Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

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Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

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Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

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The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

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The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Hotel

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The Redesdale Hotel in central Victoria is on the market with a price of $850,000 plus GST.
It has been offered by Dominic Romeo from <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-redesdale-502918374" target="_blank">Jellis Craig</a> Macedon Ranges.
Situated on 9,020 square metres, the property includes a two-bedroom cottage, bluestone dairy and magnificent bluestone stables.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/27/REDESDALE%202.jpg" alt="">
Built in the 1850s, it is a landmark historical blue stone hotel which operated as a Cobb &amp; Co coach changing station. 
Redesdale is just over an hour out of Melbourne and is situated in the award-winning Heathcote wine region and close to the Macedon Ranges. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Historic 1850s Redesdale Hotel in Heathcote wine region listed 

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The Birdsville Hotel, one of the most well-known tourism pubs in Australia, is back on the market.
Offers for the hotel, built in 1884, are sought by September 20.
One of Queensland's most famous watering holes, the Birdsville Hotel has survived floods, heat waves and fire, set at the edge of the Simpson Desert.
Birdsville was settled by pioneers in the early 1860s and in the 1880s the hotel became the central meeting place for town residents, nearby station owners and their thirsty cattle drovers. 
The sale will include the hotel and its 27 rooms motel accommodation.
It will also include the liquor licence, goodwill, intellectual property, business name, plant and equipment and stock in trade.
There are two detached residences, an industrial block and an aviation fuel supply business operated by the current hotel owners on offer.
The sale campaign is being managed by Russell Iles and Guy Bennett of Knight Frank, in conjunction with Darren Steele of Steele &amp; Associates Hotel Brokers. 
The current owners bought the hotel in 1980.
The hotel manager Ben Fullagar suggested there had been "a huge amount of work over 38 years to build the brand and totally rebuild the entire premises."
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The town of Birdsville is located in outback Queensland, on the edge of the Simpson Desert 1,600 kilometres from Brisbane.
The Birdsville Hotel is well regarded outback tourism destination having won tourism awards including Queensland's best outback pub for three consecutive years.
Its annual races are in a fortnight's time, run on the first Saturday in September.
It attracts thousands of visitors during school holidays and mild winter months. 
The boozy Birdsville image annoys many locals, especially the heroines of the outback. 
Mr Steele said he expected the iconic hotel offering to be highly sought after by buyers from around Australia, as well as internationally.
“It’s a true Aussie icon, and one that many people around the world have heard of, so we anticipate there will be interest from investors and those looking to own and operate their own hotel in Birdsville."
The tourism sector in Queensland is strengthening, with international visitors up by 5.5% and domestic visitors up by 2.6%, with spending around 6% more in the year ending March 2018, according to Tourism &amp; Events Queensland.
Birdsville is accessible by road as well as a sealed airstrip adjacent within walking distance from the hotel. 
Light planes ceased to park in front of the hotel in 1964 because fences and street lights had been erected.
The hotel was on the market in 2007 as well but reported offers of up to $5 million were not enough to make the Fort family, the long time owner, part with the Birdsville property.
Knight Frank’s Guy Bennett told the local paper that what was on offer now was a “very different proposition” to 2007.
It was former Adelaide builder Kym Fort who took over the hotel when it was a fire-ravaged shell with its only working part a makeshift public bar.
He used his construction skills to restore one of Australia's most famous pubs which he co-owned with four silent partners.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Time gentlemen please! The Birdsville Hotel seeks new publican after 38 years

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Melbourne’s hidden gem Bennetts Lane is set to get a new hotel.
The local developer Aust Global Investment commissioned Breathe and Plus Architecture on the boutique project.
The project will feature 44 rooms across 13 levels in a building that channels the art deco glamour of the former Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, which closed this year to make way for an apartment development.
Breathe Architecture director Jeremy McLeod said some inspiration came from Paramount House Hotel, where the operator added unusual touches like a beer tap at reception.
Aust Global Investment founder Lionel Shi said the vision was to bring a truly unique Melbourne experience to guests and the appointment of local design firms, as well as a local hotel operator, would be key to this.
“Appointing local designers and finding a local operator who not only understands Melbourne’s laneway culture but can also help curate the hotel’s jazz-inspired theme, are critical elements in delivering the hotel vision,” said Shi.
Its brick façade will rise five levels and will be topped by an integrated nine-level shimmering glass structure, punctuated by greenery at its base.
The two penthouses have been set back on the upper levels, to minimise the hotel’s perceived height while providing additional outdoor spaces for guests.
It is expected to commence construction in early 2019, and open in mid-2020.
The expressions of interest campaign for hotel operators closes in mid-September.
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New hotel set to jazz-up Melbourne’s Bennetts Lane

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Developer Aust Global Investment (AGI) is set to deliver a new hotel within Bennetts Lane, with the boutique project designed via a collaborative partnership between Breathe Architecture and Plus Architecture.

The 14-storey hotel will feature 44 compact but cleverly-designed rooms, inspired by the Art Deco glamour of the former Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, which closed this year to make way for an apartment development. 

Plus Architecture's design for the hotel's exterior will activate Bennetts Lane with a reception and café area on the ground floor spilling out onto the laneway.

Its brick façade will rise five levels with a nine-level glazed structure rising above. A break between the two blocks provides the design with a legible podium and tower identity in addition to areas of greenery.

Two larger penthouse suites on the upper levels which provide guests with long stay accommodation options, have been set back to minimise the hotel’s perceived height while providing additional outdoor spaces.

In line with Breathe’s philosophy to use locally-sourced furnishings, Bennetts Lane will prioritise the use of local fittings and finishes.

<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/bennetts_lane_hotel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bennetts_lane_hotel.jpg?itok=ZlfzPqP_" title="The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments</figcaption></figure>AGI is currently seeking a Melbourne hospitality guru to operate the Bennetts Lane hotel which will also feature a basement speakeasy via an expressions of interest campaign which closes in mid-September.

Breathe and Plus will work closely with the successful operator to ensure their collective vision for the hotel is realised. Early design work suggests a reimagined hotel experience, in contrast to the five-star chains popping up around the city.

According to AGI, its vision to bring a truly unique Melbourne experience to guests was the key driver behind the appointment of local design firms, as well as its pursuit of a local hotel operator.

Construction on the Bennetts Lane hotel is expected to commence in early 2019, and open in mid-2020.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Boutique hotel operation is the natural next step for a lot of hospitality providers wanting to take their service and ethos to the next level – and the Bennetts Lane property offers an exceptional opportunity for a local operator to create a true Melbourne experience. 
Its initial design draws references from the jazz era, using moody and hard-wearing materials designed to age gracefully and curved forms that reference instruments. A stay at the hotel will feel like going backstage to experience a hidden part of Melbourne. - Jeremy McLeod, Director Breathe Architecture 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Bennetts Lane hotel will give guests a feel for the real Melbourne, not a generic hotel stay between over-starched bedsheets.

Appointing local designers and finding a local operator who not only understands Melbourne’s laneway culture but can also help curate the hotel’s jazz-inspired theme, are critical elements in delivering the hotel vision.

- Lionel Shi, Founder Aust Global Investment
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We really wanted to maintain the integrity of Melbourne’s laneway culture, so have ensured the hotel has a boutique sense of scale while activating Bennetts Lane on the ground planethrough the architectural design.

Bennetts Lane Jazz Club was a key reference and its influence is expressed in the brass, hand-folded features on the ground level façade, which are later referenced within the hotel.

- Ian Briggs, Director Plus Architecture
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Aust Global Investment seeks to breathe new life into Bennetts Lane

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Franzé Developments has proposed plans for the biggest new hotel project in the Geelong region for two decades.
The burgeoning expansion of one of Australia's fastest growing regional cities has been bolstered with Franzé Developments securing planning approval from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for its $150 million Geelong development – the largest mixed-use project in the region.
Located at 44 Ryrie Street within the Geelong Activity Centre Zone, the 2,700 square metre gateway site will comprise 1,000 square metres ground floor retail, 7,400 square metres office space, 24 residential apartments and a 180 bed hotel, all connected by a highly activated street level plane with public access.
In a coup for Geelong's hotel and tourism sector, global hotel operator The InterContinental Group signed a 20-year management agreement to operate the 180 bed hotel in late 2017. The $75 million Holiday Inn Hotel &amp; Suites in Australia and the largest new hotel project in the region in almost 20 years.
Paul Franzé, Founder and Managing Director of Franzé Developments says he is thrilled to receive approval for the gateway site as Geelong develops into the region's epicenter for retail, tourism and employment due to its strong population and economic growth.
"Our vision for the Ryrie Street site is to deliver a truly mixed-use project that responds to the Central Geelong Action Plan which will see Geelong evolve from its manufacturing roots to a city of culture and innovation.
Geelong is now one of Australia's fastest growing regional cities, with population expected to grow by more than 150,000 people in the next 20 years, and the urban environment and amenity needs to respond accordingly.
"Geelong has a diverse and strong economy with over 17,000 businesses and a highly skilled labour force. It continues to attract new residents and investment due to its livability and proximity to Melbourne, combined with increasing employment opportunities and affordability."
Architectus, the design studio behind 1 Bligh Street, Sydney and 383 La Trobe Street, Melbourne (in collaboration with architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel), has been appointed as the project design team, with Hansen Partnership managing the project's urban planning.
It is located on a prominent corner at the intersection of Ryrie and Fenwick Streets.
"The design of 44 Ryrie Street draws upon the history of both the city and the site. The materiality, rhythm and scaling of the buildings reference the iconic wool stores of Geelong, and the grain of the city's rich heritage fabric. Creating an active mixed use development that incorporates hotel, residences, office and a vibrant retail ground plane, the project stiches seamlessly into the adjacent cultural precinct and builds on the investment in the area to become a gateway to Geelong's city centre," says Matthew Smith, Managing Principal at Architectus.
The orientation of the site forms a 90 metre northern frontage to Ryrie Street with a physical split, creating a public thoroughfare linking Ryrie Street to Cuzens Place. 
Colliers International, in conjunction with MP Burke Commercial, is managing the leasing campaign for the 7,400 square metre office space across ten levels with a generous double-height lobby. The apartments are expected to start selling in October 2018.
The site, which was home to John Orchard Furniture and was previously an intercity bus depot, was purchased from John Orchard for $7 million in 2017.
Demolition is underway and construction is scheduled to commence in late 2018, with completion expected in mid 2020.
The Holiday Inn Hotel is scheduled to open in 2020 and will target the longer stay segment of the tourism market. The property will include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, swimming pool, gym, parking and 300 square metres of meeting facilities, including a function room for 250 people.
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$150 million Geelong gateway development gets the green light

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The Carr architectural practice has welcomed the completion of the United Places Botanic Gardens Hotel.
Marketed as an "intimate, highly considered hotel experience" the hotel opened recently at 157-159 Domain Road, South Yarra.
Room rates start at $650 per night.
It is the project of hoteliers Darren Rubinstien and Richard Rogers. 
The evelopment was where the former post office and newsagent were located.
With only 12 suites, United Places is marketed as set to become Melbourne's most exclusive hotel.
"The hotel’s exuberance comes from the carefully calibrated floor plans, surface integrity and a superlative level of execution,” noted Stephen Todd, Design Editor, Australian Financial Review.
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The property located at 159 Domain Road South Yarra last sold in October of 2010 for $3.175 million.
In 2014 it was reported VCAT had overturned the City Council refusal to grant a planning permit to 157-159 Domain Road.
It's 2012 initial planning application was made to the Melbourne City Council for a permit to demolish the existing building and construct a three-storey building accommodating a ground floor café/shop, first floor tavern and second floor restaurant.
A combined patron capacity of 650 was proposed.
The planning application also sought permission for the reduction of the Planning Scheme’s car parking requirement to zero and a waiver of the Planning Scheme’s loading and unloading requirement.
Its notice of the application saw 352 objections received, and plans substantially amended.
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Carr Architecture completes United Places Botanic Gardens Hotel

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The Whitsunday Islands will see IHG take over management of Hayman Island, rebranding it as Hayman Island, by InterContinental.
Hayman Island, by InterContinental will be an oasis at the northernmost point in the Whitsunday Islands.
It opens in 2019, following significant investment to refurbish the product. 
The 166-room hotel is on the 400-hectare island where Mulpha Australia Limited will offer a bespoke collection of homes for sale to those who want to own a piece of heaven on Hayman Island. 
Malaysia’s Mulpha Group told The Australian last month it was spending more than $100 million redeveloping its cyclone-ravaged Hayman Island, one of the poshest resorts.
Mulpha plans to redevelop the 400ha island as one of the most luxurious lifestyle resorts in Australia, introducing an exclusive private beach house, a range of new penthouse suites and four ­exclusive townhouse-style private residences for sale or rent.
Hayman Island’s houses have been designed by award-winning, Singapore-based architect Kerry Hill and fitted out by ­­Blainey North.
Mulpha can ­develop 21 houses on Hayman ­Island, and has completed four with butler’s pantries, private pools, four bedrooms and four ensuite bathrooms priced at about $10 million each.
The houses, to be completed next March, are about two minutes’ on a golf buggy from the resort.
The landmark agreement with Mulpha Australia Limited also sees IHG continue with a long-term agreement to manage both InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. 
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove was the first InterContinental Resort to open in Australia.
Under the new agreement, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove will enjoy a refurbishment that will see it continue its legacy as one of Queensland’s most prestigious hotels.
IHG currently has 47 hotels operating under four brands across Australasia: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express with a further 19 in the pipeline including Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels.
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Mulpha Australia to offer homes for sale on Hayman Island as InterContinental arrives

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One of Australia’s largest hotel portfolios will soon be placed on the market by AccorInvest.
The AccorInvest hotel portfolio is made up of 23 real estate assets and lease interests located across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth, together with several major regional cities.
JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group’s Craig Collins and Peter Harper are handling the sale.
The AccorInvest Australian Hotel Portfolio encompasses 17 real estate assets comprising 1,797 rooms of which four are branded as ibis hotels and the other 13 ibis Budget hotels. Notable assets include the ibis Hotel &amp; Apartments Melbourne, ibis Sydney Airport, ibis Budget Sydney Olympic Park and ibis Newcastle. 
The six lease interests include The COMO Mgallery by Sofitel in Melbourne, the Novotel, Mercure and ibis hotels in Brisbane and the Mercure and ibis hotels in Perth. A full overview of the Portfolio is provided overleaf.
All hotels within the Portfolio are currently operated by AccorHotels, Australia’s largest hotel management company, under hotel management agreements. 
“Never before has an offering of this nature been presented to the open market in Australia," Craig Collins, CEO Australasia, JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group, said.
"The pure scale of this portfolio and its diversity – in terms of location, market positioning and income profile - presents investors with an opportunity to immediately establish an unparalleled foothold in one of Asia Pacific’s most highly sought after hotel investment destinations.
“Economy hotels are a highly proven and successful hotel model in the Australian market.
"Their typically low operating costs and high level of profitability make them very attractive investments,” Collins added.
Peter Harper, Executive Vice President, JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group said the portfolio occupy a combined 54,500 square metres of land.
AccorInvest Australian Hotel Portfolio: 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Property
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Location
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Tenure
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
Rooms
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
15 Tay Street, Watson (pictured top)
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
ACT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Ground Lease
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
75
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Campbelltown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
3 Rennie Road, Campbelltown
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
72
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Casula Liverpool
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
437 Hume Highway, Casula
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
74
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Coffs Harbour
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
1A Mclean Street, Coffs Harbour
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
70
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Dubbo
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Victoria Street &amp; Newell Hwy, Dubbo
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
65
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Enfield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
626-628 Liverpool Road, Strathfield South
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
80
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Newcastle
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
3-5 Thomas Street, Wallsend
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
79
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget St Peters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
178 Princes Highway, St Peters
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
105
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Sydney Olympic Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
8 Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Ground Lease
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
156
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Wentworthville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
377-383 Great Western Highway, Wentworthville
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
102
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
ibis Newcastle
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
700 Hunter Street Newcastle West
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
97
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Sydney Airport Hotel
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
205 O'Riordan Street, Mascot
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Thornleigh
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
208-212 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
105
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Brisbane Airport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
18 Navigator Place, Hendra
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
93
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Dandenong
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
185-193 Princes Highway, Dandenong
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
71
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Fawkner
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
1399 Sydney Road, Fawkner, Victoria
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
103
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Melbourne Hotel &amp; Apartments
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
15-21 Therry Street, Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
250
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
The COMO Melbourne - Mgallery
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
630 Chapel Street, South Yarra
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
110
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Mercure Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
10 Irwin Street, Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
239
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
334 Murray Street, Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
192
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Novotel Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
200 Creek Street Brisbane City
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
296
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Brisbane and Mercure Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
16 Ann Street, Brisbane City
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
412
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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AccorInvest to sell Australian hotel portfolio

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In a first for Apartments.com.au, the subject of this article is a new Westin branded hotel not for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or even Perth. Instead, the Bates Smart-designed Westin will be developed in the Northern Territory's capital city Darwin.

Located right on the waterfront, the hotel has been designed to form important and meaningful connections between the city and the water, with the dual aim of enhancing the precinct and providing a gateway to the natural wonders of the Northern Territory beyond.

According to architects Bates Smart, the vision for the Westin Darwin Hotel is "the creation of an iconic tropical hotel that embodies the rich natural and cultural heritage of the location."

<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/m12069_n4_webview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Westin Darwin Hotel. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/m12069_n4_webview.jpg?itok=8dgdrN8d" title="The Westin Darwin Hotel. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Westin Darwin Hotel. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The design team studied the geographic story of the site, the historic context and the requirements of the climate, with the design response producing a curved form which references the layered histories of the waterfront. This embeds the hotel with a strong sense of place and a response to its context.

<blockquote>
The lower levels are inspired by the nearby rock formations and capture the spirit of the local landscape through the use of natural stone, complemented with lush landscaping and water features.

Areas for rest and reflection are aided by verandas and breeze ways which respond to the tropical environment, but also reference the heritage buildings within Darwin.

The upper levels of the hotel are inspired by tree canopies. Dark metal and timber screens create dappled patterns of light, but also provide valuable shading for the humid temperature.

Importantly, the design incorporates a seawall which is designed to protect the hotel from significant weather events and cyclonic wave activity, but that at the same time provides a generous pedestrian path and access to the waterfront for the local community.

- Bates Smart
</blockquote>

A garden restaurant and bar provides patrons with an authentic Northern Territory dining experience, supported by a rooftop garden accommodating additional restaurant facilities, and infinity pool providing expansive views over the waterfront. The hotel's rooftop can be accessed via a skywalk from Goyder Park.

Additionally, the hotel includes a diverse range of function and conference facilities with new spaces for events for Darwin locals and visitors.

High-quality materials and detailing have been provided throughout the interiors complemented by a neutral palette of soft tonal textured finishes which add a tactile quality to the spaces.

<blockquote>
Our intention is for the hotel to embody the spirit of Darwin, the land and nature and to create an identity that is uniquely connected to the Northern Territory.

- Cian Davis, Bates Smart Studio Director
</blockquote>

<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/m12069_n10_webview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westin Darwin Hotel will be located right on the waterfront. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/m12069_n10_webview.jpg?itok=KPl-tPVL" title="Westin Darwin Hotel will be located right on the waterfront. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Westin Darwin Hotel will be located right on the waterfront. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The design of the Westin Darwin Hotel will achieve the following:

<ul>
<li>Iconic tropical hotel that embodies the rich natural and cultural heritage of the location.</li>
	<li>Connects the city and the water, enhancing the waterfront precinct.</li>
	<li>A generous pedestrian path provides access to the waterfront for the local community.</li>
	<li>The design references the historic context and the requirements of the climate.</li>
	<li>The hotel offers tropical luxury with beautiful rooms and iconic dining offerings.</li>
	<li>A diverse range of function and conference facilities provides the people of Darwin with new spaces for events.</li>
</ul>
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Bates Smart designs new Westin for Australia's top end

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The Greek Orthodox Community NSW, owners of 1-11 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst/Paddington are sounding out the City of Sydney with hopes for a hotel conversion.
The church community has been long criticised for the mostly dormant premises over the past decade or so.
The initial hopes are for a six story hotel, which would sit behind its historic three storey facade.
The council has received a pre-development application approach.
The hotel would be welcomed by landlords who have nearby retail, the relatives of those hospitalised nearby, and attendees at events at the SCG.
<a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/1-11-oxford-street-paddington-nsw-2021-12206319" target="_blank">Two years leases</a>are being currently offered through Gunnings for the empty historic building which was once known as the Grand Pacific Blue Room
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/27/greek5.jpg" alt="">
It sits on one of Sydney's best known and busiest intersections, the point where Oxford Street meets South Dowling Street, Victoria Street and Barcom Avenue.
The precinct is known by locals as Three Saints Square, a five-way intersection on Oxford Street that covers two suburbs, Paddington and Darlinghurst and it is controlled by two councils, the City of Sydney and Woollahra Municipality.
The building included the former Academy Twin premises which operated between 1974 to 2010.
It reportedly opened with Roman Polanski's Macbeth and quickly became one of Sydney's best-loved arthouse cinemas.
It was closed by Palace Cinemas in June 2010 when it was unable to reach a new lease agreement with the building's owner, the Greek Orthodox Community of Sydney.
 
 
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