Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Coworking

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Co-work space specialist WOTSO has leased a large-scale office space in Zetland.
It has committed to 2,600sqm at 1-5 Link Road in the recently developed Paragon development. 
The five-year lease – attached to another five-year option, is the largest office lease in the South Sydney suburb for several years.
The lease is WOTSO’s first foray into the South Sydney market, adding to their existing co-work facilities at North Strathfield, Pyrmont, Penrith, Bondi Junction and Neutral Bay. 
LJ Hooker Commercial South Sydney Director William Tong managed the lease on behalf of developer, HiFu Capital. 
“WOTSO’s lease represents the largest office commitment in Zetland for more than two years,” he said.  
Whilst details of the lease are confidential, Mr Tong said A-grade office space throughout the wider South Sydney market was commanding between $500-$550psm.  
“The shortage of quality office stock has driven up rents by about 30% in the last three years,” said Mr Tong. 
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Co-work space company WOTSO break Zetland lease drought

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Bates Smart has completed its co-working space at Hub Parliament Station on Nicholson Street, East Melbourne.
Spanning 2,775 sqm, Hub Australia’s latest Melbourne venture occupying the top three floors (levels 16 to 18) of the iconic ICI House is currently known as Orica House.
The Hub Parliament Station interior is inspired by its base building’s mid-century classic design with a Palm Springs-like influence.
Bates Smart Director, Kellie Payne said, “The building is open and invites natural light with the most incredible views of Melbourne with aspects that overlooks the Parliament Gardens and the top-end of Spring Street, and the other over the Carlton Gardens with the Royal Exhibition Building in the background."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/16/east%20mel%202.png" alt="">
Accommodating over 500 members, the new co-working space includes a café, integrated barista bar/hot desks, a boardroom, large serviced meeting rooms, private offices that can be open or screened, member kitchen and lounge, fitness centre, parent and wellness rooms and a media hub.
The work-zone spine runs centrally through each floor, made up of a series of flexible, open-plan workspaces, breakout zones and dedicated rooms.
Elements of the original documentation of the base building have been incorporated within Hub Australia’s new workspace. 
Breezeblocks are used throughout, in screens, walls and joinery, referencing the existing concrete waffle slab and ground floor lobby brickwork.
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Bates Smart completes new co-working space in East Melbourne

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The first month of Orion Springfield Central’s new mobile worker hub, The Third Space, has seen over 120 enquiries in the first month.
Facilities on offer at the Mirvac facility include the use of meeting spaces, individual work stations and flexible co-working areas, plus free services like scanning and printing.  
Kimberley Hill, Experience and Business Development Manager for The Third Space said, "high speed internet, parking and free printing along with our kitchen facilities are popular and the child-minding service for free at Mini Minders is a winner."
“We are already seeing monthly membership sign ups to secure spots,” Kimberley said.  
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/16/20190603-RRP_1864.jpg" alt="">
Users range from technology and financial services businesses through to musical and massage therapy consultants utilising the free child care services and great desk space with other like-minded flexible workers.  
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/16/20190603-RRP_1998.jpg" alt="">
It already offers free parking and a dedicated concierge who responds to calls and drop in enquiries.  
The Third Space is located in the Target Mall opposite Mini Minders, operating from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, with both casual rates and monthly memberships offered during a 12-month trial of the concept.
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Mirvac's Third Space at Orion is receiving heavy enquiry

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Co-working office spaces increased by nearly 300% in the last five years, with Melbourne holding the largest share.
Co-working office space is one of the fastest growing segments of the commercial leasing market, the latest report by Herron Todd White (HTW) noted.
Research shows the number of co-working spaces in Australia grew by 297% between 2013 and 2017, occupying 193,190 square metres across six cities.
Melbourne holds the largest concentration of co-working spaces with 49% followed by Sydney with 38%.
"We expect this segment of the market to continue growing strongly," the HTW report noted.
Melbourne CBD’s overall office vacancy rate has reduced to 4.6% over the six months to January 2018, according to the Property Council of Australia’s Office Market Report.
Melbourne CBD is now level with Sydney CBD, together showing the lowest vacancy rates amongst all of Australia’s CBDs.
According to the latest report from HTW, the reduction in vacancy is primarily due to the high net absorption rate of prime Melbourne CBD office stock.
The North-Eastern and Docklands precincts have the lowest vacancy rates at 1.5% and 1.2% respectively, while vacancy rates are highest in the Western and Spencer precincts, reflecting vacancy rates of 6.6% and 8.2% respectively.
There is limited new prime office supply in the CBD due for completion over the next two years before the large increase of supply forecast for 2020.
Therefore, it is anticipated that vacancy rates will continue to fall over 2018 and 2019 before rising again in 2020.
The report suggests the market will see potentially sharp rental growth over the next two years as well as a decline in incentives, before levelling out again from 2020.
Strong demand is continuing for good quality office properties and properties with value-add or redevelopment potential within the Melbourne CBD, Metro and St Kilda Road office markets.
This is primarily due to the lack of suitable stock on the market and weight of capital seeking limited investment opportunities in this segment of the market.
The two recent sales in the CBD this year, 470 Bourke Street and 454 Collins Street, both achieved strong results.
470 Bourke Street, the headquarters of The Law Institute of Victoria, sold subject to a short-term leaseback for more than $35 million.
The nine-storey office building with excess land to the rear was purchased by an offshore investor with a capital value rate of circa $10,500 per square metre which reflects the balance land of 368 square metres.
454 Collins Street, an 11-storey C grade building situated at the corner of Collins and Williams Streets, was sold to a Macau investor for $40.1 million on a sharp fully leased yield of 4.21%.
The property was sold subject to a single-tenant leaseback to Robert Christie’s national co-working business on a 10-year term.
The valuation firm suggests that market yields are firming for well located investment grade assets exhibiting sound fundamentals, such as strong lease profiles and limited capital expenditure requirements.
The report suggests that investor demand is particularly strong for assets in the vicinity of $5 million to $50 million within the CBD and inner suburban locations.
The new statutory revaluations will be conducted as at January 2018 and valuations will be released as part of the FY2018/19 council rates notices and 2019 Land Tax assessments.
The valuers estimate that council site values will continue to increase across the CBD owing to strong capital growth over the past two years since the last Council revaluation in January 2016.
The potential rise in site values implies higher council rates and land tax costs which may impact upon the cash flow of landlords, especially where properties are subject to gross leases.
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Melbourne holding the largest share of nation's co-working office spaces: HTW 

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Flexible workplace provider Spaces is expanding, announcing that it will open a new co-working space at 60 Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD.
The three podium level, 4,500 square metre space in the building owned by Investa &amp; Gwynvill Group will open in February 2020.
Spaces is an IWG brand and its new co-working space will aim to offer professionals a creative working environment for the city’s entrepreneurs.
The IWG Global Workplace Survey 2019 found that, in Australia, the demand for flexible working has grown among employees, while 92% of employees can become more productive through introducing flexible work.
Simon van Grootel, Development Director for IWG Australia, said the new Martin Place location fits with the growth of the Spaces brand with and its dynamic relationship with occupiers and landlords.
“Undoubtedly the best building to be built in Sydney for a number of years, this presented a fantastic opportunity to further our existing relationship with Investa and bring to market our first Sydney CBD Spaces location in Martin Place,” van Grootel said.
“As we continue to grow our footprint nationally this will be a great showcase to occupiers and landlords alike as to the engaging environment that Spaces provides.”
Damien Sheehan, Country Head of IWG Australia, said it was important for Spaces to expand their brand across Australia.
“We are very excited about this new offering and the timing couldn’t be better with demand from our enterprise clients showing dramatic growth,” Sheehan said.
Joe Ward mentioned that IWG plc has been seeking a flagship premises for Spaces in Sydney CBD for around two years.
“The attraction for Spaces was a premium grade, landmark building in the central iconic location of Martin Place which is positioned amongst major tech and professional services businesses,” said Ward.
“As a hotly contested space, the landlord was keen to secure the right flexible workspace provider for the building to match to quality of the building and align with the future tenants expected to occupy this new 31 level tower.
“The three large podium floors overlooking Martin Place, is ideal for Spaces to introduce more collaborative workspaces and rapidly grow the brand nationally.”
Ward said Spaces has four locations in Australia across Melbourne and Sydney, which is set to double in 2020 and expand across all the major capital cities.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

New co-working space at 60 Martin Place announced 

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The Queensland-based co-working space and business incubator Little Tokyo Two has been placed into voluntary liquidation.
Its founder and entrepreneur Jock Fairweather sending a message saying the business had become “unsustainable”.
Founded four years ago, Little Tokyo Two (LT2) had five locations across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The business was primarily offering a co-working space service to startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs. However, the business had also recently expanded into offering incubation services and ‘growth plans’ for startups.
In the message, Fairweather said while the incubation offerings had performed well, the co-working model had become unprofitable and criticised new market entrants for “undercutting” prices.
“The business of running a co-working space has been struggling, with increased competition in the market and new entrants, who undercut prices to attract new members,” Fairweather said.
“After stress testing our future financial model and the financial difficulty we have recently faced we have concluded that the viability of the LT2 as a co-working space is an unsustainable option for our future.”
The Courier-Mail reports Brisbane City Council had invested $5 million in innovation hub The Capital, which Little Tokyo Two was a “foundation tenant” of.
The council told The Courier-Mail it was trying to find a new operator to “provide certainty for tenants”.
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Brisbane co-working space Little Tokyo Two collapses into voluntary liquidation

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Co-working space ‘The Commons’ was the 2017 Gold Winner of the Melbourne Design Awards thanks to it's glowing 100% renewable energy credentials and insightful design, where multiple spaces have been created with the ability to cater to people’s various moods and needs.

Urban.com.au caught up with CEO of ‘<a href="https://thecommons.io">The Commons</a>’ Cliff Ho, who explains the key differences of co-working facilities in comparison to traditional office spaces, and how the team have used intuitive design to enhance the health and wellbeing of employees. 

<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/commons1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/commons1.jpg?itok=pJ5TkXto" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, South Melbourne. Credit: The Commons</figcaption></figure>Urban: What were the influencing factors in deciding the locations and properties of the new office spaces? (QV &amp; Sydney)

Cliff Ho: In Sydney, we chose Chippendale as it’s known for its creative scene and converted warehouses, Chippendale has become popular in recent years for its beautifully designed cafes, stores and art galleries; it was the perfect location for our first space in Sydney.

In July 2019, we will open our first space in Melbourne’s CBD in QV.

We wanted to find the best spot for this location and we landed on a place with some of the best retail stores and most delicious restaurants. Located at 3 Albert Coates Lane, we will only be a minute walk to Swanston Street, Melbourne Central Station and Chinatown.

<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/commons3.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/commons3.jpg?itok=i8fSJr-H" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, South Melbourne. Credit: The Commons</figcaption></figure>U: What benefits do users get from working in a shared office compared to a private office?

CH: We've really set ourselves apart with a strong focus on three main components, community, wellness and logistics. 

The Commons is built on the belief that Community in the workplace is the foundation for success. Our primary objective has always been to cultivate a group of people and businesses who contribute to the growth and happiness of everyone under The Commons roof.

We take our wellness seriously and we know our members value it as well.  We provide members with weekly on-site yoga, meditation and spin classes.

Lastly, in comparison to a traditional office, you can expect to save 66% in your first year of business and 30% in each consecutive year after. We provide all the amenities you need with none of the administrative hassles, so you can enjoy the all-inclusive services and benefits with no hidden costs.

<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/commons4.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/commons4.jpg?itok=yCSSv6Ns" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, Collingwood. Credit: The Commons</figcaption></figure>U: In what ways have The Commons offices been designed in an environmentally conscious way, and to achieve a low carbon footprint?

CH: The Commons is offset by 100% renewable wind and solar energy. We give our members easy options to make sustainable decisions in their daily lives by providing reusable containers and eliminating single-use plastic, encouraging alternative modes of transportation and keep recycling bins accessible in all our spaces. Furthermore, we are always seeking more information and diffusing it to our community so we all can make better decisions together.

<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/commons2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/commons2.jpg?itok=XTNX2Xmq" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, South Melbourne. Credit: The Commons</figcaption></figure>U: How has the office been ergonomically designed to support the health and wellbeing of its users?

CH: After extensive research, we’ve designed an environment that is catered to people’s various moods and needs. Our architects, designers of both Google's and Facebook’s head office, sought to build a space where members could feel calm and inspired and be productive and creative.

Our spaces have been designed with meticulous attention to detail and the belief that well-considered design is essential to improving the work life of our members. Every aspect of The Commons exists to create a path for creativity and shed unnecessary obstacles, so our members can focus on their ideas.

The services we provide are centred on helping our members achieve a balanced and integrated work life. From our onsite wellness program to our dedicated quiet zones, we’re always tailoring an experience catered to our complex and diverse human needs.

<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/commons5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/commons5.jpg?itok=fjbkPgr5" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, Collingwood. Credit: The Commons</figcaption></figure>U: Do the industries you market your services to determine what you include in your design?

CH: Our designs are firstly informed by human need and secondarily by industry needs. We also do a lot of listening to our members and create amenities that they ask for. For instance, our spaces feature podcast studios, photography studios and even a Maker space, but at the core, we design with people in mind.
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Olivia Round

'The Commons' CEO Cliff Ho discusses the differences between co-working spaces vs traditional offices

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International Workplace Group’s (IWG) co-working brand Spaces has secured approximately 7,000 square metres of space across two buildings within Lendlease’s Melbourne Quarter precinct.
Spaces will occupy one floor at One Melbourne Quarter and more than 4,000 square metres over two floors at Two Melbourne Quarter.
They will also utilise the business lounge facilities in each building’s lobby as extensions of their workplace.
Spaces’ members will also have access to the precinct’s Wi-Fi enabled Sky Park.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/22/One%20Melbourne%20Quarter.jpg" alt="">
There will be over 700 flexible workstations available when Spaces moves into One Melbourne Quarter (pictured above) in May this year and Two Melbourne Quarter (pictured below) once it is complete in mid-2020.
The precinct will also be the Victorian home of AMP and EnergyAustralia, which will join Arup and Lendlease.
Spaces’ model allows customers to pay only for the space they need, scaling operations up or down to boost employee productivity in their choice of work environments.
The Lendlease managed Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial owns One Melbourne Quarter and has a 50% joint interest in Two Melbourne Quarter with First State Super.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/22/Two%20Melbourne%20Quarter%20-%20artists%20impression.jpg" alt="">
"There is a workspace revolution underway in Australia and businesses of all sizes are waking up to the strategic and financial benefits that flexible office space can provide," said  Damien Sheehan, Head of IWG, Spaces parent company in Australia &amp; New Zealand.
"This will be the fourth Spaces co-working centre located in Victoria and we are extremely excited to be located in the new Melbourne Quarter Precinct."
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Co-working operator Spaces joins Melbourne Quarter precinct 

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Developer Lendlease has announced that it has secured International Workplace Group’s (IWG) co-working brand, Spaces at its Melbourne Quarter precinct within Melbourne's Docklands urban regeneration project.

Spaces will occupy approximately 7,000 sqm of space across two buildings comprising, one floor within the recently completed One Melbourne Quarter, and upon completion, more than 4,000 sqm across two floors at Two Melbourne Quarter, currently under construction.

As part of their tenancies, Spaces will also utilise the business lounge facilities in each building’s lobby providing extensions of their workplace with members also having access to the precinct’s wi-fi enabled Sky Park.

<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/mq_towers.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spaces will be occupying 7000sqm across two buildings at Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter. Images: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mq_towers.jpg?itok=bkdniqqz" title="Spaces will be occupying 7000sqm across two buildings at Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter. Images: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spaces will be occupying 7000sqm across two buildings at Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter. Images: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>Overall, Spaces will provide 700 flexible workstations when it moves into One Melbourne Quarter in May and Two Melbourne Quarter once it is complete in mid-2020. Space will join future Melbourne Quarter tenants AMP and EnergyAustralia,and Arup and Lendlease, who have already taken occupation of their respective workspaces within One Melbourne Quarter.

According to Spaces, its model allows customers to pay only for the space they need, scaling operations up or down to boost employee productivity in their choice of work environments.

Meanwhile, construction is continuing in earnest at Melbourne Quarter with Two Melbourne Quarter's floorplates and core now well above street level and the first panels of facade now installed on East 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/tmq_construction_progress.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction progress at Melbourne Quarter. Images: Urban forum member redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="216" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tmq_construction_progress.jpg?itok=4xDRYuIh" title="Construction progress at Melbourne Quarter. Images: Urban forum member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction progress at Melbourne Quarter. Images: Urban forum member redden</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Spaces’ presence at Melbourne Quarter will provide businesses with more adaptable and dynamic places to work. Lendlease is designing precincts with flexible workspaces that provide transport connectivity, outdoor green spaces and retail amenity in one location.

Spaces will introduce a broad range of organisations to Melbourne Quarter, presenting an exciting proposition for the precinct’s existing workforce and retailers.

- John Burton, Lendlease’s Managing Director, Urban Regeneration
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
There is a workspace revolution underway in Australia and businesses of all sizes are waking up to the strategic and financial benefits that flexible office space can provide.

This will be the fourth Spaces co-working centre located in Victoria and we are extremely excited to be located in the new Melbourne Quarter Precinct. This year, the growth of flexible working is predicted to rise across Australia, as more office-based activity is demanding greater choice and flexibility in the workplace, for businesses, organisations and their employees.

- Damien Sheehan, Head of IWG, Spaces parent company in Australia &amp; New Zealand
</blockquote>

 

 
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Laurence Dragomir

Lendlease welcomes co-working operator Spaces to Melbourne Quarter

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Cities are seeing a growing number of shared working, or co-working, spaces. They include spaces where individuals and businesses can flexibly rent desks or rooms, or do shared work in “third spaces” such as libraries and cafes.
Co-working spaces offer a range of benefits and risks to the local economy. Our research looked at the role policy-makers, regulators and city planners can play in ensuring that these spaces make a positive contribution to our cities.
We found shared work spaces emerging in regulatory voids left by outdated policy frameworks. To exist, they are relying on the forward thinking of local innovators seeking to revitalise urban centres.
Types of spaces
Shared work spaces vary by the type of work they facilitate, from knowledge work (such as IT and professional services) to small-scale manufacturing. Some are purpose-built for co-working, whereas others (such as cafes) are informally used as such.
Some also target particular markets by offering additional services such as a crèche for childcare, seminars for professional development and events for networking.
Shared working spaces also differ in their models of ownership. These range from privately owned and managed, to government subsidised and cooperatively managed community resource centres.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/217491/original/file-20180503-153884-q4pery.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Pubs, such as this one in London, can become informal shared work spaces. Carey Curtis
The ownership and funding of individual co-working spaces may also change through time, as they may receive new sources of government funding, attract new types of clients or relocate to new facilities.
What are the benefits?
There are many potential benefits for sharing a working space, including access to common spaces, equipment, tools, and technologies. Some people may only need a space for a few hours a day or on one occasion for a special project, so they can hire spaces in desirable locations without high rental charges.
Shared working spaces also offer social benefits through greater opportunities to interact, network and collaborate with like-minded workers.
A co-working space can be a good use of unused spaces in buildings and be birthing places of new enterprises. They can also support local businesses by hosting large groups of potential customers.
And they may afford people a place to work closer from home, reducing the need for long commutes.
What are the downsides?
Big players in the sharing economy – such as Uber, Lyft and Airbnb – have had a disruptive effect on existing markets by reducing opportunities for less advantaged people and workers in the market, and confusing regulators.
A similar scale of disruption may be on the horizon with the rapid growth of big players in co-working spaces such as WeWork. These could threaten existing shared work spaces by absorbing customers and competitively leasing out available buildings.
Shared work spaces could potentially contribute to the gentrification of older neighbourhoods by pushing up the price of real estate, and displacing established small businesses and residential tenants.
Co-working spaces has also been seen as representative of an increasing casualised workforce, as such spaces may host short-term contractors doing work that was previously performed by full-time internal staff members.
What we found
We analysed planning and economic development policy and interviewed founders and users of shared working spaces in Western Australia.
We identified around 20 shared work spaces in Perth and regional Western Australia. Many were in retrofitted older and under-used buildings such as an old department store, maternity hospital or converted office space.
Most founders told us that shared working spaces needed to be accessible to be viable. Many also identified the quality and intensity of activities around the area as essential to attracting workers to their space.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/217489/original/file-20180503-138586-nkkep4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Shared work spaces can facilitate knowledge work, as well as manufacturing (like this one in Fremantle, WA). Carey Curtis
But founders identified regulatory frameworks, including land use permission controls, as significant barriers to establishing these spaces. For instance, a shared work space where people repair furniture or make jewellery could be considered as being used for manufacturing.
This type of activity may not be permitted in a disused department store that falls within a retail zone.
We found that often, local councillors and economic developers, have thrown their hat in the ring to help establish shared work spaces in their area. They would do so by helping founders secure required approvals, such as building accessibility certifications and emergency management plans.
Knowing the potential contribution of such spaces to the economy, they’ve also helped founders navigate regulations and planning controls intended for more permanent use of spaces.
But we found that town planners were rarely engaged in early conversations with shared work space founders. Planners generally didn’t identify or facilitate opportunities to host shared working spaces in unused buildings.
Planning policy documents and city planning departments didn’t actively recognise co-working spaces as a major new way people use buildings in cities.
Sharing spaces better
Technologies are creating new ways to match a mobile and flexible workforce with work spaces. This is leaving regulators to manage the impacts from the temporary uses of many shared work spaces.
City planners should be prepared to recognise and plan for the benefits these spaces bring, while minimising possible negative impacts on users, neighbours, and the broader community.
Planning strategies that seek to regenerate urban places and provide economic and social opportunities in urban growth areas will need to prompt more engagement with shared work space proponents, users, neighbouring businesses and residents, and local government divisions.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/95923/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Shared work spaces have a positive role to play in Australian cities and regional centres. However, it seems planners are at risk of missing the boat when it comes to using shared work space to achieve more socially and economically viable planning outcomes.
Courtney Babb, Lecturer in Urban &amp; Regional Planning, Curtin University
Carey Curtis, Professor of City Planning and Transport, Curtin University
Sam McLeod, Urban Planning Researcher, Curtin University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/co-working-spaces-are-part-of-the-new-economy-so-town-planners-better-get-with-the-times-95923" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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