Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Commercial Development

<html><body>
The Byron Bay Holiday Village located at 116-118 Jonson Street, one of the last multi-storey developable sites in the heart of Byron Bay, is to be offered for sale.
The 4,282 sqm Local Centre zoned property will be marketed by John Musca of JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality in conjunction with Elliott O’Shea of JLL Metropolitan Investments, via a formal expressions of interest campaign.
Owned by the same family for over 37 years the business currently operates as the Byron Bay Holiday Village Backpackers with a capacity of up to 200 guests and was the first purpose-built backpackers in Australia when built in 1983.
Having sold the Beach Hotel in Byron for $104 million Mr Musca noted that the measured approach to new development has assisted in maintaining the areas unique coastal culture, whilst also amplifying the interest in those last remaining sites offering favourable zoning.
Byron’s commercial focus is continuing to extend along Jonson Street where the recently completed Mercato complex will eventually be flanked by a proposed 4-star hotel on the former Woolworths site and a new hospitality and retail complex planned for 90 - 96 Jonson Street. That 5390 sqm property was sold for $29.8 million in January this year, representing $5,528 per sqm.
Mr O’Shea expects that interested groups will appreciate this short-term income strategy however the highest and best use for the site is likely to be development.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Byron Bay Holiday Village set for sale

<html><body>
Fender Katsalidis’ design for the Liverpool's tallest commercial tower and its surrounding redevelopment has received approval.
The project, which will be developed by Macky Corp, is known as Liverpool Quarter.
It will feature a 23-storey curved tower situated on the corner of Scott and Bigge streets.
The mixed-use project comprises 25,000 square metres of new office space, 1,500 square metres of co-working, 640 square metres of retail including a refurbished 1888 Hotel.
In addition to the 23-storey tower, the project comprises the refurbishment of the existing three-storey heritage New Commercial Hotel along with the construction of a two-storey building known as The Stables.
1,200 square metres of open space will act as the heart of the precinct.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/30/Liverpool%20Quarter%202.JPG" alt="">
Fender Katsalidis director Mark Curzon said, “Liverpool Quarter will set the standard for the best premium office space and public open space in this amazing emerging city."
The project is set to cater to the growing commercial demands of the area, particularly with the Western Sydney Airport approval, while the location also provides connectivity to the Sydney CBD via the adjacent Liverpool train station.
Construction of the building is expected to commence in late 2019 and completion is slated for late 2021.
</body></html>

Plans green-lighted for Liverpool’s tallest commercial tower

<html><body>
A project <a href="/news/talking-the-talk-386-412-william-street-melbourne">first covered by Urban.com.au way back in 2013</a> has found a new purpose, with owner MIT Group Holdings joining the growing chorus of developers adapting their development intentions to commercial use.

Spanning a 4,000 sqm site at 386-412 William Street on the northern cusp of Melbourne's CBD, the development to be known simply as '388 William' will see a change of use from residential to commercial, with the original hotel component retained as per approved plans.

Already this month we have seen Charter Hall apply for a <a href="/news/charter-hall-unveils-1-5-billion-redevelopment-of-555-collins-street">dual commercial tower scheme across 555 Collins Street and 55 King Street</a> on the western edge of the Hoddle Grid, superseding a failed residential scheme.

Founders of MIT Group Holdings, Shesh Ghale and his wife Jamuna Gurung have retained Elenberg Fraser as the architects for 388 William, with only minor cosmetic changes to the endorsed design and change of use sought. This is to allow for the creation of contiguous flexible floorplates of up to 2,800 sqm.

<blockquote>
"We are just in-filling between the towers for the bigger floor plates required by offices, so we're working in anticipation of approval."

- Shesh Ghale, via the <a href="http://www.afr.com/leadership/afr-lists/rich-list/how-the-rich-invest-shesh-ghale-and-the-stroll-that-saved-him-millions-20190204-h1atyf">AFR</a>
</blockquote>

Overall, 20,000 sqm NLA of A-grade office space will be provided across levels 2-10 with MIT Holdings seeking tenants for the office space - Colliers International and JLL have been charged with the leasing campaign.

A five-star hotel with 290 keys will occupy the remaining floors above, while retail will also be provided to the lower floors within the shell of the existing former Mazda dealership.

<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/388w_office.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="A reimagined 388 William Street. Image: Sinclair Brook" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/388w_office.jpg?itok=od17WXD8" title="A reimagined 388 William Street. Image: Sinclair Brook" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A reimagined 388 William Street. Image: Sinclair Brook</figcaption></figure>388 William will be targeting a 5 Star Green Star Rating and 5 Star NABERS Energy Rating and featuring a high-tech building management system. Tenants in the building will also have access to the hotel facilities which are set to include a pool, gym, Rooftop Bar, amongst others.

Sinclair Brook has been appointed to manage the project on behalf of MIT with site works expected to commence this year and targeting a 2022 completion. 
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

388 William joins the growing chorus of office developments in Melbourne

<html><body>
MAB’s recently completed commercial development - CubeOne - has attracted local business owners seeking to capitalise on the building's central location, excellent transport links and Narre Warren's thriving commercial precinct. According to MAB, the Narre Warren business precinct is within Australia’s 12th fastest growing city, with a projected population increase of almost 200,000 by 2041. 

Located at 55 Victor Crescent in Melbourne's South-East, the $10m building has been designed by architects Watson Young to accommodate 5,000 sqm of strata office space across four-storeys, while promoting walkability and a sense of community.

CubeOne features 40 strata office suites upwards of 45 sqm capable of accommodating a 300 strong workforce, in addition to a standalone restaurant tenancy,156 secure carparks, and expansive landscaped areas.. An illuminated external façade provides businesses with a strong visibility.

Danny Lavigne, Managing Director of Blynx Insurance Services, is one of the first businesses to move into CubeOne. Lavigne’s company services many of those who live in the local area, taking advantage of the proximity to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, the City of Casey Municipal Offices and nearby walking trails and cycle tracks.

Ashwin Pandit, owner of Mocha Mojo Café &amp; Lounge in Berwick, is another local business owner who made the decision to purchase into CubeOne. He was looking to expand his business, opening a new site close to his existing cafe to minimise commuting hours and mobilise existing staff. His new café, Butlers Kitchen at CubeOne, will open early 2019 and includes an outdoor seating area, capable of hosting up to 100 patrons.

<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/mab_cube-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The four storey building offers 5,000 sqm of strata office space in Melbourne's South East. Image: MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mab_cube-2.jpg?itok=_cbtWFSS" title="The four storey building offers 5,000 sqm of strata office space in Melbourne's South East. Image: MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The four storey building offers 5,000 sqm of strata office space in Melbourne's South East. Image: MAB</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
CubeOne follows a trend in commercial property developments decentralising Melbourne and providing businesses with affordable commercial offerings, reduced travel time and greater work/life balance.

We’re seeing record sales at CubeOne because of a growing need for spaces outside the central city where small business owners can invest in their own premises in an environment that is conducive to a modern, mobile and integrated lifestyle.

With limited CubeOne suites remaining, we’re seeing interest from a range of small businesses including accountants, medical professionals and investors who wish to own their own office and take greater control of their business investments.

- Michael Martin, Director Business Parks at MAB
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Business is booming in the South East and there’s not many office spaces that provide a high-quality and affordable offering. The office space is not only a great environment for employees and clients, but I have confidence there’s a huge business opportunity in the area, which is why I chose to invest, rather than lease.

I think CubeOne will provide greater control over the future of my venture and we’ve got the capacity to grow and accommodate another 10 staff. It was essential to have a space that would provide future expansion and flexibility over time, that was convenient for employees to commute to and would be attractive to future employees looking for greater work, life balance. 

CubeOne certainly gives us all of that, allowing us to avoid the daily city traffic grind and we have all the amenities like parkland, cafes and secure parking right on our doorstep.

- Danny Lavigne, Managing Director of Blynx Insurance Services
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
With the local economy growing and not many business park cafes catering to the growing number of local office workers, I jumped at the chance to invest.

- Ashwin Pandit, owner of Mocha Mojo Café &amp; Lounge in Berwick
</blockquote>
</body></html>

MAB’s CubeOne attracts businesses to Narre Warren’s burgeoning commercial hub

<html><body>
The NSW Government has decided not to proceed with a proposal by Gap Bluff Hospitality to build a commercial function and wedding centre at South Head.
Gap Bluff Hospitality had sought to re-use six buildings within Gap Bluff, South Head, Camp Cove and Green Point precinct in Sydney Harbour National Park.
The former Officers’ Mess and Armoury at Gap Bluff and Watsons Bay would have become function centres, catering for up to 400 people a day and short stay accommodation would have been available at Gap Cottage, Gap Bluff; Green Point Cottage, Green Point; 33 Cliff Street, Watsons Bay; and Constable’s Cottage, Camp Cove.
Environment minister Gabrielle Upton said the decision followed strong community opposition to the proposal. 
“There has been significant community opposition to the proposal and as a result I have decided the proposal should not proceed,” Ms Upton said.
“The community’s voice has been heard loud and clear. In all 1,531 submissions were received, of which 1,505 were opposed to the proposal, with 12 deemed neutral and 14 in support. 
Upton said any future plan for Gap Bluff must include strong collaboration between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the local community.
The Liberal candidate for Wentworth Dave Sharma said he was "very pleased" to see the development proposal for South Head being rejected.
"It was inconsistent with the heritage, community and recreation values of this iconic and historic site," he said.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

NSW Government decides against South Head function and wedding centre

<html><body>
The South Australia State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has given its approval for Starfish Development’s land subdivision application for Dock One.
It forms the first phase of the project, comprising townhouses and apartments.
Starfish is billed as the first developer to reach this stage in the re-invigoration of Port Adelaide.
Starfish managing director Damon Nagel said the plans envisaged a reduced number of cars, turning the main street through the centre of the development allowing a lineal park and communal garden.
It has opted to retain the former Marine and Harbours building for residential and commercial use, along with the old Customs House.
Remediation and early earthworks have already begun on site and scheduled to be completed by the end of the year when Starfish plans to release the townhouses and apartments onto the market.
Work on roads and other infrastructure is expected to commence early next year, before construction on the townhouses in the second quarter.
The new train link to Dock One will give access to the city centre.
</body></html>

Starfish Developments given subdivision approval for Port Adelaide residential project 

<html><body>
The expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and broader South Wharf precinct is complete, marking the first expansion of an operating public-private partnership in Victoria.
The $350 million project by the Victorian Government in partnership with Plenary and its private sector partners includes a 20,000 square metre expansion of MCEC, the new 347-room Novotel Melbourne South Wharf and new 1,150-space multi-level car park.
The MCEC is Australia’s largest convention and exhibition space.
Acting Premier of Victoria James Merlino and Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined Plenary Chairman John O’Rourke, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Chair John Brumby and MCEC Chief Executive Peter King yesterday to tour the centre.
The expansion is fully-connected and integrated with the existing MCEC buildings and include 9,000 square metres of flexible expansion space, a 1,000-seat multi-purpose theatre and a gala banquet room.
Around 700 people were employed to work on this project, including up to 60 apprentices. Now completed, the expanded precinct will add more than 900 ongoing jobs.
Plenary Group Chairman John O’Rourke said the project will increase business and tourism activity in the precinct, ensuring it remains Australia’s number one business tourism and events destination.
“We planned for this expansion when designing the Melbourne Convention Centre a decade ago, so it is great to be finally realising what we envisioned,” O’Rourke said.
“As long-term investors in the precinct, Plenary was perfectly placed to deliver the expansion, ensuring MCEC continued its success and that South Wharf remained a food, beverage and retail destination.”
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Chair John Brumby said he was proud of the project and the benefits it will bring for MCEC’s customers, the City of Melbourne and the State of Victoria.
“A project like this involves a lot of different people and I think the success of this building is testament to the strong engagement among key stakeholders throughout planning and construction,” Brumby said.
The Victorian Government provided $205 million for the MCEC expansion, and Plenary and its partners invested more than $150 million in the hotel and car park.
Plenary was the sponsor, investor and financial arranger for both the expansion project and the original 2009 Melbourne Convention Centre development, and plays a key role in the ongoing asset management of MCEC.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Melbourne's South Wharf precinct and Convention and Exhibition Centre complete

<html><body>
A Gisborne farm has been sold for $61.1 million to the Melbourne developer ID Land.
It was a 75 ha property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-gisborne-502701826" target="_blank">39 Willowbank Road </a>(pictured above) which will become new housing.
Savills agent Julian Heatherich said the owners who had farmed cattle on the property were retiring and downsizing to a smaller home.
The buyer will seek to develop 600 housing lots along with a primary school, waterways and parks.
 
<div class="wp-caption"><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/2018/7/6/Gisborne.jpg" alt=""></div>
Buying interest came from across Australia, China and South East Asia, resulting in the strongest development sale the Macedon Ranges region had ever seen.
“We received 15 offers and 160 requests for information for the property,” he told the local Leader community newspaper.
The property is surrounded by new residential estates, including Gisborne Fields and Golden Views, and is serviced by a train station, multiple bus routes and the Calder Freeway.
ID Land is a major property developer with projects across Melbourne, including Truganina and Wollert, and Geelong.
</body></html>

Savills sell 75ha Gisborne farm for $61.1 million

<html><body>
Following the introduction of new planning and density controls in Melbourne's Central City Zone last year, architeePlan Melbourne forecasts Melbourne's population to hit 10 million by 2051, carrying with it an additional 1.5 million jobs that need to be accommodated within an increasingly changing workforce. This has spurred the demand for both new commercial stock and the revitalisation of older commercial developments with Melbourne City Council’s data showing that 25 buildings are currently under construction within the Hoddle Grid.

Urban.com.au spoke to <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> Director Julian Anderson, who shared his insights into the impacts of Victorian planning controls on the future of the city’s commercial opportunities.

Despite the best of intentions, says Anderson the planning controls that were introduced last year relating to the permissible size of developments in the <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">CBD</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> are having a significant impact on Melbourne’s skyline. The controls were brought in to arrest construction of a wave of residential towers on the north and western edges of the city — towers that "display little regard for liveability for their inhabitants or the public." 

The Victorian Government’s intention is to “provide improved public amenity and deliver consistency and certainty that will ensure our city grows in a way that enhances all that make it the world’s most liveable city”.

The aspirations are laudable, says Anderson particularly in light of recent developments completed in the CBD which have been up to four times larger than the new controls would allow under a 18:1 plot ratio. In basic terms, the new provisions allow a maximum of 18 square metres of floor area to be developed for every square metre of site area. For example, a 2,000 sqm site can deliver a maximum of 36,000 sqm of floor area. More floor area will be permissable if additional public or strategic benefit is provided such as public open space, affordable housing or commercial office space.

One unintended outcome however, notes Anderson, has been the impact on the viability of commercial office towers, not with respect to height but rather when applying the setbacks required under the controls. This lead to Bates Smart undertaking the assessment of sites within the Hoddle Grid which are feasible for commercial development with a 1,500sqm NLA floorplate which based on their experience is the minimum required by both developers and tenants.

The office initially undertook an assessment of the impact of the new controls on residential development for their existing clients but realised it would be new commercial office developments which would be most impacted. As a comparison, the current crop of office developments which are under construction (save for one or two) were all permitted under the previous planning regime but wouldn't meet the setback requirements of the new controls.

Based on benchmarking their own office developments, Bates Smart determined that to achieve a 1,500sqm floorplate, a site of 3,000sqm would be required to achieve the necessary setbacks. Then a process of subtraction was undertaken, sites with development permits, landmark civic buildings, existing high-rise towers, strata titles were excluded and the potential for site consolidation was also considered. "The result?" says Anderson, fewer than six potential sites that could accommodate a viable commercial office tower.

<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/180507_city_development_study_small-10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bates Smart's development study highlights sites capable of accommodating office development. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/180507_city_development_study_small-10.jpg?itok=wgeGO_md" title="Bates Smart's development study highlights sites capable of accommodating office development. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bates Smart's development study highlights sites capable of accommodating office development. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>One possible solution is to introduce two distinguishable sets of planning controls for residential and commercial development in the central city. The requirements for office developments with respect to privacy, natural light and adjacencies to other buildings are not as onerous as they are for residential buildings.

Anderson believes if nothing is done landowners will  eventually realise many sites can’t be developed, which will trigger the amalgamation of adjoining sites to maximise development potential. This however leads to protracted negotiation periods, slower development times and fewer opportunities.

Similarly, we may see more developments relying on the purchase of “air rights” — the underutilised space above a building. An adjacent owner can purchase those air rights to enable construction of part of their building into that space. Another potential corollary is the delivery of more slender residential towers because the controls also dictate that the taller a building, the further it must be set back from its boundaries.

Anderson cites New York, where amalgamated sites or those subject to development resulting from the purchase of air rights brought about a raft of super-slim towers. These are very costly because of additional structural requirements and the effects of wind on their slender forms.

As well, the proportion of structure to floor area cuts the net saleable area. This drives developers to build higher in an attempt to claw back profit forgone from lost floor space. Matching the high construction costs are the sky-high prices of $US4 million for a two-bedroom apartment on the 10th floor of a midtown apartment block or $US20 million for a two-bedroom apartment on the 50th floor of a midtown tower, for example.

Melbourne has its own example of this new tower form, with the Bates Smart'-designed Collins House site at <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">466 Collins Street</a>. Approved under the previous planning scheme, the 57-storey apartment building is under construction and when complete, will be the world’s fourth slimmest tower.

Anderson says Melbourne’s future and title as a liveable city lies in our ability to plan for the careful expansion of the city and to find opportunities to relax our planning controls. This would allow for major urban regeneration projects to flourish and accommodate our future needs.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Our research and recent experience has established that developers and tenants are looking for floorplates sized no less than 1,500sqm NLA in CBD zones. There are several factors driving this area requirement. 
Reasonably, developers require a level of pre-commitment from tenants prior to embarking on projects.

These tenants seeking floorplates that minimise distribution of staff across multiple floors. These floorplates can cater to over 100 people and offer open-plan floor space with good access to natural light and views to assure physical and mental wellbeing of the occupants.

The challenge with the planning controls is that rather than stimulating commercial development in the CBD, it stifles it. A floorplate of 1,500sqm under these controls requires a site area of around 3,000sqm. However, by the time you factor in the setbacks and other height controls, there are very few developable sites remaining.

In recent months, our team has conducted research establishing that there are fewer than six potential sites in the CBD that will support development over 80m in height, with floorplates not less than 1,500sqm in area. We concur with various industry sources on predictions that the commercial pipeline could be exhausted in the next decade.

- Julian Anderson, Director Bates Smart
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
It’s predicted that demand for commercial office space in the CBD will almost double over the next 30-35 years – this means Melbourne’s city will need an additional 4 million sqm of commercial space to match demand, largely driven by a booming population and forecast jobs growth.

This is a major challenge for Melbourne and we continue to work with the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne to ensure that our planning processes not only reflect the needs of the market but can support the needs of our growing city into the future.

- Roger Teale, Property Council of Australia, Victorian President
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Bates Smart's Julian Anderson discusses commercial development feasibility in Melbourne's central city

<html><body>
An $8 billion mixed-use city is proposed for Western Sydney, with the potential to create 140,000 total jobs.
It supports the concept of the 30-minute city by enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the city’s west.
The proposal for a World Trade Center Sydney (WTC Sydney), by the Aerotropolis Group, has been made to the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
It includes four WTC towers, an international convention and exhibition centre, commercial space for multinational companies, an innovation and incubation centre for start-ups and retail and residential space.
With a vision for a net zero carbon development, the site of the proposed WTC Sydney was master planned by global architecture studio Woods Bagot. 
An economic impact assessment by PwC indicates the mixed use employment district at WTC Sydney would annually create 43,500 direct jobs and directly inject $13 billion to the economy, with significant additional indirect and induced benefits to Sydney and NSW. 
Aerotropolis Group Managing Director and CEO Jomon Varghese suggests WTC Sydney was "a project that will resolve the structural problem faced by Sydney by bringing balance to our city which is historically tilted to the east".
 <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/2018/5/30/1711_WTC_Profile_03.jpg" alt="">
Western Sydney director of the Sydney Business Chamber, David Borger, said the new airport will be the catalyst for investment and economic opportunities.
Varghese said he hoped the centre would be opened by 2026 – the same time the new Western Sydney Airport will begin operation. 
 <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/2018/5/30/ARRIVAL%20PLAZA_LOOKING%20NORTH.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Commercial Development

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Commercial Development

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News