<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

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.

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

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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Australand Property Group and joint venture partner LaSalle Investment Management have won the right to buy a residential site owned by UrbanGrowth NSW in North Ryde, Sydney.
The price of the 1.3 hectare site is understood to be about $50 million.
Located adjacent to the newly completed North Ryde train station, it is expected to yield up to 400 apartments 
It forms part of the North Ryde Urban Activation Precinct.
The site is well serviced with close access to education facilities, including Macquarie University; a major regional shopping centre; and employment precincts.
The site’s zoning permits a mixed used development so will include as a small retail component.
“Following the success of existing projects in Wolli Creek and Clemton Park, we look forward to expanding our partnering relationship with LaSalle Investment Management," Australand’s Managing director, Bob Johnston, said
“Securing this project further strengthens our position in the Sydney market and provides greater visibility of our medium term residential pipeline with the project expected to deliver earnings from 2016,” Mr Johnston said. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Australand secures North Ryde residential infill site

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A commercial and residential listing in Melbourne's east suburb Huntingdale has been purchased for $880,000 through Ray White Commercial.
A local owner occupier picked up the 1283 North Road, Clayton property post-auction, according to Ray White Commercial Oakleigh's Ryan Amler.
Amler said that the buyer is looking to use the open plan office and residential section of the property for his own use, while receiving passive income from the separate residential aspect. The building comes with three car spaces.
The upper level is a three-bedroom residence spanning approximately 210 square metres, with separate entry. The bedrooms all have mirrored built-in wardrobes, and it has two bathrooms - both with spa baths - and two kitchens. The dwelling, rented at the time of sale, was retrieving $2,500 per calendar month.
Amler said that the property received significant interest, and is located near the railway station, bus stops and the Huntingdale Road shopping strip.
“The property includes approximately 210 sqm of ground floor commercial space equipped with a Daikin ducted inverter heating and cooling system, three phase power, automatic sliding front door, roller shutters plus kitchen and bathroom facilities,” he said.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Mixed-use Huntingdale listing snapped up for almost $900,000

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Mariana Hardwick’s Brunswick ground floor salon and first floor at the Hardwick Building have sold for $3.22 million.
Sold by Fitzroys agents James Gregson and Rick Berry at auction, there was competitive bidding between three prospective purchasers.
The ground floor salon was 375 square metres, and the offering also included a first floor atelier, and office spaces, to a total of 875 square metres, as well as air rights.
The property included Lot N – a 950 square metre block above the first floor of the main buildings, which allows the purchaser to undertake development in future.
It was subject to a long lease to Mariana Hardwick until 2032 with a 5+7+7 lease structure from July 1 2013.
On the first floor, approximately 135 square metres are leased to Letterbox on a three year deal from 15 October 2013.
The combined rental return total is an estimated $250,000.
“This is an historic landmark property in a major inner city growth location with a long lease to an iconic operator, and with development upside and subdivision potential,” said Gregson.
“The property’s positioning in the prime trading section of Sydney Road, Brunswick, which has benefited from the resurgence of inner city living and increased demand and gentrification of the area, further attracted interest from both local and interstate investors,” he said.
The history of the two-level building stretches back until 1907 when it began as the Hoopers Drapers store. After a succession of owners including Waltons and Spotlight, Mariana Hardwick acquired the Hoopers Building in 2005 as a new location for her salon.
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Mariana Hardwick sells Brunswick salon and workshop for $3.22 million

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The Development of the Year in South Australia has been awarded to the University of Adelaide’s new building The Braggs. The Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall award was given to the development, which is the home to the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing headquarters.
It is located at the North Terrace campus, and Property Council executive director Richard Angove said that it is an innovative creation, that is a microcosm of ingenuity in the state.
The University of Adelaide own the building, and nominated it for the award. It features a 420 seat lecture theatre, teaching facilities and laboratories with a philosophy around research collaboration across disciplines.
The Braggs beat Adelaide Desalination Plant, Kauwi Interpretive Centre and the Materials and Minerals Sciences Research Building to the award.
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University of Adelaide campus wins Development of the Year title

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Leasing activity in Brisbane’s industrial market is on the improve, seeing rental growth for prime grade industrial stock and a growing pre-lease focus from tenants, according to Savills’ Spotlight on Brisbane Industrial report.
Savills Queensland associate director research Helen Swanson said that the market is competitive with new builds often more so in terms of rental rate than existing property.
“Leasing activity is particularly strong for prime grade quality warehousing, especially free-standing product,” said Swanson.
She noted that a 2.5% growth in rent has been seen for prime grade product over the 12 months to March 2014, as well as a number of significant pre-commitments. This includes DB Schenker and Northline at Redbank, and Kagan Logistics at Hemmant.
“There is also anecdotal evidence suggesting a number of other major pre-commitments may also be in the pipeline for the Brisbane market,” she said.
In the Brisbane industrial leasing market, it’s transport and logistics taking out gold as the most active – representing a huge 25% of all leasing activity over the 12 months to March 2014.
The wholesale and retail sector were responsible for 19% of all leases.
Similarly the residential market surge in south-east Queensland, which many have said is investor driven, has increased building supply demand. Despite this, the tenant market is said to still perceive that supply outweighs demand, explained Swanson.
“These two sectors are forecast to achieve strong growth over the next five years and should continue to be major takers of space in the Brisbane industrial market. These users are looking for efficiency gains and the option of brand new mega-style warehousing is appealing to some of the larger players,” she said.
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Brisbane’s industrial market on the improve with jump in rental growth: Savills

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Commercial landlords may have the opportunity to take advantage of a surge in fashion houses looking to rent spaces at the base of CBD office towers.
The trend, according to Savills Australia’s retail leasing executive Jock Thomson, is seeing retailers looking outside of Melbourne’s traditional fashion district. For instance, 357 Collins Street, 555 Bourke Street and Goldsbrough Lane (below 181 William Street) have seen men and women’s fashion moving in. 
He said that these retailers are thinking outside of the square and are keen to be in the base of office buildings where they are already housed with thousands of potential clients.
“It’s really a no-brainer and one that has worked so well for eateries and coffee shops over recent years. Why would it not work for fashion? It’s convenient for the customer and cost-effective for the brand,” Thomson said.
Brands such as Thomas Pink, Herringbone and Cambridge Kit and TM Lewin have already taken up this trend. Thomson said this may be due to retailers’ need to do something about the impact of online shopping.
“One of the key attributes of online shopping is convenience and that has not been lost on these retailers who are also well aware that most shoppers still like to browse the hard copy, to have the touch and feel experience, and they are providing that experience in the most convenient location,” he said.
“Adversity calls for and often provides the most creative solutions and this is what we are seeing in fashion retailing in the Melbourne CBD”.
Meanwhile, state director of retail Michael Di Carlo said that it would be landlords who will be happy with the news, seeing it as a lucrative additional revenue stream.
“With coffee shops, eateries and now fashion houses competing for space we are going to see greater competition for the best spaces which means healthy rental levels,” he said.
He noted that 30 to 300 square metres of space at 199 William Street is coming up in November, and 447 Collins Street, will provide fashion retailing opportunities.
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Fashion houses look to secure base-level spaces in Melbourne offices

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An 863 square metre development site in Melbourne’s Southbank residential precinct has seen strong interest. The 47 City Road precinct, being sold through CBRE City Sales, has seen interest around the $9 million mark.
It is bordered by St Kilda Road and Southbank Boulevard, and currently holds a single-level office building, 12 onsite car spaces and two street frontages on Fawkner Street and City Road, which provides a revenue stream while plans and permit are organised for future development.
CBRE’s Josh Rutman, Mark Wizel and Ed Wright are marketing it through an International Public Expressions of Interest campaign that is expecting to see strong offshore interest. The campaign goes until June 12.
It is located near Crown Casino Complex, the Yarra River, and Southbank Theatre.
"Developers, especially those from Asia, are recognising Southbank is serviced by world class infrastructure and amenity, and is viewed by overseas apartment buyers as being a terrific alternative to buying an apartment in the Melbourne CBD,” said Rutman.
Recently, Singapore’s Aspial Corporation purchased a land holding on the corner of City Road and Southbank Boulevard, Australia 108, for $42.3 million. A total of more than $180 million has reportedly been spent in the past six months on Southbank sites – with the majority from offshore purchasers.
Wright noted that offshore buyers are interested in two elements primarily. The first – how many apartments can be built on the site. The second – what they can get for these apartments.
High density Southbank apartments often go for high prices, he said.
“With the recent explosion of Asian investment into Melbourne’s property market, we expect this property will be of particular interest to offshore investors looking to undertake a landmark residential development in Australia’s most liveable city.”
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Melbourne development site expecting strong foreign interest

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Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced that Victoria’s Hanging Rock has been ‘saved’ from commercial development, with $1 million of government funding to provide ongoing planning protection.
The funding will be provided for ongoing maintenance of public facilities for the next four years, and will stop commercial development at the Eastern Paddock, which was to include a hotel and conference centre.
“This funding over the next four years will ensure the future of this vital community asset,” Guy said.
“More people will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Hanging Rock with proper funding now guaranteed,” he said.
Alternatives to commercial development to manage Hanging Rock will be explored between the Victorian government and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, after Guy visited local representatives Donna Petrovich and Amanda Millar.
Millar, who is Member for Northern Victoria Region, thanked Guy for delivering this outcome, as did Liberal candidate for Macedon, Petrovich.
Planning protections will be strengthened at the site to avoid inappropriate development in the long term, however they noted that any changes would not affect current uses of the site for horse racing and concerts.
The site, which had been committed to commercial and wind farm developments “up to 160 metres tall throughout the Macedon Ranges… taller than Hanging Rock itself,” according to Guy, saw huge opposition to commercial development through the Hanging Rock Action Group.
Upgrades to current facilities have not been opposed.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.
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Hanging Rock “saved” from commercial development

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A new $86 million development in Brisbane's south will house freight facility Toll Group, with 500 staff in the building that is the size of two Suncorp Stadiums. It employed 1,500 workers through construction and is located in the Logan Motorway Precinct.
Doors are now open on what is the largest pallets and oversize freight depot that Toll operates anywhere across the world, at 43,600 square metres for the facility on a 13 hectare site.
Premier Campbell newman, who announced the move, said that they welcome the investment and confidence into Queensland's economy.
“This new facility for Toll will be the largest in its world-wide operations and it’s encouraging they decided to open it in Queensland, the best place to live and work," he said.
“We hope Toll will continue to grow in years to come and employ more hard working Queenslanders.”
Developed by The GPT Group, it was announced in late-2012 that Toll had committed to leasing the precinct, once built, for 15 years. GPT was looking to increase their weighting in the logistics sector and have 100% ownership in this property.
At the time, head of investment management for GPT, Carmel Hourigan, said that they were bringing logistics and business parks to 15% of its portfolio.
"GPT is progressing well on this strategy having now acquired more than $200 million of industrial facilities in 2012," Hourigan said.
Toll NQX's Brisbane based offices have all been consolidated into this new office. There were previously three.
Divisional director for Toll, Mal Grimmond, said that they're hoping other businesses will invest in the state.
“The new depot has been designed to provide the absolute safest working environment for our people, which is essential in such a labour-intensive industry such as transport and logistics,” Grimmond said.
The facility includes a 2,000 square metre dedicated heavy vehicle workshop. It is in Karawatha, 22 kilometres south of Brisbane's CBD. It was chosen partly due to its access to all major arterial routes through the state's southeast.
Assisting with the development of the facility included the Queensland Department of Transport &amp; Main Roads, Brisbane City Council and Logan City Council. The architects Arqus, planners RPS, builders FDC Construction and security provider Visium were also involved.
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Freight facility Toll Group move into $86 million facility in Brisbane's south

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Annual retail sales turnover, now higher than the 4.9% long-term average, is evidence of confidence returning to the sector, explains Colliers International, which has unsurprisingly been boosted the café and restaurant sector. This sector has seen 10.3% growth over the past year.
Michael Bate, head of retail at Colliers International, said that it’s discretionary spending that is behind this improvement.
“Money spent in cafes and restaurants is particularly good for the local economy, as unlike international luxury purchases where the financial benefit goes offshore, spending in cafes and restaurants is predominantly retained at home,” said Bate.
He noted that the propensity for consumers to spend is currently underpinned by increasing house prices and positive sentiment. Strong house prices over 2013 have been mirrored by strong retail turnover, particularly in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.
However, those winning the retail race are not solely relying on their physical property shopfront, but are looking to online offerings that complement the traditional street outlet.
Australians were recorded as spending approximately 6.5% of their usually bricks-and-mortar spend online – or $15 million in the year to February.
New retail space supply is led by the category of large format – which Colliers notes will total 41% of 2.8 million square metres of retail supply under construction or ready to complete over the next four years.
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