<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" />

&nbsp;

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

CBRE

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Pub investors searching for yield are shifting focus to Queensland’s market, according to CBRE’s H2 2017 Australia Pub Trends report.
CBRE hotels research manager Ben Martin-Henry said investors are being priced out and facing a lack of supply particularly in metropolitan New South Wales, so buyer attention is being drawn to south-eastern Queensland opportunities.
"However, the pub sector is one of the most tightly held in the country and it’s hard to find owners willing to part with prized assets,” Martin-Henry said. 
The report noted Newcastle has seen strong buyer interest recently, as has the Central Coast and Wollongong.
"Sales activity has increased noticeably, and yields have sharpened to around 9.5-10.5% for quality assets.”
In Victoria, buyers have been quick to snap up freehold and leasehold assets due to heated competition.
“Asset values have been relatively steady; however, larger operators keen on increasing market share are pushing values up by paying inflated prices to secure high-quality assets. Going-concern pubs have also grown in popularity, and as competition ramps up in 2018, this trend is likely to continue,” Henry said.
Freehold assets are currently achieving average yields circa 4.5-5.5%, while those in rural and regional areas achieve yields between 8-10%.
“Demand within the sector maintained its high levels during the second half of 2017 and is showing no signs of fading. 2018 is likely to see further tightening of yields along the eastern states, as the market reaches the peak of its current cycle,” Martin-Henry concluded.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/3/9/PUB%20NSW.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/3/9/PUB%20NSW.jpg" alt="">
 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/3/9/PUB%20VIC%20.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/3/9/PUB%20VIC%20.jpg" alt="">
Pub transaction yield spread, Queensland (pictured below).
 
 <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/2018/3/9/PUB%20QLD.jpg" alt="">
 
Pub transaction yield spread, WA (pictured below).
<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/2018/3/9/PUB%20WA.jpg" alt="">
CBRE Hotels director Paul Fraser said there had been a significant weight of capital moving north from New South Wales and Victoria as buyers search for quality pub assets at higher yields.  
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Hot pub sector and sharp yields drive investors to Queensland

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It's not every day an intended project can lay claim to being the largest mixed-use development outside of Melbourne's CBD.

Clayton will soon enough host <a href="/buildings/m-city-2107-dandenong-road-clayton">M-City</a>, a massive project on a 35,000sqm site located at 2107-2125 Dandenong Road. Controlled by local developer Nick Saraceno for the best part of 25 years, the long-dormant site's new launch as M-City comes after previously being referred to as the Nova Centre.

Having been in the works for a decade, the state planning minister of the day became the approving authority for the project during 2009, with the green light granted thereafter.

Schiavello have since been enlisted as joint developer alongside Saraceno Group for M-City, which at the time of approval carried a price tag of $600 million.

<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/image36mc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36mc.jpg?itok=1VTiv6PW" title="Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Stage One of M-City sees 170 one, two and three bedroom apartments on offer, with apartment internals ranging between 46sqm and 102sqm. CBRE have been installed as the master sales agent.

Beyond the initial apartment release, three additional residential buildings are in the works, as is a 225-suite international hotel, 189 serviced apartments and a commercial office building. During planning the commercial aspect consisted of a seven-level office building containing approximately 13,000sqm of leasable space, although the final figure under the M-City banner is unclear.

Kmart and Woolworths have been earmarked as anchors for the sizeable retail portion of the mixed-use project, with a cinema complex also in the works.

Long serving project architects Buchan Group continue to oversee the project, tweaking the approved plans to create M-City. Amenities include the ubiquitous pool and gym, a landscaped rooftop garden, tennis facilities, open air games area and  BBQ space. M-City will also host a child care centre.

<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/image39_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_7.jpg?itok=-fVSMJTE" title="Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Such a scale of M-City, it has been listed as a stand-alone future activity centre within the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

In the middle of the Victorian Planning Authority's freshly released <a href="https://vpa-web.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Monash-NEIC-framework-plan_March2017_WEB.pdf">Draft Framework Plan</a> for the Monash Cluster, M-City will be surrounded by the largest concentration of jobs outside of the Melbourne's CBD. An ongoing target for a number of large commercial and institutional developments, Monash Cluster includes Monash University's ongoing transformation and the Frasers-backed 60,000sqm commercial development at <a href="/news/a-commercial-mini-city-beckons-as-melbournes-southeast-flourishes">254-294 Wellington Road, Mulgrave</a>.

Construction on M-City's first phase is slated to begin later this year, with an approximate construction timeframe of 18 months expected.
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silvermb

Melbourne's largest mixed-use development outside the CBD lands in Clayton

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Investors and developers looking to capitalise on Sydney's residential boom are now turning to townhouses as the product of choice.
The trend has emerged amid the state government's push to develop the 'missing middle' of NSW's housing sector. 
According to CBRE Metropolitan Investment team manager Xavier Rahme, investor demand had shifted over the past nine months from apartment development sites to those that could accommodate townhouse projects.
“Sydney's housing sector is significantly undersupplied in the middle market, which is driving investors and developers to secure parcels that can capitalise on this untapped area of the market,” Rahme explained.
“The NSW Government's recently launched Missing Middle Design Competition highlights the emphasis on this important sector of the market – with a shift away from apartments to medium density development,” he said.
Rahme cited the recent slowdown in growth of the residential unit market as the reason developer interest has spiked in townhouse development opportunities.
“Interest remains strong in apartment sites in blue-chip locations within 10-15km of the Sydney CBD and close proximity to train stations,” he said.
CBRE has transacted more than $48 million across five recent property sales throughout metropolitan Sydney, highlighting the increased demand for developable townhouse stock.
In Lindfield, a 2,719 sqm property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/project/the-grove-lindfield-600015534" target="_blank">18-20 Bent Street</a> sold for $13 million. The property, which was purchased by a foreign buyer, has development approval for 16 townhouses.
A 1,006 sqm property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-burwood-501862494" target="_blank">66-70 Stanley Street</a> in Burwood with development approval for 10 townhouses recently sold for $6 million, while in Turramurra a site earmarked for 15 townhouses sold for $8.05 million.
Other recent transactions include an undisclosed sale of a 10,005 sqm parcel at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/21-new-north-rocks-rd-north-rocks-nsw-2151" target="_blank">221 North Rocks Road</a> in North Rocks. The property has development approval for 50 houses.
“These recent townhouse development site sales demonstrate the strength in demand from developers for this type of stock, which is driven by the vigorous demand for 'missing middle' housing across Sydney,” Rahme added.
“Market feedback has indicated that banks and financial institutions are more enticed to lend on lower risk assets including townhouse developments, where pre-sales rates are particularly buoyant.”
 
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CBRE says townhouse site sales lift as focus shifts to Sydney's middle market

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CBRE's 2016 annual results reveals its pre-tax operating profit fell 30 percent in 2016.
Directors advised the reported pre-tax operating profit of $37,573,000 represents a 30.3 percent decrease on the 2015 reported pretax operating profit of $53,886,000.
The consolidated net profit of the estate agency after income tax was $24,909,000 down on the $36,910,000 in 2015.
The group revenue sat at $488 million, up only slightly on the $475 million of the 2015 calendar year.
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EBITDA fell to $60,281,000 from $63,923,000. 
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Trade receivables sit higher at $130 million.
There was no dividend paid or declared by the company, which employed 1870 staff, nor any significant changes in the state of affairs of the group.
CBRE Pty Limited is a private company domiciled in Australia.
The immediate parent entity of CBRE Pty Limited is Relam Amsterdam Holdings, and the ultimate parent entity of CBRE Pty Limited is CBRE Group, Inc. incorporated in the United States of America. 
Loans from related parties comprise loans provided by CBRE Luxembourg Finance for $17,237,000, up from $16,462,000 in 2015. 
The consolidated financial statements of CBRE Pty Limited, and its controlled entities for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 were lodged with ASIC this week, after being signed off by new board appointee Jamie Maione. 
CBRE advised an APAC operating entity sits under the CBRE Pty Ltd reporting group and a number of costs borne in that entity were related to financial adjustments in Asia (not Pacific).
After initial publication of the results on Property Observer, commentary was supplied from Ray Pittman, President &amp; CEO, Pacific who advised CBRE’s Pacific business recorded gross revenue growth of 7% in local currency in Q1 2017 relative to the corresponding quarter in 2016.
"This followed record revenue growth in the previous quarter and was against a backdrop of constrained capital markets activity in the institutional sector. 
"CBRE’s strong performance was driven by both our brokerage and professional services teams." 
He advised standouts included the performance of our Advisory &amp; Transaction Services business lines, with our industrial and office leasing teams recording particularly strong revenue growth of more than 70%. 
"Solid revenue growth was also recorded by our residential and commercial valuations businesses and by our Asset Services and Global Workplace Solutions teams," he said.
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CBRE profit dives 30 percent

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A parcel of 24 rural properties located in Victoria’s agricultural region of Colac Otway is being marketed by CBRE Agribusiness. 
Located between Geelong and Portland, the portfolio consists of properties ranging in size from 30 hectares to 240 hectares, including some harvested properties that will be available for purchase with vacant possession.
Comprising around 2,600ha of freehold land, it is currently planted to Eucalyptus Globulus.
CBRE’s Peter and Jarrod Ryan are marketed the properties. 
According to Peter, the portfolio represented an outstanding opportunity to acquire attractively priced land in a reliable, high rainfall agricultural region.
“Previous to its current use as a timber plantation, the properties were utilised for either high value dairy or grazing – and provide significant scope for reversion to these uses,” he said.
“Alternatively, post-harvest, the properties are suitable to replant to a range of timber species, with their location ideal for plantation management being situated within haulage range to export ports at Geelong and Portland, and also close to processing facilities at Colac, Geelong and Portland.”
The Otway Portfolio is being offered for sale either as a portfolio, individual properties or any combination to suit requirements.
Asset manager New Forests Asset Management is also seeking to enter into sale and leaseback arrangements with the purchaser, retaining management of the properties until the conclusion of each harvest.
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Timber opportunity in prime Victorian forests

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Significant land banking and value are set to be unlocked due to the major changes to Sydney's public transport and road network system.
Opportunities are likely to be added along major arterials across the city.
CBRE's Victor Sheu told SMH that the new WestConnex tunnel project would divert traffic flow and commuters from the M4, unlocking greater commercial opportunities in the city’s Inner West.
“Service stations are already among the most sought after commercial assets, with properties secured by five – ten year leases achieving record tight yields," Sheu said.
"This is further exemplified by the severe shortage of commercial investment properties readily available to satisfy the growing investment mandate across Sydney at present."
“With 16 service stations located along Parramatta Road, the current changes to the city’s infrastructure network present attractive investment and land banking opportunities – with these properties underpinned by strong underlying land values as well as long term leases for immediate income.”
Sheu said changes in the city’s transport network – coupled with the rise of sustainable energy – could prompt further changes in the service station sector.
“With more leading vehicle manufacturers taking a step towards alternate energy sources, introducing both hybrid and fuel-free models, there is likely to be decreased demand on petrol – and subsequently the stations that service them."
“Given service stations are currently trading at a market peak, we expect owners to look at reassessing the use of these assets – either looking at alternative commercial uses or expanding the service station model to incorporate more of a food and beverage element.”
Caltex has already expanded its service beyond the traditional service station offering, having recently partnered with breakfast cafe ‘The Foodary’.
“With service stations traditionally located on high exposure sites, there is a huge opportunity to expand the service station model to capitalise on the shifting business environment with a food and beverage component,” Sheu said.
“We’re likely to see more service stations adopt this strategy, in addition to some owners looking at re-evaluating their assets all together to maximize value.”
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Sydney’s changing road network fuels major changes to service station market

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CBRE has been appointed to unload an office building in the northern end of Melbourne’s St Kilda Road business precinct.
Located on the corner of St Kilda Road and Kings Way, the 420 St Kilda Road property comprises a 10-level office building leased to major covenants, including ANZ bank and APP Corporation.
An International Expressions of Interest campaign will be launched next month to promote the asset, which boasts 10,500sqm of net lettable space, on behalf of CEL Australia.
Over the past 24 months, the St Kilda Road office market has emerged as an attractive investment market, recording one of the highest rates of net effective rent growth nationwide of over 9%.
Commenting on the listing, CBRE’s Kiran Pillai remarked that the property was well positioned to capitalise on the continued strong demand from tenants for this location.
“Steady withdrawals of secondary space in St Kilda Road for conversion and redevelopment has underpinned incredibly strong tenant demand for space in the remaining prime grade buildings,” Pillai said.
“The property’s prime corner position at the northern end of the precinct, combined with an efficient floor plate allowing for an adaptive asset plan, will hold the asset in excellent stead long into the future.”
The location is expected to further benefit from the new Melbourne Metro Rail project with the Domain station to be located within around 300 metres of 420 St Kilda Road.
CBRE senior director Neva Courts added the St Kilda Road market had emerged as a key investment destination for domestic and offshore investors.
“420 St Kilda Road offers both security of income and growth in the short to medium term in addition to long term opportunities for the site, which could include a potential redevelopment to residential or hotel,” she explained.
Michael Ng, executive director of CEL Australia, said the sale of 420 St Kilda Road will allow CEL Australia to redeploy funds into our current development projects in Melbourne and Perth in order to seek higher returns. 
“We are also looking into new development and investment opportunities across key Australian cities.”
The 420 St Kilda Road property has come to the market after the recent sale of 5 Queens Road in late 2016, by Charter Hall’s Office Trust. The sale, also brokered by CBRE, represented a passing yield of 5.64% and capital value of $6,665/sqm.
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CEL Australia lists prominent St. Kilda office tower

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Melbourne’s Zagame Corporation is looking to cash in the chips on its Vanuatu-based Grand Hotel &amp; Casino at Port Vila.
Situated 10km from the airport at the heart of Port Vila’s business and entertainment precinct, the eight-level waterfront hotel offers a variety of income streams from its casino, accommodation and food &amp; beverage facilities.
Rob Cross and Andrew Jackson of CBRE Hotels have been appointed to steer the sales campaign, which closes 30 May 2017.
Cross explained that long time owners Zagame Corporation were selling the hotel and casino complex to focus on their extensive pub and accommodation interests in Australia.
“We’re expecting considerable interest, predominantly from Australian and New Zealand investors,” Cross said.
“The campaign provides an opportunity to acquire the best hotel and casino in Vanuatu, which is currently owner operated but is being offered with vacant possession. 
“While the hotel and casino has enjoyed trading growth in recent years, the introduction of a professional management company with a strong brand reputation could lead to further trading upside.”
Constructed in 2003, the four-star hotel overlooks Port Vila Harbour and offers views towards Iririki Island. The casino features 15 gaming tables and 136 slot machine, with a VIP top floor gaming room.
The hotel also contains a restaurant, conference rooms, four bars and pool and spa facilities.
Jackson added that investors were increasingly targeting leisure-oriented investment opportunities, given the tightly held nature of Australia’s CBD hotel markets.
“In the case of the Grand Hotel &amp; Casino, the property is poised to benefit from the Vanuatu Tourism and Infrastructure Project, which is funded by the New Zealand Aid Program,” Jackson noted.
“The project will concentrate on the rehabilitation of Port Vila’s seafront and the main wharf areas, providing a central pier observation platform, sea steps, a water taxi jetty, seawall promenade and walkways, markets buildings and playgrounds.” 
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Zagame Corporation lists Vanuatu hotel and casino complex

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Brisbane’s commercial property market is expected to rise on the radar of investors over the next two years as yield compression reaches its peak in Sydney and Melbourne.
That was one of the key outtakes of CBRE’s annual Brisbane Market Outlook presentation, which highlighted the continued outperformance of Australia’s south east property markets had compressed yields to their tightest levels.
CBRE’s Head of Research for Australia, Stephen McNabb, said strengthening drivers in the Brisbane economy, coupled with an attractive yield spread, would drive an increase in investment over the coming years.
“The gradual improvement of Queensland’s economy, which has been gaining momentum over the past 12 months, is making Brisbane look more attractive – particularly given the yield in prime assets of 6 percent – 6.5 percent.
Office vacancy is forecast to drop below 10 percent by the end of 2019, which will support rental growth and ultimately yield compression.”
The presentation also referenced CBRE’s latest Investors Intentions Survey – highlighting 30 percent of Asian investors list Australia as their preferred APAC destination for investment.
“As the Sydney and Melbourne markets reach their peak in terms of yield, investors are looking for new locations – in particular markets that offer a higher yield spread,” Mr McNabb said.
The presentation was followed by panel discussion with CBRE experts – key points from which are summarised below.
Mr Baker said Brisbane was well positioned to capitalise on a shift in the investment cycle over the next two years.
“When capital pours into a strong market like Sydney, which is reaching its limit in yield compression, it starts to point to alternative markets that offer attractive yield spreads such as Brisbane,” Mr Baker said. 
“A recovery in Brisbane’s office occupier market will further support the attraction of capital, in addition to an increasing population lending itself to a sustained economic recovery.”
Mr Lawrence said for most borrowers, debt had become more important to their purchase and investment decisions given the current tight lending conditions and low for longer outlook.
“Australian Banks are facing a number of constraints at the moment in terms of capital costs and limits, resources and APRA focus on their property exposures. 
Australia is unique in the market share that domestic banks have in terms of property funding so these constraints have a large effect on the market,” Mr Lawrence said.
“The constrained conditions, particularly for development funding, are creating opportunities for alternative lenders.
Importantly many of these groups have a different capital model than the domestic banks.
This allows funders to provide loans with a longer tenor or a different risk/return profile than Australian banks.”
CBRE has active relationships with more than 270 lenders worldwide and is engaging with a number of these to develop Australian loan programs.
“We are seeing a significant increase in offshore lender appetite for Australia - often for the same reason that equity investors are attracted to Australia.
These funders are in a position to grow their lending books and provide a more diverse range of loan products than domestic banks,” Mr Lawrence said. 
Ms Fitzgerald said in an environment of relatively limited growth, property owners needed to seek out opportunities to optimise their portfolios, taking into account the importance of placemaking and customer service.
“It’s about creating places people enjoy and more importantly want to return to.
"Places that help people manage their work life balance.
"To provide that point of difference, property owners need to think beyond end of trip and gym facilities – they need to get a lot more creative,” Ms Fitzgerald said. 
“We create real value in our assets by providing focus on the experience and service offering."
For example, in September and October landlords might want to partner with tax agents for two weeks to provide a tax return service within the building.
"It’s still paid for by tenant employees, but you have facilitated the convenience – you have helped make their work life balance easier.
"It’s about reducing the impact of distracting, mundane tasks, so that people can focus on their work when they are in the office, or spend time with their family and friends in personal time.”
Mr Curtain said there had been a major shift in the focus of placemaking in the office sector over the past decade.
“For a long time the responsibility sat with occupiers to provide collaboration zones and additional amenities within the tenancy NLA. 
Landlords have now taken up this challenge and are offering a wide range of services and amenities to ensure the needs of their occupants from early in morning until late at night are catered for.
Major corporate organisations want to provide their people with a workplace experience that offers the same benefits as a five-star hotel.
This includes a comprehensive food and beverage offering, gymnasium, conference facilities and personal concierge.
Importantly, these services and amenities enhance productivity, and provide settings for people to collaborate and recreate within the work environment.
Grocon/DEXUS’ recently completed 480 Queen Street is a great example of this in practice offering 11 different food and beverage options, childcare, rooftop entertainment terrace and gymnasium.”
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Brisbane commercial landlords need to think beyond gym facilities 

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Fife Capital has expanded its presence in Queensland’s industrial market, securing two facilities in the Brisbane suburb of Darra for $29.45 million.
CBRE’s Ed Bull and Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Corey Bott negotiated the sale of 2642–2666 Ipswich Road on behalf of Cambooya Pty Ltd.
Comprising 9,732 square metres over two modern corporate industrial facilities, the property is securely leased to two tenants, including two ASX-listed subsidiaries – Ensign Services and Multispares Limited.
Bull said the formal on marketing campaign yielded over 50 enquiries due to the quality of the investment offering.  
"This opportunity to acquire a secure investment backed by majority ASX-listed subsidiaries drew interest from a vast pool of buyers, including local, domestic and foreign purchasers," Bull said.
"In addition to its attractive tenancy profile, the property also benefits from an enviable location in close proximity to the Ipswich Motorway – one of south east Queensland’s major arterial roads."
Covering a total site area of 23,463 square metres, the property is located in the heart of one of the industrial precinct, with the Ipswich Motorway upgrade and ConnectWest Business Park project attracting more tenants to the area.
"The western corridor is already one of Brisbane’s most sought after industrial precincts, with major tenants including Toll, Cascade, Australia Post and Coca Cola Amatil," Bott said.
"Ongoing projects in the area will continue to drive growth in this thriving precinct and subsequently fuel investment activity.”
Each tenancy comprises a mix of corporate accommodation over two levels and adjoining clear span warehouse, with roller door access and concrete hardstand areas.
 
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