
Attractive yields and occasional development upsides are behind the demand. Marasco said that the hotspots of New South Wales’ Parramatta, Queensland’s Fortitude Valley and Victoria’s Chadstone are on investors’ radars.
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Cities facing imminent shortage of office development sites: Colliers

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Colliers International’s Justin Fried has taken out the title of 2014 Industrial Agent of the Year at DEXUS Property Group’s 21st Excellence in Agency Annual Awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of the real estate community that contributed towards DEXUS’s success over the 2014 financial year.
Fried is the director of industrial<a href="https://ballarat.colliers.com.au/Services/Property_Types/Industrial.aspx" style="line-height: 1.3em;"></a> in Colliers International’s Melbourne East office.
It recognised his work in securing a new long-term lease across 24,000 square metre at Pound Road West in Dandenong South (pictured above), with no downtime from the previous tenant vacating.
He introduced Reece Australia, who entered into a 10-year lease over the whole site in the largest leasing transaction for an existing A-grade building in Melbourne’s south-east market in three years. 
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Colliers' Justin Fried wins Dexus industrial agent of the year award

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Crown Group CEO Iwan Sunito has explained a global shift in the way people live which will continue to drive demand for housing in Sydney.
“People are increasingly downsizing, driving demand for apartments,” Sunito told the Bloomberg Economic Summit yesterday.
“There’s a change in lifestyle preferences of young and old, towards low maintenance living, close to shops, education, transport and jobs.”
He pointed out the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory predicts by 2050 three quarters (75 per cent) of the world’s population will live in cities, up from 54% in 2014 and 34% in 1960.
Crown Group announced last week its next $250-million residential and commercial project, Crown Sydney (pictured above), to be built in the heart of Sydney - at 161 Clarence Street.
It will be launched for sale internationally on 22 November.
"Thousands of enquiries from around the globe have been submitted for the new 25-storey Crown Sydney since registrations of interest opened in March.
“A global population shift to cities is increasingly evident in Sydney as popularity soars for centrally-located apartments,” Sunito added after the summit.
Designed by internationally renowned Koichi Takada Architects and winner of an international design competition, the landmark building will feature heritage-inspired lower levels transitioning to a modern glass-and-steel tower, capped with more than a dozen steel arches.
Construction of Crown Sydney is expected to be completed in 2017.
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Downsizing demand triggering global apartment shift: Crown founder Iwan Sunito

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Cohen Handler, the Sydney buyer’s advocacy group, has seen a significant increase in demand from buyers enquiring about commercial property.
“In the last year, we have seen a 20% increase in enquiries about commercial property from our existing residential clients looking to expand their property portfolios,” said Ben Handler, the Cohen Handler chief.
"While some buyers are looking to diversify their self-managed super funds, others are interested in purchasing commercial real estate to service their business needs and diversify their portfolios. As such, Cohen Handler identified an opportunity to better service commercial buyers."
Founded in 2009, Cohen Handler has appointed Michael Salvartsis as head of its newly created commercial division. 
With over 27 years’ experience in the business and property sectors; Salvartsis has managed property risk and valuation teams at HSBC Bank for the last 12 years. 
Salvartsis has also held management roles at Chesterton International and First State Property Group. 
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Surge in commercial property enquiries: Cohen Handler 

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The Pie Face premises on Flinders Street, Melbourne - 38 square metre premises - have been sold for $92,105 per square metre.
The $3.5 million sale of Shop 2 at 250 Flinders Street opposite Flinders Street Station was struck on a 4.4% initial yield.
The property is leased to popular retailer Pie Face on a five year lease with further five year option had actually been expected by Colliers International to fetch in excess of $3.5 million.
The 24-hour Pie Face outlet sits on corner of Degraves Street. 
The lease yields $152,987.02 plus GST and outgoings, plus a 4% annual increase.
<a href="https://rca.colliers.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-501216643" target="_blank">Shop 1</a>, leased as a travel agency, sold at auction last month for $2.33 million on yield of 3.6%, representing $61,316 a price per square.
Property Observer gleans the 2012 sale price of strata retail space at 97 Swanston Street at a rate per square metre of $184,214 holds the record for a CBD strata-titled shop.
A Vietnamese buying syndicate purchased the shop at an initial 4.7% yield from a syndicate associated with Cedric Fuchs for $2.579 million.
The $184,214 square metre price surpassed the level set by the neighbouring Telstra store in earlier in 2012, when the 65 square metre Telstra store on the corner of Swanston Street and Collins Street <a href="/expert-insights/investing/private-investor-snaps-up-collins-street-telstra-store-premises-for-9-25-million-ahead-of-auction">was sold by Sydney's Fuchs family for $142,300 per square metre.</a> Cedric Fuchs was one of the founders of Charter Hall.
The Telstra store was bought by South Yarra investor Ken Biddick, a sporting goods wholesaler.
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Pieces of the Melbourne CBD strata retail pie proving popular

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Glenzeil, one of the south east Queensland's largest building companies, has gone into voluntary liquidation with the loss of about 50 full-time jobs. 
The company’s affairs are now in the hands of liquidator Peter Dinoris, of Vincents Chartered Accountants.
Glenzeil’s main active project was the $35 million Plaza Apartments in South Brisbane for David Devine’s Metro Properties.
The virtually completed $35 million Pure Kirra project at Kirra by the Pikos Group has narrowly escaped being caught in the collapse of their construction company.
Glenzeil has been responsible for some of the biggest Gold Coast construction including the Jupiters Casino refurbishment.
The Varsity Lakes-based company, established in 1990, was headed by Ken Skrinis and Brian Gabriel.
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Devine caught in Gold Coast building company Glenzeil's collapse

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Sydney's top two bar barons, Justin Hemmes and Fraser Short, have really put the foot on the excelerator in their recent expansionary ways.
Providing entertaining, drinking and eating spaces for the cashed-up young folk is a cut-throat business as the darkened, dingy meat tray raffle entertainment spaces of the past turn glamorous alfresco, especially in coastal locations.
Just last week Fraser Short teamed up again with the Laundy family to secure <a href="/expert-insights/investing/laundy-short-partnership-secure-iconic-mona-vale-northies-pubs">the iconic Northies and Mona Vale hotels</a>.
Justin Hemmes recently transformed the Coogee Beach Palace Hotel, seemingly acquired on delayed settlement terms.
It has certainly been a bull market for the industry with a mix of cool bars and restaurants openings.
Justin Hemmes, who assumed the entrepreneurial mantle from his parents has had the chic watering holes Establishment, Hemmesphere, Tank Night Club, Angel Place, The Slip Inn over the years. Then he undertook the multimillion-dollar Ivy project on George Street.
Fraser Short and then business partner John Duncan set up Cargo Bar at King Street Wharf just in time for the 2000 Olympics - a coup for the pair.
The old schoolmates then opened Bungalow 8, further down the wharf and The Loft cocktail bar.
After opening the Morrison with Sean Connolly in the kitchen, Short then partnered with Arthur Laundy on the Watsons Bay Hotel which has since been refubished and successfully relaunched.
The publican-restaurateurs will soon go head to head in Manly. Justin Hemmes has opened Papi Chulo at the wharf and Short has a separate 350-seat Japanese rock'n'roll bar in the beachside suburb. Short's Daniel-san, the moniker a homage to The Karate Kid film franchise, and the rooftop Dojo at Daniel-san, are the Manly Pacific hotel, set to open next month.
Our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok takes sides in tribal Sydney's mostly hospitable battle of the bar tsars. 
HE SAID:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" style="float: right;">
I am a huge fan of Justin Hemmes, having known the family for three decades. Not that it helped when trying to get into the ever popular eatery, Mr Wong where the suggested wait was a hour last Wednesday night! Justin gets his love of entrepreneurial property ventures from his inspiring father, Mr John and mother, Merivale. He also gets plenty of design advice from his sister, Bettina.
I've meet Fraser just the once, and he struck me as a blokey live-wire as he entertained his guests out at Watsons Bay one afternoon. His business partner, Arthur Laundy was there too, and he's old-time salt of the earth amid the modern hoteling era. Ofcourse Fraser is the son of 1970s wine bar scene legend, Warwick Short who ran one of the most successful long running wine bars from some 25 years from 1969, the Stoned Crow at Crows Nest.
It all began big time for Fraser Short around the time of the Sydney Olympics with his then burgeoning Keystone Hospitality business, which included the hip venues Cargo Bar, then Bungalow 8. I missed the Fringe Bar, but certainly took in the Gazebo Wine Bar which has been getting a recent refurb. Short certainly hasn't wasted any time building a new empire since splitting with Keystone Hospitality.
Interesting that the print media mentions of Fraser total in the low 100's since his first mention, but 1000's for Justin.  
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" style="float: left;">
SHE SAID:
Hands down, it’s Fraser Short for me. I love what he’s done at the Watsons Bay pub with its spectacular views and harbourside setting that is second to none.  
Admittedly, I have a soft spot for Wato, where as a tiny child it was a treat for our family to to eat fish ‘n’ chips at the Ozone Café (now Doyle’s restaurant) on Friday nights.  
While Short has done wonders with the Wato pub, he has retained the intrinsic simplicity of the original seaside fishing village in its design. Without any pretentions to latest fads in other parts of the world, it is modern and appropriate.
Another winning feature is the food of chef Pete Evans who heads up the hotel’s catering and events.
On a vast harbour beach front site, this landmark hotel complex has 32 accommodation rooms, a public bar and a restaurant, as well as several function rooms including the Sunset Room. One of Sydney’s best wedding venues, The Sunset Room was designed by architect Jeremy Bull (of Alexander and Co) who worked with Short on the revival of his city pub, The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room in George Street. 
I have no doubt Short and his team will bring their vision and design flair to Northies and the Mona Vale pub. Apparently Fraser Short gained a degree in interior design before becoming a hotelier.
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