A new chapter in Sydney’s urban renewal story begins today as NSW Premier Chris Minns officially turns the sod for Dawn, the fifth stage of Sekisui House Australia’s $5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> masterplanned community.

Developed in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-melrose-park-bundil-boulevard-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Dawn</a> will deliver 368 parkside residences, forming part of one of NSW’s largest privately owned urban renewal projects.&nbsp;

The milestone marks the start of the next phase in transforming Melrose Park into a new community delivering over 5,500 homes, a mixed-use town centre, 50,000 sqm of open green spaces and several future schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=352993]

Kazunori Ito, Group CEO and Managing Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, said the milestone symbolises the company’s ongoing commitment to job creation, housing supply and sustainable community building.

“This moment represents more than just the start of construction," Ito said.

"It is about building a new urban heart for Sydney’s geographic centre. Dawn and the wider Melrose Park masterplan will generate thousands of jobs, deliver quality homes for families and help more people realise the dream of home ownership.

“We are proud to be supporting the NSW government’s housing targets and expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, which came into effect on 1 October. The program is already opening doors for more first home buyers at Melrose Park, many of whom are using the scheme to purchase with a five per cent deposit and no Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=334163]

Since its introduction, the enhanced federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme has given first home buyers greater access to the property market. With value thresholds in New South Wales now lifted to $1.5 million, buyers can secure a new apartment in Melrose Park sooner, reducing the burden of saving a 20 per cent deposit and removing costly mortgage insurance premiums.&nbsp;

The Dawn precinct, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a> embodies Sekisui House’s global “Love of Humanity” philosophy, integrating sustainability, technology and liveability into every design detail. Residents will enjoy abundant green space, energy efficient features and a direct connection to the future Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and Melrose Park Town Centre set to open in 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=354734]

As part of the NSW government’s long-term commitment to the local community, work recently commenced on the new Melrose Park High School, a state-of-the-art education facility designed to accommodate more than 1,000 students. The school will be within walking distance to Dawn and will become a cornerstone of the precinct’s family friendly environment.

Melrose Park’s smart community vision includes EV charging stations, environmental monitoring systems with Western Sydney University and NBN node to residence connectivity. With over $216 million in planning contributions committed to local and state infrastructure, this project supports NSW’s 30-minute city goal, ensuring residents can live, work and play within easy reach of key employment and lifestyle hubs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=334049]

Dawn’s contemporary residences all have secure basement parking and start at $649,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1.259 million for three-bedrooms.&nbsp;

The project will also overlook Central Park which spans nearly two hectares and features barbeque and picnic areas, children’s play zones and walking tracks ideal for active residents and pets.

Residents will enjoy exclusive rooftop community facilities including private rooftop gardens, beautifully landscaped podium parks and internal courtyard gardens.

Construction of Dawn, which is being led by regarded builder Decode, will be completed by Q1 2028, adding to Sekisui House’s pipeline of more than 9,000 homes and apartments under development across Australia.

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Staff Writer

Premier Chris Minns turns sod at Dawn Melrose Park as construction commences

Southport is set for one of its tallest new apartment developments in recent years with the approval of Malua, a 32-level tower just one row back from Broadwater.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/malua-18-22-norman-street-southport-qld-4215">Norman St tower</a> will comprise 151 apartments within the Southport Priority Development Area. The three adjoining lots, totalling 1,215 sqm, are currently occupied by three two-storey buildings, one a house, and two duplexes.

The majority of the apartments will be two-bedders (126), with just five one-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedrooms. There will be three basement levels, three podium levels, and a rooftop communal space with a pool, gym, private dining areas and business hub facilities.

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21ab3437-de39-432c-b991-f33227b606dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.41.37%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_dOcjcvmSMyn6utzzviBVCAgDp5ZCo_N" />

There had been prior approval for a 14-storey building, however those plans became financially unviable.

“The proposed development seeks to resolve financial viability issues of the existing development approval by providing a higher density development with a more favourable unit mix and streamlined design,” the planning report submitted to the Gold Coast City Council noted.

Plus Studio designed the tower which "aims to contribute positively to the evolving Southport skyline, with vertical relief elements, sculpted facades, and rooftop crowning features."

“When stepping into the lobby from Norman Street, pedestrians and residents pass through a sculpted podium of lush green foliage in an earthy entry experience,” Plus wrote in its design report, emphasising the landscape-led approach to the podium and ground plane.

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="694202c2-be8f-4cde-be26-a494293058a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.42.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NOIFuolMkoE8vNerov63rnbFRk_TnYUy" />

There is renewed confidence in the development market in Southport. Buyers have jumped at the chance to buy at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a>, the latest local Gold Coast development by MRCB. Over 75 per cent of the 192 apartments have been snapped up prior to launching to the market.&nbsp;

The last notable launch in the suburb was in late 2023 when <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eden-garden-residences-20-bauer-street-southport">Eden Garden Residences</a> hit the market. The 54 apartments, on the corner of Bauer Street and Chester Terrace, are under construction and due to complete in mid-2026.

Joel Robinson

First look: Southport tower Malua to rise 32 levels in latest Gold Coast approval

Woolworths Group’s development arm, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fabcot">Fabcot</a>, has unveiled its latest mixed-use development.

They are seeking to reshape a prominent site in Gladesville, on the northern edge of the town centre. They've filed a&nbsp;State Significant Development Application for the amalgamated 5,623 sqm block with street frontages to Victoria Road and Eltham Street that will see <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/363-victoria-road-gladesville-nsw-2111">two buildings with 171 apartments</a> sit above an activated retail ground plane.

The tallest tower, at 13 storeys, will face Victoria Road and home 115 dwellings. A smaller nine-sytorey tower, stepping down to Eltham Street, will have the remaining 56 apartments.

The towers will rise above a podium containing a full-line 3,800 sqm Woolworths supermarket and cafe, activating along the Westminster and Eltham Street frontages.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da042a40-288e-41b8-becc-080f235a3717" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=n99ay71Clcy6WLP4Uajw2ph6BA61wboV" />

The residential offering will include 19 one-bedroom, 118 two-bedroom, and 34 three-bedroom apartments. Residents will have access to rooftop communal terraces on both buildings, as well as a podium-level garden, contributing a total of 1,411 sqm of communal open space.

According to the Urban Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, “The massing places height and density along Victoria Road, reinforcing its role as the commercial spine, while stepping down towards neighbouring areas to ensure appropriate scale transitions.”&nbsp;

The design draws inspiration from the local geology and waterways, with curving tower forms and a warm, tactile material palette referencing Hawkesbury sandstone and nearby riverine landscapes.

The proposal also includes basement parking across three to four levels, accommodating 392 car spaces - 190 for retail and 202 for residents.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1a01073-9a13-4ba7-9c14-43c84a751e26" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KSImA_iSQiIgSRMswm7.5Sg.WRZ0fZjg" />

Fabcot is aiming to deliver a “landmark building with civic presence,” leveraging the prominent corner site to anchor the precinct’s urban renewal.

“The building’s corner location and carefully sculpted form establish it as a landmark for North Gladesville,” the Urban Design Report notes.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke has previously collaborated on other Woolworths mixed-use projects, and here again deploys stepped setbacks, articulation, and extensive landscaping to manage bulk and enhance street-level engagement. A colonnaded brick base provides texture and rhythm to the podium, while upper levels curve softly to maximise views and cross-ventilation.

The development sits within the North Gladesville Precinct, an area earmarked for transformation under Ryde’s local planning strategy. It is well-served by bus connections along Victoria Road and within proximity to community infrastructure, schools, and riverside parkland.

Gladesville is set for a full transformation with developer Third.i also planning a major mixed-use development in the area. They are seeking to redevelop the Gladesville Village Shopping Centre into an&nbsp;integrated precinct with more than 500 apartments, a new supermarket, and significant public domain upgrades.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-third-i-plots-500-unit-redevelopment-of-gladesville-village-shopping-centre">First look: Third.i plots 500-unit redevelopment of Gladesville Village Shopping Centre</a>

Fabcot reveals mixed-use plans for Gladesville town centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> has brought to market a boutique collection of completed, two-storey terraces on Telopea Avenue in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-west-nsw-2140">Homebush West</a>, offering buyers the opportunity to move straight into brand-new homes in a connected inner-west location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/telopea-avenue-homebush-west-24-36-telopea-avenue-homebush-west-nsw-2140">Telopea Avenue</a> comprises four-bedroom terraces with internal basement parking, designed to balance functionality with contemporary interiors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150682 project_image_fid=6085]

Each residence is arranged across two levels, with layouts tailored to families seeking more space or downsizers wanting low-maintenance living without compromise. Skylights and large windows maximise natural light throughout the interiors, while private terraces and balconies extend living outdoors.

Inside, hybrid timber flooring flows through living and bedroom spaces, complemented by built-in wardrobes with polyurethane finishes and melamine shelving.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature Bianco Imperial Granite benchtops and splashbacks, paired with Smeg appliances including a five-burner gas cooktop, oven, rangehood, and integrated dishwasher.&nbsp;

Bathrooms continue the refined detailing with porcelain tiling, granite accents, gun metal tapware, and integrated LED lighting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150682 project_image_fid=6072]

Landscaped surrounds create a sense of greenery within the community, while individual home designs ensure each terrace retains its own character.

Positioned within a quiet residential pocket, the project sits only minutes from the activity centres of Strathfield, North Strathfield, Homebush, and Lidcombe, as well as the broader lifestyle and employment precinct of Sydney Olympic Park.

Residents also benefit from the project’s proximity to transport and amenity. Homebush and Flemington stations provide direct rail access to the Sydney CBD, with major road connections including Parramatta Road and the M4 close by.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150682 project_image_fid=6064]

Local shops, Sydney Markets, and Strathfield Plaza cater to daily needs, while the area is well-serviced by schools, childcare centres, and universities.&nbsp;

Nearby Sydney Olympic Park and Bicentennial Park add further lifestyle appeal, offering walking trails, sports facilities, and year-round cultural events.

The terraces are delivered by Omaya, a family-run Sydney developer and builder with more than 35 years of experience and over 1,000 dwellings in its pipeline.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150682]

Omaya delivers complete and move-in ready terraces on Telopea Avenue, Homebush West

Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/las-group">LAS Group</a> has this month received planning approval for two adjoining sites, 101 Clarendon Street and 38 Clarke Street in Southbank, that will add around $700 million to the developer’s pipeline on completion.

The two sites were purchased from Crown in 2023 and occupy the same city block as the iconic Casino complex, acquired in an on-market transaction, consisting of multiple titles that were being used as warehouses and low-rise office space.

The resulting permits will see the delivery of two towers consisting of 52 and 25 levels, both to be designed by Fender Katsalidis.

LAS Group’s successful planning approvals are among only a select few new development sites in Southbank to receive a permit in the last three years, as appropriate sites become even more scarce in the popular city-side location.

The projects will enjoy immediate walking access to Crown Casino, South Wharf, the Aquarium, Southbank and the wider Yarra River walk precinct that features a plethora of restaurants, bars and other hospitality and entertainment offerings.

The Fender Katsalidis-designed towers will feature intricate brick masonry and arched windows at street level that will add character to the Southbank streetscape, with sleek towers rising above each podium.

The larger of the two towers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/101-clarendon-street-southbank-vic-3006">101 Clarendon Street</a>, will have 509 apartments across a 52-level building that wuill also include a resident&nbsp;lounge, private dining room, podcast room, golf simulator, co-working spaces, pet care facilities, and an outdoor terrace.

That is expected to complete in 2029.

<img alt="Clarendon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d8595a7-d225-4532-86a9-d3c5ca7407d4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=quwbfnhk5Vf6yR1Qj0GQtt0EjeIsKMci" /> 
The podium at 101 Clarendon Street. Image supplied

The smaller tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-42-clarke-street-southbank-vic-3006">38 Clarke Street</a> will be around half the size at 25 levels and home 188 apartments, a pool, gym, cold plunge, and sauna. That is expected to complete in 2028.

&nbsp;

LAS Group has a long history of developing key sites across Australia, including The Fawkner on St Kilda Road and Guild Apartments in Southbank, as well as holding significant interests in retail, mixed-use and storage facilities across Australia.

<img alt="38 Clarke" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d871b034-d2a4-490f-b9eb-b9d4b99a04c5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=J3fWfemsLPQzXekl_h0QlsXoWFnRbfRF" /> 
38 Clarke Street, Southbank. Image supplied

LAS Group director and founder Les Smith said the planning approvals had come at a time when confidence was returning to the market and the need to deliver quality apartment stock in Melbourne’s inner suburbs was becoming critical to help ease the housing and affordability crisis.

“These planning approvals are the outcome of a collaborative process with multiple stakeholders and we are grateful for the involvement and support of Melbourne Water, the Department of Transport and Planning, Melbourne City Council and Property Council of Australia along the way," Smith said.

“We have a huge affinity for Melbourne believe the macro and micro economic factors that underpin long-term growth mean it is currently undervalued compared to other capital cities around Australia.

“Confidence is starting to return given the recent interest rate drops and the buoyancy in the economic climate, so we believe the time is right to bring these two new projects to market in the coming months."

LAS Group General Manager, Mia Smith said the design intent was to bring a sense of place to Southbank from the ground level and contribute positively to the thriving entertainment precinct, while delivering good quality, affordable stock to the market.

“These projects will deliver product that is affordable and accessible, while delivering a beautiful building with luxury appointments, in a wonderful location that’s next door to Crown Casino and the Southbank entertainment precinct, and on the doorstep to the CBD," Smith said.

“We are incredibly pleased with the designs that Fender Katsalidis have proposed and we are excited to make a positive impact to the urban design of this important pocket of Southbank with these exceptional design outcomes.”

LAS Group to build 700 apartments across two towers on Crown Casino’s former Southbank sites

Commercial Development

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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.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Byron Bay Holiday Village set for sale

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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.
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Plans green-lighted for Liverpool’s tallest commercial tower

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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. 
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Laurence Dragomir

388 William joins the growing chorus of office developments in Melbourne

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

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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.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

NSW Government decides against South Head function and wedding centre

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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.
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Starfish Developments given subdivision approval for Port Adelaide residential project 

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

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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.
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Savills sell 75ha Gisborne farm for $61.1 million

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

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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="">
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