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

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

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

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

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

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

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

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

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Development

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GUEST OBSERVER
Our cities are slowing down. Traffic speeds have slowed in the world’s cities for 30 years and rail transit is now faster than road speeds in most cities.
Rail is needed in all of the world’s cities as it can enable travel time savings and space efficiencies no longer achievable by car and bus. Rail can carry 20 times as many people compared to a single lane of freeway and five to 10 times that of a bus way.
The problem for getting more rail is obviously funding. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has stated that he wants to see a greater involvement of private sector funds in urban rail.
How can this be done?
<h2>The link between rail and development</h2>
Financing of rail in the 19th and early-20th century was undertaken through land development partnerships opening up new suburbs. It was profitable for the companies and created the tram and train suburbs we now love.
By the 1950s rail had lost its advantage as cars and buses offered up better time savings. These flexible modes could also open up land between the rail corridors and further beyond them. That era is over in most cities as easy land has been developed and traffic has stifled the time advantages.
We therefore need a different way of funding and financing rail projects that can bypass traffic and at the same time create opportunities to redevelop our cities.
The rail projects from 150 to 50 years ago were based on how much land could be developed to finance their projects. I have proposed a new entrepreneur-led rail approach based on how much land can be developed – or redeveloped – for financing the rail construction and operations.
This new approach turns traditional transport planning on its head.
<h2>A finance model for entrepreneurs</h2>
Instead of predicting numbers of people who could use a railway line based on present land use, this model starts by predicting how much land can be developed as the fundamental source of the funding.
After we plan the land development as the basis of financing we can estimate the potential number of people using the railway. The government, in partnership with private proponents, can assess different levels of passengers based on different levels of land development.
This is therefore an entrepreneur’s approach to rail. It cannot be done simply by government planners as land development is mostly a private enterprise activity.
The process is therefore reversing the traditional transit planning approach, as you can see below. On the other hand the entrepreneur’s approach starts with land use, develops financing (and funding) from this and then can estimate transit numbers as the basis for detailed infrastructure planning.
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-14%20at%208.24.15%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-14%20at%208.24.15%20AM.png" alt="" width="689" height="426">
It’s possible in the future a bus rapid transit system could be financed using a similar model, however this would require the widespread adoption of electric busses.
<h2>The role of government</h2>
The idea of the model is to put the onus on financing rail on the private sector. The private sector would build, own, operate and finance rail development. It would necessarily require a Public Private Partnership to ensure public goals are met.
These include linking into the rest of the public transport system, the fares, the frequencies, and, most importantly, how to enable redevelopment goals to be met around stations. An alliancing approach may be the best way to enable such a partnership.
Government may chip in, but government funding should be more than matched by land development-based financing from the private sector. There are a range of methods for estimating how much money can be made from investing in the land around stations, and how much money goes into government coffers from the increased land value.
This model would not only enable federal, state and local money to go much further but it may even need very little government capital, just support for the process of land development as the driving base.
The alternative will be to continue seeing rail projects as welfare rather than the market-oriented opportunity they have now become in congested cities. In the present government-funded system investors come in and take windfall profits from the land around stations, thereby capturing much of the economic value created. This approach finds a way of recycling such value into the building of rail lines as well as the dense station precincts.
These rail projects would provide much needed transport infrastructure, but also provide the basis for reinvigorating our cities over the next 30 years.
 
Peter Newman is professor of sustainability, Curtin University and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-newman-1858" target="_blank">here</a>.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Want to build better cities? Get the private sector involved in rail projects

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New South Wales has taken top spot in a new report by real estate forecaster Australian Construction Insights (ACI).
The summer 2015 edition of the ACI Construction Monitor provides analysis and insights into conditions within Australia's non-residential building and engineering construction sectors.
“In terms of geography, the Construction Monitor’s state rankings show New South Wales has finally taken out top spot," said Geordan Murray, the economist who worked on the report.
In the Construction Monitor rankings NSW has been held out of top spot...until now. After a series of seconds and thirds, the latest analysis shows NSW has finally reached the top of the table, narrowly edging out Victoria which holds down second spot ahead of the Northern Territory.
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.23%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.23%20AM.png" alt=""> 
 
"The recent performance of the state’s residential building sector has been has been well documented, however, the resurgence of the state’s non-residential construction sectors have not attracted the same level of attention,” Murray added.
Despite the overall top spot, NSW ranked second to Victoria for best performing jurisdiction in non-residential building, and was runner-up to the Northern Territory for best performing jurisdiction in engineering construction. 
Beyond the top three, there is a reasonably large gap to Tasmania and Western Australia in fourth and fifth places, respectively. South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory are a little further off the pace holding down sixth and seventh, while Queensland has dropped into last place.
“The gradual winding down of construction work related to the expansion of mining operations over the last few years is the most pervading factor affecting the overall level of non-residential and engineering construction activity nationally,” Murray said.
“Our forecasts show this is likely to remain the overarching dynamic for the next few years.”
“However, the large scale of the change in mining related work is concealing the countless variations in conditions affecting all the other segments of non-residential building and engineering construction.
“In an aggregate sense, falling expenditure on non-residential construction will be a weight in the saddlebag for Australia’s economic growth, lasting as long as it takes for mining sector expenditure to normalise.
Murray said the forecast showed growth in total non-residential construction is expected to return in 2017/18, but it does not need to take that long.
"If we see more favourable currency conditions and interest rates remaining low, we could see investment in non-residential construction make a positive contribution to economic growth sooner,” he concluded. 
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.33%20AM.png" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW takes top spot on construction league table

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A site with mixed-use development potential at Carnegie in Melbourne’s inner south-east has been snapped up by a local private developer for an undisclosed sum.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-carnegie-501733386" target="_blank">360 Neerim Road</a> property comprises a 568 square metre corner site with an existing building generating short-term holding income of $55,140 per annum net.
The selling agents were Julian Heatherich and Jesse Radisich of Savills.
A development scheme prepared for the property includes 13 large apartments and ground-level retail, said Heatherich.
The site is positioned between the Carnegie and Murrumbeena retail precincts and train stations and close Chadstone Shopping Centre, Monash University, schools and parks.
"As such it offers developers excellent potential for the sort of residential and retail project described in the development scheme,’’ Heatherich said.
The vendor was a local private investor.
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Developer snaps ups mixed-use site in Melbourne's Carnegie

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Modular hotel company Tribe Hotel Group will partner with the Mantra Group to operate its inaugural property in Walker Avenue, West Perth.
Mantra Group will manage the West Perth hotel’s operations under the new Tribe brand when it opens in 2016.
The Tribe Hotel Group's modular design and construction methodology comprises pre-fabricated guest rooms with essentials for the modern traveller, deviating from traditional accommodation.
“Tribe aims to revolutionise the traditional hotel experience by challenging the norms to attract the new generation of traveller who is looking for simplicity, affordability, and connectivity in a high-end interior environment," Mark Peters, the founder of Tribe Hotel Group, said.
"We saw an opportunity to lower the cost of construction by designing and manufacturing a quality modular product from overseas and plan to pass these savings onto our guests who are travelling for business or looking to explore a new city.
“We look forward to bringing this vision to life with Mantra Group and our key business partners to revolutionise the market when we open our first hotel in West Perth.”
The first Tribe Hotel in West Perth aims to provide a smart, curated hotel experience with luxurious guest rooms supported by free WiFi, barista coffee and fresh juices with communal work and breakout spaces.
Construction company Probuild has been engaged to complete the project build, expected to be more efficient than the average build time for a similar sized hotel due to the modular application.
Construction is set to commence in November 2015 and the project is estimated to have an end-value of $30 million with completion expected in December 2016.
“The Perth market is in a solid position with strong occupancies. We expect this to be sustained by a growing leisure travel sector along with corporate travel and inbound tourism maintaining strong demand for the city and are confident this project will be a great success,” said Mantra Group CEO Bob East.
Mantra Group will play a major role in the success of the West Perth hotel alongside Tribe Hotel Group’s joint venture partners including prominent property developer, Salta Properties and the Victor Smorgon Group.
Tribe Hotel Group has acquired two additional sites in prominent locations with plans to start construction in 2016 on projects in Melbourne and Hobart.
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Tribe partners Mantra for modular-design hotel in Perth

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Two combined residential houses in Melbourne's Balwyn suburb have been auctioned off for $4.05 million.
The 1,853 square metre site at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-balwyn-501712393" target="_blank">327-329 Union Road</a>, which was offered to the market with a planning permit for seven luxury townhouses, was snapped up by a Chinese buyer.
The selling agents were CBRE’s Mark Wizel, Julian White and Scott Orchard.
The sale price translates to a rate of more than $575,000 for each permitted townhouse.
There were more than 100 enquiries, with six offshore bidders, said Julian White.
“CBRE is witnessing a spike in demand from mainland Chinese buyers across a broad range of asset classes. Many industry authorities expected the uncertainty in the Chinese economy to have a negative impact on the Australian property market, however, what we are witnessing is quite the opposite,” added Wizel.
The properties are surrounded by residential homes and close to retail centres like Belmore Road retail and Coles. Also nearby is the Balwyn High School, one of Melbourne's top public schools.
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Townhouse development site in Melbourne's Balwyn fetches $4.05 million at auction

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Sydney's City Tattersalls Club members have voted by a massive majority in favour of the proposed airspace development above the club’s premises at 194-204 Pitt Street, clearing the way for the club to sign a development management agreement (DMA) with partners ICD and Sinclair Brook.
A huge 93.6% voted in favour of the development that will see $96 million flow through to the club. 
“The majority in favour of the project was phenomenal and, as far as we know, a record in the club’s 120-year history,"  said Patrick Campion, chairman of City Tattersalls Club. 
 "This year we have submitted a far better stage 1 development application (DA) and we have received feedback from City of Sydney Council to which we have responded," said Tony Guilfoyle, CEO of the club.
"Council will now go through its process in analysing the club’s application. Assuming approval from Council, the club will embark upon an expression of interest (EOI) campaign for the right to part own and/or operate the 100 room hotel and the Design Excellence competition will also be officially launched.” 
The terms of the DMA include five floors of club and hotel facilities from ground, two basement floors of club cellars, storerooms and other utility rooms. There will be a hotel with nearly 100 rooms from levels 5 to 10 with a sky terrace restaurant and bar on level 7. The ground floor would be earmarked for retail.
The $96 million to the club will be allocated as follows: $71 million towards the design and development work on the new club and hotel, $20 million for fit-outs works and $5 million in cash.
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City Tattersalls Club members give tower project the green light

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GUEST OBSERVER
The announcement by the NSW Government of the preferred route of the light rail from Parramatta to Strathfield should lead to significant new development along the route. 
The selection of the light rail route through the urban renewal areas of Camelia and then the Olympic site at Homebush is clearly seen as a driver of new development.
This is a great opportunity to champion a new form of mixed use urban density where jobs, recreation, retail and living all work together.
The connection to Westmead is important as this is clearly a major centre of jobs and of potential urban renewal. The transport link can also connect the proposed development at North Parramatta back into the centre of Parramatta.
The connection with Sydney Olympic Park should give this precinct the direct transport connection it desperately needs and hopefully stimulate new jobs as well as residential accommodation.
The branch to Carlingford along the existing heavy rail line is another opportunity to encourage urban renewal with mixed use development.
The Urban Taskforce is concerned about the proposed Special Infrastructure Contribution (SIC) of $200 per square metre of GFA of new residential developments. While providing funds for the Light Rail itself the contribution will also increase the cost of housing. A 100 square metre apartment will clearly have an extra $20,000 added to its cost. The danger of adding a high contribution amount is that development may not be economically viable and so funds will not flow to the infrastructure. Further discussions with industry are needed to ensure that the SIC is workable.
The Urban Taskforce has argued strongly for a clear link between infrastructure and density and the announcement about the light rail route opens the opportunity to deliver significant new density. One advantage of the SIC is that it is an encouragement to planning bodies to support significant amounts of development so that funds are raised. Without significant density uplift there will be little funds raised.
While the SIC does not apply to development related to jobs there needs to be strong planning incentives to support more jobs in Western Sydney and particularly related to transport infrastructure.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Parramatta- Strathfield light rail must drive significant new development: Urban Taskforce

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Chatswood Place, a $300 million new boutique mixed use development by Platino Properties, was launched on Frday.
At the launch, 106 out of 111 apartments sold for a total of $160 million.
Located at 260 Victoria Avenue, the development will comprise 223 apartments over five buildings, released in two stages.
Units range from studios to four-bedroom penthouses.
Construction is expected to begin in February 2016 with completion proposed by late 2018.
Only six buyers were from overseas.
Almost 65% were buying to live in the new apartments. 
Most were existing Chatswood residents wanting to upgrade. 
A record sale was also made with two apartments purchased by the same buyer for $8.1 million - something never before seen in Chatswood.
“The strong demand for Chatswood Place is indicative of home owners’ increasing preference to live in apartments that are a stone’s throw from the shops, cafes and restaurants they frequent," said Platino developer Jonathan Leib. 
The development comes with shops, dining precinct and community facilities such as childcare services.
Communal spaces include an outdoor pool, gymnasium, BBQ area and sheltered pavilion for entertaining al fresco. Residents-only gardens flow through and above the buildings.
Three colour schemes (Latte, Espresso and Affogatto) were offered by Platino Properties, who has been designing and developing residential apartments on Sydney’s North Shore for over 35 years. 
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Chatswood Place launches; 106 units sold for $160 million

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A 915 square metre site in Melbourne's Collingwood and marketed as a development opportunity has sold for $3.95 million.
The sale was brokered by CBRE’s Jamus Campbell.
According to the agent, the sale of the 73-77 Sackville Street site wasn't without challenges, with the dated office and warehouse accommodation providing no holding income and the Commercial 2 zoning limiting residential development potential.
The price translated to a rate of $4,316 per square metres.
“The high developer demand for Collingwood sites with Commercial 2 zoning has been underpinned by the Victorian state government’s Plan Melbourne 2050 initiative, which earmarked Collingwood for significant urban renewal,” Campbell said.
Plans are also afoot to develop the surrounding areas into a mixed-use precinct comprising cafes, retail, office and residential accommodations.
“To facilitate this vision and enable residential development, the City of Yarra are considering rezoning Commercial 2 properties to Commercial 1, which has resulted in a flurry of savvy landowners in Collingwood making the most of record prices being paid,” Campbell added.
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Proposed Collingwood rezoning site sells for $3.95 million 

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The former Fairfield fire station, located at 3 William St, will go under the hammer on December 12 expecting to draw strong attention from developers.
The 955 square metre site is zoned for mixed use, providing a great opportunity for mixed-use retail, commercial, education and/or residential developments in the future.
“We had strong interest in the Cabramatta fire station that sold earlier this year, and we’re expecting a similar response in Fairfield,” said selling agent Harry Bui of Colliers International.
Fire &amp; Rescue NSW recently relocated to their new premises at 198 Fairfield Road, Yennora, making the William Street asset redundant for them.
 Bui also sold the Cabramatta fire station in May this year. The property fetched $2.1 million and was bought by Asian investor, the Lu Group.  
 “Fairfield is well-located in Sydney’s west, and the site at 3 William Street is in a central position and provides the buyer with a host of opportunities,” added Bui.
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