An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

&nbsp;

At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

Ballarat

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There has been a strong start to 2017 with agents reporting minimal downtime for the Ballarat residential market during the Christmas and New Year period, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says the market is expected to perform well in 2017 with continuing population growth in the region.
HTW expects that the upper echelons of the market will continue to perform well with demand continuing to exceed supply for good quality properties and that period style housing in this market continues to be highly sought after.
Areas in particular that HTW tips to perform well in this sector are Lake Wendouree, Newington, Ballarat Central, Buninyong and lifestyle properties.
For the average price of $655,000 a house can be purchased such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lake+wendouree-124632526" target="_blank">1407 Gregory Street</a>, Lake Wendouree (above) that is available from between $640,000 to $670,000.
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lake+wendouree-124632526" target="_blank">4 Haddon Street</a>, Lake Wendouree (below) was sold for $660,000.
<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/2017/02/15/4%20Haddon%20Street.jpg" alt="">
However, the lower end of the market is expected to remain static with little growth, but rental markets in these lower sectors are likely to continue to perform well with good returns.
HTW tips values in Delacombe and Winter Valley to be static for the foreseeable future with an oversupply of vacant land coming to the market and numerous new estates.
“Ballarat East and Redan have potential to show growth through gentrification in the lower end of the market,” the report says.
“These suburbs show growth potential with high volumes of period style housing currently at affordable levels. They also benefit from proximity to services and the city centre.
“Overall, the Ballarat residential market is expected to perform well and in line with 2016 trends.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Booming population boosting Ballarat property prices: HTW

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A fully leased office property in Victoria’s Ballarat has recently been sold for an undisclosed sum after being brought to the market for $1.5 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-ballarat-502101306" target="_blank">801 Mair, Ballarat, Vic 3350</a>, in the heart of the medical precinct, the manor is spread over two floors.
The property has a land area of 1,396 sqm and is zoned Mixed Use.
Among the tenants are Lake Imaging who have a three-year lease with options for further extensions. Their current rental is $67,205 per annum plus GST and outgoings (57.2436%). Another tenant is Ballarat Psychiatry Group, also on a three-year lease and paying a rental of $39,446.76 per annum plus GST and outgoings (42.7564%). The property earns a total income of $106,651.76 pa.
The selling agent was Andrew Lewis of Colliers International.
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Fully leased office property in Ballarat changes hands

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Ballarat's station precinct is set to be transformed, following last week's announcement that the Pellicano Group has been awarded the rights to develop a new conference centre and hotel facility.

Premier Daniel Andrews last week joined Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford, Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight and Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard to announce the winning team to build the $44 million project which seeks to kick-start the larger revitalisation of Ballarat’s historic station precinct and surrounding area.

The redeveloped precinct will feature:

<ul>
<li>A modern 4.5 star 77 room hotel to be run by Quest.</li>
	<li>1,700sqm conference centre, a 300-seat theatrette and a 300-seat banquet room within the Goods Shed.</li>
	<li>900m2 of retail and dining options within the Goods Shed and a public plaza for community events.</li>
	<li>420 car parks with 270 for commuters and 150 for hotel patrons, with scope for future expansion.</li>
	<li>The Spotless Group will operate the conference facilities under their EPICURE brand and will focus on building an events base including exhibitions, performances, weddings, conventions, community events and galas.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2016-11-29_at_9.16.02_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The new 4.5 star 77 room Quest Hotel. Image courtesy Pellicano Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2016-11-29_at_9.16.02_am.png?itok=shEpc4xo" title="The new 4.5 star 77 room Quest Hotel. Image courtesy Pellicano Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new 4.5 star 77 room Quest Hotel. Image courtesy Pellicano Group</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Ballarat has a proud history and bright future. This is about putting people first and bringing more people to this great city – creating jobs and making this historic precinct something locals can be proud of.
<cite>Premier Daniel Andrews</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We think it’s a very strategic site near the train station, and the combination of a Quest hotel and convention centre run by Spotless was an attractive prospect. It made a lot of sense to invest in the project and we’ve got a long standing relationship with Quest, so that made us more comfortable. We are very confident (it will be successful). We’re basing it on our assumptions done via modelling and Quest already have an existing model as they have a[apartments ion Ballarat already.
<cite>Nando Pellicano, Director, Pellicano Group</cite>
</blockquote>

The Victorian Government will be investing $25 million from its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Construction is expected to begin by mid-late 2017, however a completion date for the project has yet to be nominated. The project is expected to generate 140 jobs during construction and 30 ongoing jobs once completed. Construction will be staged in such a way to minimise disruptions to local residents and commuters.

The concept plans are available for viewing and comment at www.engage.vic.gov.au until 22 January 2017. The community is also invited to an open day on Saturday 3 December at Ballarat Library, from 12.00pm to 4.00pm.
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Laurence Dragomir

Ballarat’s historic station precinct set to be transformed

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Showbiz Cinemas will open a six-screen cinema complex at the new Delacombe Town Centre shopping precinct in Ballarat.
Showbiz Cinemas has secured in excess of 1,100sqm of retail space at Delacombe Town Centre to open its latest complex in September 2017 through Colliers International’s Mike Crittenden and Bernard Canning.
Chris Jones, Showbiz group director said it was a logical progression for the company, which currently operates other regional cinemas and also special large scale special event screenings throughout Victoria and interstate.
“We are on a committed and sustainable regional growth strategy and our new Ballarat complex will service existing residents and also cater for the booming growth corridor to the west and south-west of the city,” he said.
Mr Crittenden and Mr Canning, of Colliers International’s Victorian Retail Project Leasing team, are appointed to lease campaign the 20,000sqm (approx.) Delacombe Town Centre on behalf of H Troon Pty Ltd.
Delacombe Town Centre is currently under construction and will feature K-Mart, Woolworths and y more than 37 speciality retailers, kiosks and various pad sites with over 850 free and convenient car parks.
 
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Showbiz Cinemas top open at Delacombe Town Centre

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An Officeworks tenanted site in Ballarat has been listed through CBRE.
The 4,857sqm retail holding, located at 116 Creswick Road, Ballarat Centre, features a substantial freestanding building of 2,117sqm.
The property benefits from a new eight year lease to prominent national retailer Officeworks, with option for up to 12 years extension.
CBRE noted recent sales of Officeworks Vermont South (4.9 percent initial yield) and Officeworks Woollongabba (5.8% initial yield) indicated the demand from the buyer market.
Strong future growth projected for the Ballarat market is expected to increase to 139,600 residents by 2031.
Offers are due June 17.
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Officeworks Ballarat site for sale

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Victoria's Ballarat is a rising market for houses but on the decline for units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's April 2016 property clock, which also takes a look at its fringe suburbs.
Ballarat continues to see the $200,000 to $400,000 housing market the most commonly traded. This market reflects the affordability for first home buyers and young families. Within this market suburbs that are performing strongly include Ballarat East, Lucas and Delacombe. Ballarat East provides period, older style housing with a central location in comparison to the more modern suburbs of Lucas and Delacombe.
<a href="/images/2016/04/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-15%20at%201.34.54%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-15%20at%201.34.54%20PM.png" alt="">
Lucas and Delacombe provide a trade-off of location with modern housing conveniences. These fringe suburbs are unlikely to show marked increases in value in the short term due to excessive supply with increasing numbers of subdivisions coming onto the market.
Fringe suburbs on the eastern side of Ballarat such as Brown Hill provide more opportunity for growth with good demand due to the accessibility to the freeway for Melbourne commuters, however with a higher price point due to this factor.
While these fringe suburbs are unlikely to experience growth in value, they continue to provide a good quality, stable, long-term investment opportunity with good rental returns of around 5%. Demand for rentals within this market remains strong. 
Currently, demand for these outer fringe suburbs remains steady with a growing population resulting in expansion of the city boundaries. Lucas and Delacombe both include plans for increased infrastructure such as shopping centres, schools and parks. While planning for these facilities is in place, there remains a lack of transport infrastructure servicing these areas with road access to the CBD becoming increasingly busy with the fringe expansion.
From an investment point of view, both owner-occupiers and investors face a trade-off between inner city, older suburbs with older housing and good potential growth versus the option of low maintenance, modern housing with lower capital growth on the fringes.
Property Observer found a few examples of recently sold properties in Ballarat's fringes on realestate.com.au:
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/rent3.jpg" alt="" width="492" height="369">
1. A four-bedroom house with car space for two at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-delacombe-116968007" target="_blank">5 Earls Square Delacombe Vic 3356</a> sold for $317,000
2. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lucas-121823070" target="_blank">19 Sutcliffe Street Lucas Vic 3350</a> fetched a price of $327,000
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/rent4.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="354">
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Fringe suburbs in Victoria's Ballarat reflect affordability for FHBs: HTW 

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Ballarat, Victoria’s largest inland city, figures in various positions from rising market to starting to decline in the HTW property clocks for February and March, and like the rest of the Australian economy, the residential market there will not be without its challenges in 2016.
Valuation firm Herron Todd White’s property clock is a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are as at February 2016 and what direction prices are moving in.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%209.42.52%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%209.42.52%20AM.png" alt="">
Macro economic factors such as the success of Australia’s transition from a resource driven to a service-driven economy, the mood of the various regulatory bodies and the ability of the elected elite to remain united behind one leader will play a major hand in its fortune, says the report.
Locally, the direction and pace with which the market door will swing will depend on the continued state governmental inclination to decentralise Victoria, in addition to the continued popularity and population growth of the area and the local economy’s success. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%209.43.05%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/03/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-15%20at%209.43.05%20AM.png" alt="">
The good news for the area is that none of these drivers appear at present poised to pull the plug on the place. 
The bad news is, nor do they elicit an inclination to provide us with a path to the promised land, says HTW.
“And so the great unwashed are left to wake up, frock up and front up. The fundamentals of the residential market are sound if not strong, yet only the most bullish would foretell a 2016 Ballarat boom. So how will it play out? 
“The year will play out as tug of war between positive local sentiment and what will be on balance, at best, a macro economic climate,” says HTW. 
As usual, the property with the greatest chance to grow will be that with limited supply close to the CBD such as Ballarat Central, Lake Wendouree, Soldiers Hill, Black Hill and Golden Point. Areas with significant challenges will be those with oversupply issues such as the new estates in Delacombe and Lucas.
The strong history of Ballarat provides a sought after niche with period housing, particularly Victorian dwellings circa 1900. Areas likely to prosper from this niche market are Golden Point, Black Hill and Ballarat East. Period homes in these areas provide a stable investment outlook with driving factors that include affordability and proximity to the CBD, transport and sporting facilities as well as limited supply compared to the new estates on the city fringes with modern housing facing no limit in supply. These suburbs provide an inexpensive option for good quality period homes, close to the city centre and ripe for gentrification. Well-renovated period homes fetch a premium within the Ballarat residential market.
There is strong evidence of gentrification in Soldiers Hill with property quality and prices continually improving. With good quality renovations and the location of these suburbs, rising property values are likely in the future.
On the outer edges of Ballarat, Buninyong presents an opportunity with good local facilities and close proximity to Ballarat. Buninyong provides heritage properties with a rural township atmosphere and is becoming a sought after location because of these factors. 
At present, Ballarat has seen little development of reclaimed spaces, such as factory conversions, due to a limited demand for apartment living in regional areas. It is unlikely the apartment market in conversions of this type would have high demand in the foreseeable future, however, smaller scale buildings such as churches provide more of a lower density lifestyle choice for Ballarat.
The median price for houses in Ballarat at the end of 2015 was $308,750, according to CoreLogic RP Data. There was not data for units in the city.
<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/2016/03/15/ballarat2.jpg" alt=""> 
As an example of properties sold around the median, a four-bedroom house at <a href="https://realestateview.com.au/real-estate/8-leroy-street-ballarat-vic/property-details-sold-residential-8743834" target="_blank">8 Leroy Street</a> (above) was sold for $335,000 in Ballarat, as per realestateview.com.au. 
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Ballarat's tug of war between local positive sentiment and macro-climate: HTW

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Macquarie Group's Paraway Pastoral has purchased its first farm in Victoria.
Beckworth Court, 2500 hectares at Clunes set outside outside Ballarat, was bought for $15 million through Inglis Rural Property agents Jamie Inglis and Sam Triggs. 
Beckworth Court is highly productive and suitable for both sheep and cattle with approximately 30,000 dse livestock capacity or 1,200 breeding cows and progeny.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-ballarat-7687107" target="_blank">Beckworth Court</a> has two 1850s homesteads.
Macquarie which is in the top five largest landholders in Australia running more than 3.6 million hectares of land from the Northern Territory to NSW's Riverina purchased the property on a walk in walk out basis.
Inglis Rural Property's Jamie Inglis and Sam Triggs negotiated the sale of the 2429 hectares.
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Macquarie's Paraway buys Ballarat farm

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Selling Houses Australia is back for its eighth series and starts in Ballarat.
Vendor Karen has bought an apartment off the plan in the city and wants to sell her family's old home. 
The average time on market for a house in Ballarat is 78 days, according to CoreLogic RP Data, but this one has taken longer. 
Designer Shaynna Blaze and landscaper Charlie Albone will be improve the home for Andrew Winter to sell.
Selling Houses Australia on the LifeStyle channel was watched by roughly 160,000 each episode last year, the shows record. 
The first episode focuses on Ballarat before moving on to Queensland and WA.
They head to New South Wales for the fifth episode in Stroud and the sixth in Baulkham Hills.
The full episode list is below
- <a href="https://www.lifestyle.com.au/tv/selling-houses-australia/episode.aspx?id=9283527" target="_blank">Episode 1. Ballarat, VIC</a>
- Episode 2. Forest Lake, QLD
- Episode 3. Yallingup, WA
- Episode 4. Mudgerraba, QLD
- Episode 5. Stroud, NSW
- Episode 6. Baulkham Hills, NSW
- Episode 7. Leongatha, VIC<a class="P" href="https://www.lifestyle.com.au/tv/selling-houses-australia/episode.aspx?id=9283527"> </a>
- Episode 8. Ascot Vale, VIC
- Episode 9. North Haven, SA
- Episode 10. Bayswater, VIC
- Episode 11. Maitland, NSW
- Episode 12. Yass, NSW Part One
- Episode 13. Yass, NSW Part Two
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Ballarat stars in season return of Selling Houses Australia, on the LifeStyle channel

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Investors in the Ballarat residential market have been increasingly active over the past five years to the extent they would now make up around 20% to 30% in the price bracket from $100,000 to $300,000, valuation firm Herron Todd White have concluded.
The HTW November report described the demographic of the typical Ballarat investor as anyone from locals over 30 years old with a home and some disposable income to invest, to baby boomers from Melbourne and other capital cities.
"They are however all attracted to the market by the same three property investment pillars of affordability, capital growth and rental returns.
"As the Melbourne market bounded ahead over the past three years with record low interest rates, many investment properties have become out of the price range of many investors."
This has left many investors searching farther and wider for more affordable properties that deliver a more palatable rental return, closer to 6%, with the opportunity for capital growth, the HTW month in review highlighted.
"We are of the opinion that the activity in the investor market at present is sustainable in the medium term, particularly in the established and period housing markets.
"This is primarily due to the affordability of the properties which occupy this segment and the nature of the people purchasing them.
"As an example of the impact if banks raise investment loan rates, we note that an investor purchasing a $250,000 Edwardian dwelling in Golden Point with a loan to value ratio of 80% would see an increase in monthly repayments of around $30 per month.
"This would not discourage an investor.
"However in the event lending criteria tightened in such a way that a more conservative loan to value ratio of say 70% was required, an impact would be felt in the market as prospective investors would be required to compile a greater deposit to enter the market."
The report ended in saying that if investor demand dissipated we would see an increase in selling periods initially which would be followed by a softening in capital values.
The sectors hardest hit would be those where there is already a strong supply verging on an over supply.
In Ballarat this section of the market is new villa units and townhouses. 
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