Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Brisbane

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A new franchise agreement will see a 226 room Holiday Inn Express hotel built in Brisbane's Spring Hill.
The first Holiday Inn Express property in Brisbane, the hotel is the second in the 15-strong portfolio of Holiday Inn Express hotels developed by Pro Invest under a $150 million fund. Their first Holiday Inn Express hotel will open next year at Macquarie Park in North Ryde, Sydney.
Situated close to Brisbane CBD's "Golden Triangle", the Holiday Inn Express hotel will be accessible form Brisbane airport, catering to corporate visitors and holidayers.
The Brisbane Holiday Inn Express will have two meeting rooms, on-site parking and a breakfast area dubbed "The Great Room".
Matthew Tripolone is head of development for the InterContinental Hotels Group's (IHG) Australasian division, which signed the deal with Pro Invest. He said the Holiday Inn Express brand is one of the group's fastest growing brands.
“The development of the new Holiday Inn Express in Brisbane is a significant milestone for IHG as it marks our return to the city with the entry of our largest and one of our fastest growing brands into the market," said Tripolone.
"As the third most populous city in Australia, Brisbane has immense growth potential as it sees steady increase in the number of domestic and international travellers. This hotel will cater to the growing demand for hotel accommodation in the Spring Hill district, offering a great guest experience to smart, savvy travellers regardless of whether they are visiting for business or leisure.”
Pri-Invest Group chief executive Ronald Barrott said the group sees "a lot of potential for the brand in Australia", following previous international Holiday Inn Express projects.
"With the construction of our Macquarie Park property commencing in the coming weeks and this second property now signed, we are on track to developing the 15 hotels under our partnership as we actively scour the country for strategic locations to expand the presence of Holiday Inn Express."  
In Australia, IHG operates under three brands: InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. The group has 27 hotels operating nationally.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Brisbane's first Holiday Inn Express hotel to be built in Spring Hill

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A Queensland seafood restaurant and function centre in Scarborough, Brisbane is up for sale.
The award-winning Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant is going to market through Ray White Commercial Brisbane Northside, along with the Sunset Blue Function Centre at Bird O’Passage Parade.
Being marketed through agents Robert Rey and Ellie McGovern on behalf of the Morgan family.
“Rick Morgan has built Morgans into one of the most revered seafood restaurants in Queensland,” Rey said.
The restaurant, and its Teppanyaki Room, opened in 1992 and specializes in Australian sourced, grown and produced seafood.
Sunset Blue is a function and wedding centre seating 50 to 200 people, explained McGovern.
“The centre offers a spectacular location on the stunning Scarborough Boat Harbour overlooking Moreton Bay and the Glasshouse Mountains,” she said.
The property is available via tender campaign, which closes at 4pm on 29 August.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Award winning Scarborough, Brisbane seafood restaurant up for sale

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GUEST OBSERVATION
When the powerful gather for the G20 summit in Brisbane this November, the core mandate is to discuss measures to support global economic growth, including trade liberalisation, investment and infrastructure development.
These discussions are very important for tourism – an industry that relies on the free movement of people and goods. Issues such as lifting visa restrictions are central to the mandate of agencies such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. In fact, at a time where we believe that people can travel freely wherever and whenever they like to, an astonishing 110 million international tourists – or 17% of all international arrivals – still require paper visas to be able to visit G20 countries.
Reducing barriers through visa requirements is essential for international tourism. Research commissioned by the <a href="https://www.wttc.org/site_media/uploads/downloads/Impact_ASEAN.PDF" target="_blank">World Travel and Tourism Council</a> (WTTC) in 2014 showed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would gain between 6 to 10 million additional international tourist arrivals by 2016 if they facilitated and improved visa processes.
Tourism relies on safe destinations and political security, something that cannot be emphasised enough in the light of current <a href="https://www.globalconflictmap.com/" target="_blank">“conflict hotspots”</a> globally (including the Middle East, Ukraine, and the South China Sea). <a href="https://www.iipt.org/" target="_blank">Some</a> even point to tourism as a force for peace as it fosters inter-cultural understanding and friendly exchange between nations.
Directly, the summit leads to travel of those participating in it. What could be coined <a href="https://www.uper.org/UPER-martinotti.pdf" target="_blank">“political tourism”</a>, political meetings and conferences induce substantial amounts of travel. For the G20 in Brisbane it is expected that there will be about 4,000 delegates (some of whom will arrive with their families), 3,000 media, and 5,300 police from interstate and New Zealand.
Business tourism is often overlooked when we discuss tourism, but the <a href="https://www.wttc.org/research/policy-research/business-travel-research/">WTTC</a> established a compelling link between business travel and global trade: one third of growth in trade globally over the last 10 years can be attributed to business-related travel and resulting increases in corporate productivity. WTTC’s analysis also shows that if business travel was reduced by one quarter for two consecutive years, global GDP would be 5% lower than if travel continued as normal.
The average business tourist in Australia spends A$280 per night, compared with a holiday visitor who spends $162.
Research on the economic benefit of G8 and G20 summits valued the 2009 and 2010 US and Canada summits at US$135 million and US$95.4 million respectively. The benefits measured include the immediate spending of participants and longer-term effects of increased investment, infrastructure and training. Similar numbers have been advanced as an <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/study-shows-g20-hosts-reap-the-economic-benefits-20131202-2ym6j#ixzz34IbfpFoa" target="_blank">estimate</a> for the Brisbane summit.
How is Australia performing?
Eleven out of Australia’s top 20 international markets are G20 members. Amongst these are key markets such as China, the US, Japan, Korea and the UK. Other G20 countries, such as Russia, Brazil or Saudi Arabia, are not yet in the top 20 markets to Australia, but are seen as promising “emerging markets”.
Considering many of the traditional markets to Australia have been stagnating since the global financial crisis, and emerging markets are experiencing fast growth, increasing destination awareness in these countries represents a significant opportunity.
But focusing on one event, and dedicating tourism infrastructure to it, may also crowd out other forms of tourism, for example leisure tourists. Research on sport mega events has found that peaks in arrivals due to the event can be followed by a “low” in visitation, because participants or spectators time their visit for the event. This may be less relevant for political summits. However there might be other risks associated with political tourism. Hosting a political summit always bears the risk of “counter-summits” and activism that might undermine the destination image.
From a research perspective, major events have been analysed mainly with a focus on mega-sport events, for example Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and FIFA World Cups. Political summits have received very limited attention (with <a href="https://www.cuc.ac.jp/eng/gpac/papers/snu/SNUtourism.pdf">some exceptions</a>).
Research to establish whether political events are different from other events, perhaps because of their political nature and the types of delegates, is yet to be undertaken, and the Brisbane G20 provides an excellent opportunity to research the economic impact of the summit, and compare it to other events hosted previously in Australia.
Susanne Becken is professor of sustainable tourism and director Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Hosting a World Cup is nice, but the G20 could prove more lucrative

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A triple tower residential, hotel and retail precinct in Fortitude Valley has been approved by Brisbane City Council, and is seeing international interest.
Perth-based development consortium Twin Ocean Group and Sunfire Asset are behind the creation at 188 Wickham Street, adjacent to Chinatown Mall, which will be of an end value of approximately $250 million.
The site has been static for more than two decades, and the new development on 3,000 square metres will include two residential towers, a high-rise hotel and a ground floor retail arcade linking the buildings. In total, 520 residential apartments and hotel rooms will be built.
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/188WickhamSt_3tower_view2.jpg" alt=""><img src="/images/2014/07/11/188Wickham_Pool_GymPodiumlevs2%20copy.jpg" alt="">
International hotel chains have enquired about the 25-level hotel, which will include 198 apartments. A formal marketing campaign has not yet begun.
Meanwhile, overseas, local and interstate investors have submitted expressions of interest for the residential apartments. The first stage, which includes 187 apartments, will begin in the third quarter of this year.
In this stage, one-bedroom apartments will be available for purchase from $375,000 to $450,000. Two-bedroom apartments will cost $555,000 plus.
Twin Ocean Group managing director, Tim Jones, said that they have been planning the project for more than 18 months.
“Our award-winning architects, Nettletontribe have drawn on their intimate knowledge of designing world-standard mixed use projects and the result will be an attractive investment for apartment buyers and retailers looking to live or do business, less than one kilometre from Brisbane’s CBD,” Jones said.
“Being located on Fortitude Valley’s southern perimeter, 188 Wickham Street will not only be a landmark development but act as the focal gateway into the Valley and Chinatown Mall. Our location is also very convenient being within walking distance to Brisbane’s business district and within a 200-metre radius of bus and train networks.  It will be an attractive proposition for Brisbane’s professional rental market.”
 
The site will include a residents’ lounge with Wi-Fi hot desks, a gym and a pool deck.
The first of the three towers to be built is the 30-level residential building with three podium decks, 187 one- and two-bedroom apartments and rooftop terrace.
The retain arcade expects to see international brand name retailers, dining areas and green walls.
The 25-level hotel will include 198 studio rooms, and the 24-level residential tower will include 135 apartments. These will be one- and two-bedroom offerings.
The project is expected to be complete in 2016.
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Brisbane’s triple tower Fortitude Valley development sees international interest

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Brisbane went the closest for many months to recording the weekend's top national auction sale.
It was almost a photo finish, according to the APM results:
<ul>
<li>$2,790,000 - 11 Ludgate St, Concord NSW 2137, 7 br house, Georges Ellis &amp; Co</li>
<li>$2,605,000 - 106 Villiers St, New Farm QLD 4005, 5 br house, RW - New Farm</li>
<li>$2,350,000 - 21 Clancys La, Doncaster VIC 3108, 5 br house, Jellis Craig Doncaster</li>
</ul>
The five bedroom New Farm property (pictured above) - marketed as one of the most exceptional addresses of the year - is set on Teneriffe Hill.
The 380 square metre block which cost $1.175 million in 2008, now comes with 480 square metres of living.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-new+farm-117172127" target="_blank">Matt Lancashire of Ray White</a> said the entire top floor had been designated as a superb master suite which sets a new standard in luxury.
The street's previous record was $2.2 million for a <a href="https://lockyerarchitects.com.au/news/?p=352" target="_blank">Lockyer Architects-designed house</a>.
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 New Farm mansion with whole floor master suite sells for $2.6 million

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The now commenced Brisbane City Plan 2014 offers up a number of lessons that could be applied to Sydney Metropolitan Strategy, according to Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson.
The new plan for Brisbane aims to provide a multi-centred city, with elements of a corridor city. The idea is to plan development around transport nodes and keep suburban areas intact.
“The 2014 plan responds to increasing population growth by focussing new development in the city centre, the inner city, around employment hubs, major shopping centres, around transport hubs and along nine growth corridors with rapid transport routes,” said Johnson.
Brisbane City Plan allows for more code assessment, to reduce planning timeframes.
“Clearly Sydney and New South Wales will be left behind if Brisbane has a simpler planning system that encourages development. Only a month ago Plan Melbourne was released by the Victorian Government which also included code assessable approaches to encourage new development,” he said.
He also pointed to Brisbane’s new interactive mapping service that allows buyers to simply understand planning constraints on any site.
“A few weeks ago Gold Coast City Council released its new city plan which went even further in support of future growth. Many areas are proposed to have unrestricted heights and density particularly along light rail and public transport corridors,” he said.
“The recent activity in city plans from Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast demonstrate the drive these cities are undertaking to encourage growth within their cities.”
Unfortunately, he said, Sydney’s strategy began as a discussion paper in May 2012 and “seems to have become a victim of the failed NSW planning reforms,” he said, noting it is making Brisbane and Melbourne better organised to accommodate growth.
{module Do you think Sydney should use some of Brisbane’s planning reforms?}
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Should Sydney mirror Brisbane’s City Plan 2014?

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Hindmarsh, a national property development company, has launched Zest, a Brisbane project in the Kelvin Grove Urban Village precinct that will bring 144 apartments to market.
Each apartment will have either an outdoor courtyard or a balcony with a 600 square metre rooftop terrace and views to the city. The <a href="https://zestkelvingrove.com.au/" target="_blank">Zest development</a> spans over 15 levels and is designed by NettleTribe. Twelve of the levels will be residential.
The 60 one-bedroom apartments are priced from $320,000, with 84 two-bedroom apartments from $375,000.
This comes as the cheaper option to CS Developments’ Kelvin Grove offering, Victoria Park Residences, with <a href="/news/kelvin-grove-to-welcome-cs-developments-third-project-victoria-park-residences">one-bedroom apartments from $343,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $469,000</a> – however, they are notably larger offerings.
A rooftop terrace will also be built in Zest including a seating area, BBQ facilities and an open-air pool.
Kelvin Grove’s Evoque development was <a href="/news/qld/no-gym-and-no-pool-a-selling-point-for-kelvin-grove-s-evoque">using the fact they had “no pool” as a selling point in February</a>.
Hindmarsh Queensland development manager Bill McClanachan said that the project includes glass balustrades and textured pre-cast panels.
“Zest has been designed to offer a modern, easy and convenient inner city lifestyle,” said McClanachan. 
“We have already received more than 60 expressions of interest from both investors and owner occupiers so the value and design appeal of Zest is evident,” he said.
It will include one and two bedroom apartments ranging from 50 to 82 square metres internally.
“Landscaping and a street-side park at the base of the building will create a restful fringe of green and enhance the outlook from the upper level balconies and podium-level apartment courtyards,” he said.
The apartments have been designed with the aim of keeping body corporate power bills lower, using sunshading, fresh air flows, thermal massing and glazing, with each apartment serviced by individually-metered gas hot water.
“Quality carpets throughout the bedrooms combine with the generous living and dining areas to give a feeling of comfort, while the expansive windows and glass doors to the balconies drench the rooms in natural light. When night falls, feature LED lighting in kitchens and bathrooms adds an energy-efficient touch of style,” he explained.
 All the apartments are cabled for wireless broadband, Pay TV, free to air HD digital TV, regular telephones and include TV, data and phone points installed to both living areas and the main bedroom.
It includes two levels of retail and commercial space, as well as a suspended level of parking and two basement levels.
The project launches on 5 July. It will be on the corner of Musk Avenue and Carraway Street.
According to the project’s marketing, Zest has the potential for “long-term capital gain” with prices outstripping the Brisbane average previously.
In Kelvin Grove, a notable 60% of the population rent, median rental yields throughout 2013 sat at 4.24% and rents increased by a median of 3.15% in the past 12 months. According to RP Data, the <a href="/news">median unit price in Kelvin Grove</a> is $499,475, with median advertised weekly rent of $450.
Correction: The photo accompanying this article has been updated since publication. The initial photo featured another development project in the same suburb.
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National developer launches 144-apartment Zest in Brisbane

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With 80% of the apartments already sold, Bowen Hills-located 228-apartment development Belise will soon see a tower crane on the site.
The $120 million<a href="https://www.belise.com.au/" target="_blank"> Belise project</a> has completion expectations for March 2016, and remaining in the development are one-bedroom plus study apartments, and two-bedroom apartments. Prices start from $477,000. Initially, there were one, two and three bedroom apartments, with prices from $405,000.
They have been advertised as "cash flow positive investments" from "year one". This would be for the after-tax outcome for a one-bedroom plus study with a 90% lend for assumed household income buyer of $80,000 to $180,000, at a $471,000 purchase price.
Breaking this down for a one-bedroom plus study shows that to get a substantial after tax cash flow, you would be renting it out furnished ($15,000 packages are available from the developer) or the positive cash flow is $1.63 per week after tax in year one. Adding the furniture package alters the numbers by slightly increasing the rent and providing more depreciation deductions. Interestingly, repairs and maintenance are kept equal for both equations. They make 5% annual capital growth rate assumptions. Body corporate is expected at $3,650 for year one and property management is estimated at 8% plus GST. You can see <a href="https://www.belise.com.au/assets/PIA/1-bed-+-Study.pdf" target="_blank">the full break down here</a>. A furnished apartment is projected as bringing in an after-tax positive cash flow of $84.20, according to their equations.
It was <a href="/news/a-lengthy-start-sees-constructions-begin-on-brisbane-belise-development">a slow start for the project, having launched in October 2010</a>, but in November 2013 was seeing traction.
RCQ Construction has been appointed to build the development, which is the creation of Reed Property Group and Group Kildey.
Reed Property Group managing director Ken Reed said that the area is high-yielding and experiencing a “boom in development unlike anything this precinct has seen before”.
“There is an undersupply of high grade property in Brisbane’s inner city suburbs and an oversupply of buyers demanding quality, which makes Belise the high-growth property investment that it is,” said Reed.
“Belise meets key investment criteria for both owner occupiers and investors offering close proximity to the CBD, the soon-to-be-opened Legacy Way Tunnel eastern connection, public transport, retail and entertainment options, parks, walkways and bike paths, and educational facilities,” he said.
The <a href="/developments/bowen-hills-qld-4006">median unit price in Bowen Hills</a> is currently $407,000, according to RP Data, with a $420 median advertised weekly rental price.
Group Kildey director Graham Kildey said that they wanted a five-star hotel feel and facilities.
It comes with a café, bar, recreation deck with heated pool, spa and sauna, a fully equipped gym and a sunset lounge on level 21.
“The layout of the apartments is open plan to create airflow and to award river or city views wherever possible,” said Kildey.  
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Brisbane’s "cash flow positive" Belise 80% sold after slow start

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Cafe franchise The Coffee Club has been thinking outside the box, and inside a shipping container, as it opens three new stores at Brisbane Airport.
After its <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/franchising/33209-australian-franchise-the-coffee-club-set-to-expand-into-malaysia">Asian expansion last year</a>, The Coffee Club is growing its Australian presence with the innovative new storefronts.
The chain opened two cafes from within the walls of old shipping containers outside the Virgin and Qantas terminals at the Brisbane Domestic Airport on June 14, with a third store due to open at the Brisbane Airport Service Centre later this month.
Franchisee George Drivas told SmartCompany the stores have been incredibly well received since they opened, with customers even stopping to take photos of the novelty storefront.
“A lot of people are asking questions. They ask, ‘are they real?’” says Drivas. “Of course they’re real!”
He says the idea arose after Brisbane Airport offered only a short five-year lease for the coveted location outside their terminals. 
“So we decided a shipping container would be great because you can pick them up and take them anywhere,” says Drivas, who has operated two other bricks-and-mortar Coffee Club franchises for the last six years.
“Because we are a grab-and-go coffee shop, we don’t need a full-size kitchen. Everything is at arm’s reach,” he says.  
Often incorporated in trendy bars, shipping containers have also been used as pop-up retail spaces in Christchurch, New Zealand, after the 2011 earthquake levelled many retail outlets.
Drivas says it is likely that the design will attract a younger demographic than those who are drawn to The Coffee Club’s suburban shopping centre stores.
“I reckon it will, it’s a funky place to be,” he says.
Despite operating within a traditional franchise model, Drivas says The Coffee Club was excited when he brought them the idea and they have been flexible around this new kind of store.
“Of course we still have the same signage and set up inside, it still has the same feel as a Coffee Club on the inside,” he says.
Drivas says he would highly recommend other franchises or independent retailers consider shipping container stores, and says the main benefits are portability and compact size.
“It’s very easy to run, easy to operate and it looks funky,” he says.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Thinking inside the box: Why The Coffee Club is setting up shop in shipping containers

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No Brisbane municipalities escaped losses for property sales during the March quarter, according to the latest <a href="https://www.myrpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a> Pain and Gain report.
All eight Brisbane council regions saw some loss making sales in the quarter.
Ipswich had the highest volume of loss-taking, with 19.2% of properties sold in the quarter securing less than their purchase price. In Ipswich, the median loss was $21,000. The proportion of losses was second highest in Moreton Bay, where the median loss was $25,000. 
The biggest losses were taken in Somerset, with a median $33,750 drop.
Profits outweighed losses in all Brisbane municipalities. The biggest typical profits were seen in the Scenic Rim region, with a median profit of $170,000, and the Brisbane municipality, with a $140,000 gain. 
Some 10.9% of Brisbane homes which re-sold over the March 2014 quarter sold at a loss, down from 16.6% at the same time last year. The proportion of loss-making re-sales is at the lowest level since the quarter to May 2011. 
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2014/06/19/brisbane-june-19-chart.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/06/19/brisbane-june-19-chart.jpg" alt=""></a>
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