<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

Gold Coast

<html><body>
A sell out of their latest release of 35 homes in CityVillage, in Queensland’s Robina, has seen Robina Group push forward another wave of properties.
The $200 million project has already seen almost $62 million in sales across their two Robina projects – <a href="https://www.cityvillage.com.au/" target="_blank">CityVillage</a> and Riverlily. After the 35 homes in CityVillage sold out in March, in two days for $16 million, they are pushing another 33 to market.
The Riverlily terrace homes, which were launched in April, also saw strong sales. Currently just a few terrace properties are left from $449,000. Meanwhile, this latest CityVillage stage – number four- includes 33 three-bedroom properties. This includes 20 that are waterside homes from $529,000.
The first tri-level homes in the development, with ground level courtyard and a balcony, are also being sold in this release.
<a href="/news">Robina’s median house price is $525,000</a>, while the median unit price sits at $410,000, according to RP Data.
Robina Group residential sales manager Azura Griffen said that many buyers missed out in the early stage.
"The level of interest in property in Robina is only continuing to rise and we've been fast tracking the design and construction of our developments just to keep pace,” said Griffen.
"Robina is a highly sought after residential address because of the unparalleled mix of amenities on offer literally at the doorstep, including Robina Town Centre, schools, Hospital, Bond University and Cbus Super Stadium, and its relative ease of access."
In total, CityVillage will have 130 terrace homes over four hectares.
If you're marketing off the plan, you should consider signing up to the <a href="/news">Property Observer/Investorist free webinar off the plan marketing masterclass</a>.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

CityVillage, Gold Coast extends release after sell out

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The richest man in China, Wang Jianlin is reportedly close to buying into a Surfers Paradise hotel development site.
The 1.13 hectare three-tower Jewel development opportunity comes with 110 metres beachfront.
It has been listed by another Chinese outfit, the Ridong Group, who are reportedly seeking equity partners.
The Australian reported Mr Wang, the Dalian Wanda Group chairman, was on the Gold Coast last month with company officials returning to continue negotiations.
Their Australian advisor, Roland Evans of Canford Property group, indicated Dalian Wanda was not limiting itself to just one opportunity.
Dalian Wanda is a $66 billion company with interests in commercial property, hotels, tourism and shopping centres, according to its website.
Sydney has also been on their acquisition radar.
<a href="https://www.zhridong.com/en/introduce001?introID=55895" target="_blank">The Jewel site</a> is at Broadbeach.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

China's richest man Wang Jianlin close to buying into Surfers Paradise development site

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<div>
The Mermaid Beach retreat of the former Australian cricket team vice-captain Shane Watson has been listed for auction this weekend.
The four-level villa at 14a Lavarack Rd was bough off the plan for $1.34 million in 2006.
</div>
The four bedroom Malibu on Lavarack duplex villa was constructed by boutique builder Daniel Veitch.
It has been<a href="https://www.harcourts.com.au/Property/568095/QHT24622/14a-Lavarack-Road" target="_blank"> listed through Chez Fraser of Harcourts Coastal</a> who has issued more than a handful of contracts.
The north-facing 539 square metre property, which attracts weekly rentals between $900 and $950, comes with four-car basement garage. 
<div>
The Queensland born Watson went to school at Ipswich Grammar.
<a href="/news">Mermaid Beach</a>'s median house price sits at $870,000, according to RP Data.
</div>
</body></html>

All-rounder Shane Watson bowls up Mermaid Beach townhouse

<html><body>
A 27 year old woman allegedly robbed a real estate agent at an open house in Surfers Paradise this weekend.
According to The Courier Mail, police allege Amy Lee Niwa, 27, of Carrara, attended an open home and pretended to be a buyer. After the real estate agent turned away to note her details, Niwa allegedly pulled out a handgun, making demands for his car keys and phone.
After taking the agent’s keys, the unlicensed driver allegedly went on a shopping spree. A police prosecutor reportedly said Niwa can be seen on CCTV footage from various stores driving into carparks in the stolen car and making purchases using a stolen credit card.
She allegedly spent almost $1000 over that afternoon at Billabong and Hot Brands stores, a bottleshop and a supermarket. Niwa was arrested two days later, after being reported by a member of the public.
The Courier Mail reports that Niwa allegedly admitted to being armed with a 20 centimetre kitchen knife in a jacket sleeve, with a syringe and some methamphetamine, with the gun not yet found.
She is accused of committing 21 offences and was refused bail. She was reportedly remanded in custody and will return to court in August.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Woman allegedly commits armed robbery at open home

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There’s no doubt the Gold Coast residential market is entering a growth phase. After five bad years, in which prices went backwards, the Gold Coast is moving again.
Sales activity is rising strongly across the region and the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland suggest prices are moving in the right direction.
But we remain opposed to investment in this market.
Here’s an example of why. On 12 June, the Gold Coast Bulletin published a news article under this headline: '104-storey Southport tower poised to steal Q1 crown of Southern Hemisphere’s tallest residential high rise'.
Apparently a three-tower complex called Imperial City is planned for Southport. The building will be 75, 85 and 104 storeys, dwarfing the 78-storey Q1 which is currently tallest high-rise on the Gold Coast, as well as in Australia and Southern Hemisphere.
Imperial City will contain 2,200 apartments, as well as 200 student rooms and a 200-room hotel.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported: 
"The project has been welcomed by city leaders, with area councillor Dawn ­Crichlow declaring Imperial City would be the jewel in Southport’s development crown. “This is one of a range of Southport developments before the council at the moment and the number, as well as the size of this project, are a real show of faith,” she said.
"Southport MP and Assistant Planning Minister Rob Molhoek said he was “incredibly excited” by the proposal. “There are more than 17 major development approvals in line for Southport right now which is a testament to the fact that the CBD is on its way back to its former glory,” he said
“If this gets approved and built it would be a symbol of everything we are trying to achieve right now.”
That pretty much sums it up. This latest monument to a developer’s ego is seen on the Gold Coast as “a symbol of everything we are trying to achieve”.
Presumably Molhoek and Crichlow like oversupply and falling property values. The mentality of civic leaders and business people on the Gold Coast never seems to change. The place lurches from boom to bust, relentlessly and repeatedly, because this is how they think. They see the Gold Coast as a theme park for foreign tourists and property speculators, rather than as a city with families who needs services and jobs. If it reaches for the sky, it has to be good.
Just when the Gold Coast has soaked up its surplus of apartments, a process that took five agonising years, its developers and politicians are sowing the seeds of the next calamitous glut. The Imperial City monstrosity is one of many mega proposals for the glitter strip. New ones are announced weekly.
If you must buy on the Gold Coast, avoid the highrise. Buy houses in an inland suburb.
These are the areas of the Gold Coast market that really stand out in the research I’ve just completed for The Price Predictor Index. 
Rising markets include <a href="/news">Nerang</a>, <a href="/news">Mudgeeraba</a>, <a href="/news">Coombabah</a>, <a href="/news">Arundel</a>, <a href="/news">Ashmore</a>, <a href="/news">Carrara</a>, <a href="/news">Coomera </a>and <a href="/news">Varsity Lakes</a> – all housing markets inland, away from the skyscraper insanity.
Lest you forget, the latest edition of the REIQ’s quarterly report reminds us that if you bought the typical Surfers Paradise apartment five years ago, it’s still worth 10% less than you paid back then.
You can contact Terry via   <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.
Photo courtesy of Syed Abdul Khaliq/Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Gold Coast enters growth phase, but is it really a good place to invest?

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In Coolangatta, the construction of a $85 million 25-level residential tower and will total 28 new apartments, with 10 offered to the Australian market, will soon be complete.
The development, <a href="https://sanbano.com.au/" target="_blank">Sanbano Coolangatta</a>, has its marketeers calling it the "Palazzo Versace of the southern Gold Coast" and will come with an appropriately hefty price tag – a minimum $2.72 million for a whole floor apartment.
The development, from Marine Parade Holdings - a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese-based Sanbano Group - includes a putting green, concierge service, private residents’ dining room, Club Lounge and fully furnished apartments.
They have also been creating <a href="/news/sanbano-southport-tower-to-rise-51-storeys-over-gold-coast">a $100 million called Sanbano Southport</a>.
CBRE residential sales manager, Chris Liftin, said that the developer wanted to complete the building before offering it for sale.
“The developer took the view that prospective buyers should be able to see more than a brochure so he elected to build the development before embarking on a marketing campaign and produced a fully furnished display apartment on level eight so people could see what they were getting,” said Litfin.
“Sanbano is so exclusive and such a rare opportunity that we are taking bookings for people to view the display apartment and experience first hand the views on offer.”
It is on 1,006 square metres that includes views of Coolangatta Beach, the Pacific Ocean and up to the Surfers Paradise skyline.
Views form level 13:
<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/2014/06/23/1.jpg" alt="">
<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/2014/06/23/3.jpg" alt="">
<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/2014/06/23/6.jpg" alt="">
<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/2014/06/23/5.jpg" alt="">
<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/2014/06/23/4.jpg" alt="">
The apartments will include luxury furniture packages and high end finishes.
The apartments are 316 square metres over an entire floor. They have three bedrooms, three bathrooms and additional media rooms, with each bedroom having an ensuite.
Within the development, other apartments range from 110 square metres for two-bedrooms, to 175 square metre two-bedroom, two-bathroom offerings that will potentially be sold at a later date.
DBI Architects designed the building, with furniture and fittings from The Interior Space.
Note: This article has been amended. It originally incorrectly stated that construction was about to begin, not finish.
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Chinese developer creates the "Palazzo Versace of the southern Gold Coast"

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The Gold Coast is set to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which will see a surge in infrastructure and investment spend. Such is the spend that it <a href="/news/qld/gold-coast-property-recovery-tipped-from-2015-as-house-prices-bounce-back-but-unit-prices-slip-to-lowest-in-a-decade-prodap-report">has had reports predicting a house price bounce since 2013</a>.
The spend, however, also includes a $55 million outlay on a velodrome.
This one is to be designed by Brisbane-based Cox Rayner architect, a project that Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney announced would keep dollars in the local economy.
“The design and construction of these facilities will provide a lasting legacy for Queenslanders to enjoy long after the Games is over, proving that we have a strong plan for a brighter future for the State,” said Seeney.
“The Games will inject an estimated $2 billion into our economy and create up to 30,000 full time equivalent jobs.”
It is to be built at the Sleeman Sports Complex near the SuperX BMX track, with the aims of making the area a “cycling mecca”.
<img src="/images/2014/06/18/gold-coast-june-18-two.jpg" alt="">
Cox Rayner Architects submitted plans and scored highly due to capability, experience, comparative cost and knowledge of the sports complex.
“The firm’s winning design capitalises on south-east Queensland’s sub-tropical climate and conservation surrounds,” he said.
“Its streamlined roof design will overcome the weather limitations of the existing outdoor velodrome, which was built for the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.”
A timber track will also be built, where the previous velodrome’s was concrete.
<img src="/images/2014/06/18/gold-coast-june-18-three.jpg" alt="">
In total 17 new and refurbished venues are expected for the games, with the Velodrome to be one of two in Brisbane. Belmont Shooting Range will also be in Brisbane.
The velodrome will include a café and improved green spaces.
The <a href="/expert-insights/buying/gold-coast-commonwealth-games-village-urban-renewal-project-underway">Gold Coast's Games Village urban renewal project is already underway</a>.
It remains to be seen <a href="/expert-insights/investing/gold-coast-to-ride-wave-of-commonwealth-games-momentum">whether the Gold Coast will ride the wave of the games' momentum</a>.
Images supplied.
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Gold Coast aiming to become new "cycling mecca" with $55 million velodrome development

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After a marketing push into Asia, it appears that offshore buyers are interested in Surfers Paradise properties, with Ray White Surfers Paradise noting a total of 202 transactions to Asian buyers in the past 12 months.
Property Observer clarified the nature of the Asian buyers and was told this included 80% offshore and 20% with residency, or around 162 offshore sales.
CEO of Ray White Surfers Paradise, Andrew Bell, said that the sales data points to a focus from these buyers on the central and northern end of the Gold Coast, particularly Southport. He also noted that there was a favouring of development stock, beachside apartments and homes in the areas of Arundel and Labrador.
“The prospect of a Chinatown precinct, and the area’s proximity to Griffith University are huge ticks for Southport in the eyes of Asian investors,” said Bell.
“Another big plus for <a href="/news">Southport</a> is the impending start to light rail service, connecting it with the huge Griffith University and hospital precinct and key locations like <a href="/news">Surfers Paradise</a> and <a href="/news">Broadbeach</a>.”
However, there’s no one motivation behind the purchases – just as there’s no one motivation behind Australian purchases. Holiday homes, accommodation for their children studying at university, for capital growth or for investment return, there are numerous reasons, explained Bell.
“We are the second most visited destination in Australia after Sydney by this demographic and this fact continues to inform and intensify our international marketing efforts,” he said. Their current strategy, which began six years ago, focuses on China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, where they have offices.
Many Ray White staff also travel to these countries to build their databases of buyers, including Bell himself.
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Strong offshore transactions noted on Gold Coast: Ray White 

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A penthouse spanning levels 25 and 26 of the Aria highrise in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast has had its asking price reduced to $3.5 million.
<a href="https://robastbury.com.au/projects/2501-aria/" target="_blank">It has been on the market</a> since April last year.
The penthouse, which features 270 degree views of the Gold Coast beach, skyline and hinterland, was initially listed with $4.2 million hopes through Ray White Broadbeach agents Aydan Mullin and Rob Astbury, who left behind a career in television for real estate.
Its asking price was reduced from $3.85 million to $3.5 million last month.
The north facing 580 square metre, including a roof top balcony with private swimming pool and sauna.
The penthouse features four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Astbury has advised potential buyers the penthouse had been empty for 85% over the years.
It comes with floor to ceiling glass windows that envelop the open plan living and dining areas, with an eight to ten metre high ceiling in the atrium, allowing  natural light to filter through the apartment.
The bathrooms feature Italian Black Vein Marble tiles.
The penthouse has a 15 metre lap pool.
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Aria, Broadbeach penthouse price reduction

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Rayjon Group has been given full council approval for a $200 million apartment project in the Gold Coast suburb of Benowa yesterday, readying themselves to start building.
The 357 apartment, six-building development site is called Vantage Royal Pines, or more familiarly as Vantage, and sits on a 2.4 hectare site, near Ross Street and Ashmore Road junction.
Along with Coles, Rayjon has been contributing 3,500 square metres of land to assist the state government with upgrading this section of the roads. Coles received a DA for a supermarket on the parcel of land adjoining this site. Coles has been a presence previously in Rayjon developments.
According to The Gold Coast Bulletin, the development saw 600 objections, which saw some discussion around traffic and the extra burden.
The apartments will include two- and three-bedroom properties, an extensive central green space and a recreation hub for residents – including pool, gym, media rooms and barbecue facilities.
Vantage Royal Pines will include a range of two and three-bedroom apartments as well as an extensive central green space and recreation hub for residents including pool, gym, community/media rooms and barbecue facilities.
Golf course and hinterland views will be available from some of the apartments.
However, this site is just part of the land parcel that the development company owns, having bought in 2006, explains managing director of Rayjon Group, John Hembrow.
 “We are delighted with the approval and as a company we are in a position to push ahead with Vantage immediately,” Hembrow said.
“We intend to undertake site works and commence marketing this year to create what we believe will be a wonderful asset for the area.”
The development will be staged and constructed in relation to market demand, he explained.
The Royal Pines precinct is also seeing RACV transforming the Royal Pines Resort Hotel and Spa, and the Royal Pines Golf Course is undergoing an extensive upgrade, as well as Metricon Stadium.
Much of this is being driven by the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Currently, <a href="/news">Benowa</a>'s median unit price is $490,000 with a median advertised weekly rent at $470. Days on market have been steadily falling.
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