The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

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Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

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Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

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Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

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There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

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The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Childcare

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A portfolio of three, established child care centres across Perth and regional WA are set for auction at the end of August  
The three centres in Inglewood, Hilbert and Vasse offer solid income streams with long term leases in place to well established operators. 
All three are less than 12 months old and are located in either well established or growing catchment areas.
Knight Frank agent Tony Delich, said the portfolio would appeal to a broad cross-section of funds and private investors.
“Smaller self-managed super funds in particular are looking for yield and security as opposed to leaving funds in bank deposits.” 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/7/childcare%202.jpg" alt="">
Mr Delich said this portfolio had significant appeal due to its geographic spread with inner-city Inglewood, semi-rural, south-east suburban fringe suburb Hilbert and south-west growth area Vasse.
He said the Inglewood centre had an corner location on Beaufort Street and also included a retail tenancy.
“It is a brand new, three level building with a net income in excess of $350,000pa,” Mr Delich said.
“The Vasse centre is run by a well established child care operator and returns an income of $214,800, while the Hilbert centre is opposite a future primary school site in a huge growth locality in the City of Armadale and returns an income of $217,500.” 
Mr Delich said the properties would be auctioned separately on August 28.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Western Australian child care portfolio scheduled for auction 

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Okeland Communities (formerly Amex Corporation) has secured the sale of a South Ripley land parcel to the childcare operator Mother Duck. 
The $1.1 million sale of the 2,500 sqm site on Botany Drive, South Ripley was the first time Okeland had sold down non-residential land within the Providence community. 
Separate primary and secondary schools are already under construction by the State Government on a site adjacent to the new childcare centre and due to be opened for new students in 2020.  
The new Mother Duck centre, designed by Context Architects (above), will provide 180 spots with eight separate classrooms spread over three levels.
A Development Application has been submitted to Ipswich City Council for the final piece in the development of a major new education precinct at the Providence township in the Ripley Valley.
Okeland Communities Project Manager Michael Khan said, “With more than 1,000 homes and families the Providence community is now approaching critical mass for a range of community services and infrastructure."
“Providence is the heart and soul of the Ripley Valley, Queensland’s fastest growing corridor, and we look forward to delivering a town centre that provides our community with everything they need to live their very best life, he added.
The completion of the masterplan for the education precinct comes just weeks after the launch of a $3 million sport and recreation precinct with 4.5 hectares of playing fields, outdoor sporting equipment and shaded play areas for residents and sporting clubs.
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Okeland sell Providence, Ipswich site for new childcare centre

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A new Ballarat child care centre, leased to Beginnings Early Learners, has sold for $4.7million, seven days after being listed with Savills Australia. 
CBD &amp; Metropolitan sales agent, Mark Stafford, brokered the off-market deal for 2 Mia Street, Alfredton, following a failed expressions-of-interest campaign with a competitor agency.  
Mr Stafford said the sale price represented a 7.46 per cent yield.
It reflected a rate of $36,154 per place.  
“Savills was able to act swiftly for our vendor, with the property being snapped up by a local investor attracted by the high-growth location, strong rental yield and brand new building,” Stafford said. 
“The deal highlights the strong demand we’re experiencing for income-producing assets with long-term leases.” 
The transaction comes on the back of Savills recent sale of a childcare centre at 17 Station Street, Pakenham, which sold with a six-day settlement.
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Ballarat sale shows childcare centres remain asset of choice for investors across Victoria

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A local private investor has sold a South Melbourne childcare centre for $10.25 million. 
The deal represents a sales rate of $85,415 per child, the only offering of this kind to have sold within 1.5 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD in the past five years. 
CBRE’s childcare specialists Sandro Peluso, Josh Twelftree and Jimmy Tat were the sales agents appointed to market the investment property at 97 Tope Street, which transacted on a tight yield of 4.2%.  
Featuring 360-degree views of the city skyline, the 1,700 square metre facility is currently leased to Guardian Early Learning and provides a passing income of $434,700 per annum. 
Peluso said 97 Tope Street was one of the most exciting childcare offerings to hit the market in recent years. 
“The site’s corner landholding and city fringe location, only 850 metres from Crown Casino and 1.5 kilometres from the CBD, offer a solid long-term investment and future development prospects,” Peluso said.  
“The property is currently zoned Commercial 2 and a scheduled review of its zoning will be taking place in 2028. Its blue-chip location and flexible lease inclusions made this opportunity suitable for a range of investor profiles.”  
Twelftree commented that Guardian is one of the country’s most sought after childcare covenants and a substantial amount of capital has been spent on the property’s fit out.” 
“As volumes of new childcare industry supply decrease, demand for premium offerings remain strong due to landlords’ confidence in tenant ability to achieve and maintain high levels of occupancy into the future.” 
Peluso noted the sector’s improved outlook has also been driven by a reduction in supply, due to tighter planning and borrowing criteria; increased government funding; and population growth in the 0-4 years age bracket.” 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CBRE%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/11/CBRE%20.jpg" alt="">
Source: CBRE 
 
 
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Inner-Melbourne childcare centre sale tops $10 million

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A Taree childcare facility was passed in at recent auction.
The result was despite a new 20 year lease ending 2038 with options to 2058 to Little Flippers, an experienced childcare provider with 13 other facilities.
Located at 9 Coolabah Drive, Taree, the property was passed in at $1.8 million.
The recently refurbished 55 place facility is set on 1,051 square metres.
It has an occupancy rate of 94%.
Net income on the lease is $132,000 per annum plus GST and a minimum increase of 3% per annum.
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<div>After auction it was put up for expressions of interest with an indicative price of $1,885,000 (7% yield).</div>
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Taree child care facility with new 20-year lease passed in

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An overseas investor has snapped up a childcare centre in Bentleigh East.
The <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=359-361+Chesterville+Road,+Bentleigh+East&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g" title="">359-361 Chesterville Road, </a>offering in bayside Melbourne sold for $5.6 million just after auction.
It has a new 20-year lease with options to childcare operator Think Child Care.
The 451 square metre building on a 1184 square metre sold on a 5.85% yield.
Savills Australia's Julian Heatherich, Benson Zhou and Mark Stafford secured the sale for a private investor.
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Bentleigh East childcare centre sold for $5.6 million 

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Key demographic indicators show that there is significant population and employment growth within the Brisbane CBD and surrounding inner-city suburbs. In turn, this has driven childcare providers to focus their service offering towards key CBD spaces that offer convenient amenity for busy city-based working families. 
Childcare centres in Australia have seen significant growth over the last five years, in line with world leading population growth figures. There is growing demand from a transactional perspective as well, with institutional investors and foreign investors, in particular, identifying the diversification potential of investing in childcare centres alongside other property asset classes. 
In addition, diversification benefits are realised as a result of significantly longer leasing terms in childcare centres, with average lease terms ranging from 10-20 years. This increased interest as a separate asset class is evidenced by falling yields nationally. New trends are suggesting that we are now seeing a shift north of Australia’s largest cities, as record high property prices and rising living costs drive residents to migrate to Brisbane in pursuit of relative affordability. 
According to Shrabastee Mallik, Associate Director at <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/research/australian-research.aspx" target="_blank">Savills Research</a>, over the last twelve months alone, Queensland has led the country in terms of interstate migration, with over 19,000 residents shifting to the sunny state. Recent numbers from the ABS show that Queensland is also leading the nation in terms of labour metrics. 
“In the year to March 2018, Queensland recorded employment growth of 4.3%, a figure well above its long-term averages and other states. What is even more positive about this is that this employment growth was driven by full-time growth, which grew by 5.0% over the same period,” she said.
With most of these people settling in Brisbane, it makes sense that current childcare trends in Sydney and Melbourne will be replicated in Brisbane.
The Savills Queensland <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/leasing/office-leasing.aspx" target="_blank">Office Leasing</a> team has reported a spike in enquiry from childcare operators seeking inner-city foyer and podium level accommodation. 
Leasing Manager Daniel Boyes said that one of the earliest examples of this movement has been the recent take up of first level space at 133 Mary Street by G8 Education.  
“The inner city childcare concept has been well thought out - as we are becoming more time poor, the notion of using a city-based day care service has become more convenient,
“Many of these facilities are incorporating all the necessities for the day which include things like meals, nappies, formula, bed sheets, hats &amp; sunscreen; so families do not need to travel with large bags when commuting,” he said.
G8 Education have committed to 808sq m of space with an additional 426sqm of balcony space over a 15 year term.
After hours childcare facilities offer an unparalleled learning experience from city surrounds for young minds. “The CBD is rich with culture and offers children the opportunity to participate in cultural celebrations throughout the year,” Mr Boyes said.
Over the last five years there has been growing demand for childcare operators in CBD areas to cater to a growing white collar workforce, with councils amending approval requirements and implementing new time frames. 
Savills State Director of Office Leasing John McDonald said that the offering of Childcare Services in the Brisbane CBD marks the beginning of a whole new learning platform for the next generation.
“The architectural concepts which are being seen in these spaces include the latest technology to emulate garden designs, incorporate outdoor play areas, as well as integrate raised flooring and extra drainage,” he said. 
Savills negotiated an industry leading example of such architecture on behalf of Goodstart Learning, located across an entire floor in the heritage-listed Broadway on the Mall building - directly above H&amp;M; uniquely designed by Gray Puksand.
Kevin Miles, Brisbane Managing Partner at Gray Puksand told the Australian Design Review that due to the existing ground-floor tenancy and the lack of outdoor space, there were several challenges that required a collaborative approach.
“Typically with childcare you need outdoor space, depending on how many children you have,” Miles says. “Along with a new rooftop garden and play area, this atrium space lent itself to that requirement for outdoor space,” says Miles. 
Other elements which were included in the design were operable windows and large openings to bring breezes through to the indoor play area along with the right equipment, support facilities and separate learning environments for each age group, from infant to kindergarten. 
Even though we are beginning to see some of these centres already taking shape around the Brisbane CBD, looking forward we are likely to see childcare proposals incorporated into development approval applications. 
There are already a number of Queensland examples of new developments incorporating childcare provisions into their DA’s right from the get-go in order to avoid lengthy and costly processes associated with getting approvals for pre-existing buildings.
Childcare providers are expected to replicate CBD offerings in Brisbane more easily than its southern counterparts have done in the past, as development requirements are currently less stringent and more affordable, making the availability of this type of amenity even more prevalent in the current market.
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. This article featured commentary from Savills experts including John McDonald who is State Director - QLD , Office Leasing, Daniel Boyes who is Manager, Office Leasing, and Shrabastee Mallik who is Associate Director – Capital Strategy. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Population and employment growth in QLD driving childcare centres into CBD spaces: Savills

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An investment property at Salt Ash sold for $3,401,000 in another example illustrating the popularity of childcare centres.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-medical+consulting-nsw-salt+ash-502319846" target="_blank">2634 Nelson Bay Road</a>, the property has a secure 20 year lease to Go Kindy until February 2034.
There are two further 10 plus 10 year options until 2054.
Go Kindy has more than 12 centres across NSW and ACT.
Built in 2006, it sits on 9878 square metres of land and can accommodate 120 places.
Net income totals to $240,019 per annum plus GST with tenant paying all usual outgoings.
Major employment industries in the area includes transport, logistics, manufacturing, construction and retail.
The selling agents were Matt Kearney of Colliers International and Darren Beehag of Burgess Rawson.
It sold for $2,525,000 in 2013, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Salt Ash childcare centre sold for $3.4 million.

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Interest for childcare centres continues unabated, with more properties under the asset class sold so far in 2017 than previously.
A recent analysis by commercial real estate agency Burgess Rawson of its sales over the past seven years shows 65 properties have been sold in 2017 so far, higher than previously. 
The average yield has risen to more than 5.5%, their report says.
Burgess Rawson, which has nearly three-quarters of the market share for childcare centre sales in Australia, says in a new report that average yields have fallen to 5.84% in the year to date from 7.58% since 2013. 
Burgess Rawson’s director Billy Holderhead was quoted by the Australian Property Journal as saying that unlike other property sectors where a surge in supply would normally result in an oversupply and push yields higher, childcare investment yields have declined further.
Supply increased a massive 550% between 2013 and 2014, yet yields compressed further by 10% from 7.58% to 6.89%.
“The sales history shows that despite increased supply, compression yields and greater price volumes continued. Therefore equilibrium, where demand is met, in our opinion has not been reached,” he said in the article carried on Burgess Rawson’s website.
“We see this trajectory continuing into the foreseeable future.”
Even the collapse of ABC Learning Centres has not dented the popularity of childcare centres, with 96% of all ABC centres now assigned to Goodstart, a consortium of The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Social Ventures Australia.
Burgess Rawson’s associate director Adam Thomas said childcare centres truly are one of the few remaining “set and forget’’ property investments, with strong similarities to supermarkets in a previous era when leases were more favourable to landlords.
“This shows the core fundamentals are there,” he added.
In the last five years, rents have surged too. Rents range from $1,500 and $6,000 per childcare place, per year, with metropolitan centres sold this year averaging $3,000 per place, according to Burgess Rawson.
Five years back, the metro range was nearly $2,000 and has now climbed to the high $3,000’s.
Earlier this year, a record low yield was set at an auction in Sydney when a 36-place G8 Childcare centre property (picture above) in Vaucluse sold for $4.425 million on a yield of 3.57%.
Another research by Ray White, Between The Lines: WA Child Care, says the child care market as an income producing asset class has grown in appeal across the East Coast for the two years with a push into the Western Australian market has heated up during the second half of 2017.
“It says high supply over the last five years in the East Coast was realised due to the large increases in population and the undersupply of facilities, in more recent times its heavily subsidised income stream has not gone unnoticed by savvy investors,” it says.
The prospects for childcare centres looks secure with the federal government projected to spend $8.8 billion in 2018/19 and as much as $10 billion by 2020, according to Burgess Rawson childcare specialist Michael Vanstone.
The government predicts this investment will return 90,000 parents back to the workforce, which will add $3.1 billion to the economy, adds the Burgess Rawson report.
The Ray White report, which focuses on WA, says the market there is still in its supply phase with a high volume of stock recently entering the market and a pipeline in the works.
Researchers Vanessa Vader and Stephen Harrison say the demand for childcare centres is high as investors can see the value and attractive yields still on offer. Added to that is the ease of funding for child care assets.
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Childcare centres one of the few remaining 'set and forget' investments: Burgess Rawson

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A fully leased childcare centre at Mornington has sold for $1,365,000 on a 4.2 percent yield.
It sold for $165,000 above reserve at its recent auction through Teska Carson agents George Takis and Fergus Evans.
The property attracted a high level of interest from local, interstate and off-shore interests with three bidders driving the auction, according to Takis and Evans.
"The property ticked all the boxes for astute investors in a red hot market for childcare centres nationally and so the result was not a huge surprise," Takis said
"Childcare is one of Australia’s strongest growth industries and, with forecasts that it will continue apace, property sales will continue to record strong results."
Takis said the entry-level investment, offered a secure lease profile in a government backed industry in an excellent location and with the potential for future development.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-mornington-502594294" target="_blank">18-20 Fleet Street</a> comprises a 400 sqm building on a 1200 sqm site. 
It was sold subject to a five year lease at a current net annual rental of $58,000 with four percent annual increases.
 
 
 
 
 
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