Construction is now underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a> in Carrara, with all stages fully funded as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> progresses its 59-residence gated community on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 100 hectares of natural savanna.

The commencement marks a key milestone for the Gold Coast project, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, at a time when buyers are placing greater emphasis on delivery certainty and builder track record.

With Devcon active in South East Queensland since 1993 and having delivered more than 1,000 homes, the team is positioning Cumulus as a fully financed, under-construction offering in a market where risk mitigation has become a central consideration for off-the-plan purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360496]

Located at 17 Baltimore Court, Cumulus Grand Villas comprises 59 three- and four-bedroom villas across four collections, Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview. Pricing starts from $1,455,000, with completion of the first stage targeted for Q4 2026.

Across the four collections, each design represents an expansive and thoughtfully considered offering. The Broadview provides additional flexibility within its floorplan, incorporating a multipurpose room or optional additional bedroom, and is priced from $1,895,000.&nbsp;

Configured across two levels, the four-bedroom villas feature two master bedrooms with private ensuites, as well as a multipurpose room (MPR), supporting intergenerational living, guest accommodation, or the creation of a dedicated retreat space.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360497]

The main living areas are positioned on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are located upstairs, a configuration that promotes both family separation and connected living. All villas include a second master suite on the ground floor, reinforcing the project’s focus on flexibility and long-term adaptability.

That adaptability was central to BDA Architecture’s design approach. The team sought to create a sophisticated, low-maintenance product that makes the most of the site’s elevation and outlook while responding to evolving household needs. Expansive glazing, open-plan interiors and private outdoor areas draw in natural light and frame views towards the savanna, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360470]

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting said the project responds to a growing group of buyers reassessing what premium living on the Gold Coast looks like.

Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors. The inclusion of dual master suites in the Broadview design, along with options for a downstairs MPR or guest bedroom, allows homes to adapt as family dynamics shift, whether accommodating older parents, adult children, or extended stays.

Across the community, villas are specified with European appliances and premium fixtures and fittings, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. The gated enclave includes number plate recognition entry, reinforcing a focus on security and exclusivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360474]

Lifestyle amenity is anchored by the Infinity Terrace, an elevated communal space incorporating a 20m heated pool, alfresco zones and barbecue facilities, designed as a shared retreat within the neighbourhood. A two-acre private nature reserve with walking trails and rehabilitated bushland further integrates the development with its savanna-edge setting, reflecting a broader masterplan initiative to restore native vegetation and habitat corridors.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a>’s positioning continues to attract attention from prestige buyers seeking proximity to the coast without beachfront pricing. The suburb offers access to major retail centres including Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, is around 15 minutes from Broadbeach, and benefits from connectivity via the M1 to Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airport.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

Joel Robinson

VentureCrowd’s Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara advances with construction underway

Joint venture partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> are officially launching the third and final residential stage at their landmark $350 million harbourfront precinct, Putney Wharf, with The Residences representing the final opportunity to secure a new home within this rare waterfront destination.

Strong demand has already been established across the earlier stages of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-residences-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a>, with more than 50 per cent sold ahead of this final release. The Residences will introduce a selection of the precinct’s most premium apartments, many of which were deliberately reserved for this concluding stage.

Located at 20 Waterview Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a> NSW, the completed precinct will comprise 67 residences, including 18 terraces and 49 apartments, alongside five retail tenancies and a 36-berth marina.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=1338]

Developed alongside partners Phoenix Property Investors and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Putney Wharf occupies a prized 300-metre stretch of absolute waterfront and incorporates the historic former Halvorsen’s Boatshed. The precinct connects directly to surrounding parklands via a landscaped foreshore walkway and a large, landscaped podium linking both sides of the development to the adjoining foreshore parklands.

The Residences comprise two newly built, three-storey apartment buildings delivering a boutique collection of 30 generously proportioned waterfront apartments. Designed to capture harbour outlooks, natural light and cooling breezes, The Residences balance architectural refinement with relaxed, low-maintenance living.

Architecturally designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the apartments continue the cohesive design language seen across the broader precinct. A refined palette of light and dark materials, softer-toned stone and neutral, earthy finishes reflect the surrounding landscape and harbour setting. Interiors feature painted timber veneers, tactile joinery, timber flooring to living spaces and 100 per cent natural wool carpets in bedrooms, creating warm and sophisticated homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362525]

Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said the release of the final residential stage marks an important milestone for the project.

“Putney Wharf brings together everything we’ve learned over more than 25 years of development,” Mr Brown said. “It respects the site’s extraordinary maritime history while delivering contemporary homes that connect people directly to the harbour.

The Residences offer the rare combination of low-maintenance apartment living, waterfront outlooks with beautiful sunset views, and the convenience of retail and amenity at your doorstep. For boating enthusiasts, the opportunity to secure a private marina berth completes a truly unique Sydney harbourfront lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291197]

PERIFA Managing Director and Co-Founder Fabrizio Perilli added that the diversity of housing across the precinct has been central to the project’s success.

“Whether it’s the heritage Halvorsen’s apartments, the Waterview Terraces or now The Residences, Putney Wharf offers a range of homes that respond to different lifestyles, all united by an unrivalled harbourfront setting,” Perilli said. “This is a precinct that will add lasting value to the Putney community.”

Managing project marketing and sales, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Partner Tim Rees said the final release has already attracted strong demand reflecting the project’s unique harbourfront position and the success of earlier stages.

“Following the strong response to both the Halvorsen’s Boatshed residences and the Waterview Terraces, The Residences represent the final chance to secure a new home within this tightly held waterfront precinct,” Rees said. “Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of absolute harbour frontage, parkside living and genuine architectural quality.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240]

Putney Wharf is a one-of-a-kind mixed-use destination, delivering an exclusive residential offering alongside waterfront dining, retail and a 36-berth marina designed to the latest Australian Standards, accommodating vessels up to 18 metres and helping address Sydney Harbour’s ongoing marina shortage.

The precinct will include five retail tenancies and a prominent waterfront jetty area fronting the retail village, creating an activated harbourfront destination for residents and visitors alike.

Residents will enjoy direct access to lush harbourfront parklands, a public foreshore walkway and landscaped podium gardens connecting the development to the surrounding waterfront reserve. Construction across the Putney Wharf precinct is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.

Sales of The Residences officially launch this weekend, with the display suite open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Putney Wharf. Visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary coffee while touring The Residences and experiencing the Putney Wharf lifestyle firsthand.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Final Harbourfront release in Putney Wharf launches this weekend

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.

Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.

For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.

“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.

“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]

That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.

Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.

Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.

At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]

In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.

Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.

Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.

Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.

Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]

Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.

Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.

Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.

In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.

The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb

“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.

"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."

Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.

Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.

Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.

"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.

"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."

The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.

“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.

"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."

Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

Investa

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Investa’s Barrack Place, a future-proofed office designed to maximise occupant health and wellbeing, has taken home New South Wales’ top property award. 
Investa and Oxford Properties were presented with the Rider Levett Bucknall NSW Development of the Year award.
Located at 151 Clarence Street, and strategically placed between Martin Place and Sydney’s Western Corridor, Investa’s Barrack Place is an A-grade commercial office tower completed in 2018.
“Investa has transformed an uninspiring 1960s concrete tower into an exceptional office building that embodies the future of work – innovative, collaborative and connected,” says the Property Council’s Acting NSW Executive Director, Belinda Ngo.
Designed by Architectus, the 23-storey building combines modern design with a heritage feel. 
Featuring a contemporary glass tower atop a masonry podium façade, its fine grain ground-floor network of laneways creates an active thoroughfare between Clarence and Kent streets. 
With abundant natural light and views across the city, Investa’s Barrack Place boasts a 6 Star Green Star rating for completed construction. 
It also features Australia’s first WELL Core-and-Shell Gold pre-certification, recognising a building design that contributes to occupant health and wellbeing. 
“Investa’s Barrack Place incorporates forward-thinking wellness attributes that are increasingly demanded by global corporates to attract and retain top talent,” says RLB’s Managing Director, Matthew Harris.
“Among the impressive initiatives are Australia’s first operational smart building digital twin, Bluetooth smart-phone entry, exceptional end-of-trip facilities, advanced air filtration and multiple green spaces.”
The RLB NSW Development of the Year award is part of the 2020 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards program. RLB has partnered with the Property Council to present the awards program since its inception in 1982.
Eligible projects were judged on strict criteria, had to be complete in the previous five years, and operating for at least one year as at 31 December 2019. 
Investa’s Barrack Place is now competing in two categories – for the Colliers International Award for best office development and best sustainable development for a new building – at the national awards, which will be held in virtually on Thursday 22 October. 
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Investa’s Barrack Place takes out NSW’s top property prize

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Investa, a commercial real estate management and development service provider, announced the release of its new ‘insite’ tenant experience app at Sixty Martin Place, Sydney. 
The single system interfacing app integrates building services, operations, amenities and content.
The building, which curves over the top of the historic interwar-era St Stephens Church, was built in conjunction with a <a href="/expert-insights/investing/1-billion-curved-skyscraper-completed-in-martin-place">'digital twin'</a> that allows for such data to be sourced.
The app enables users to access the building, call the destination-controlled lifts, book lockers and access the car park from their smart device. 
“Our objective in developing the insite app is to deliver a better, more integrated occupant experience, tailored to the unique needs of Investa and our owners,” said Sally Franklin, Group Executive, Real Estate Services &amp; Business Operations. 
“Investa has collaborated with Willow on several market leading digital innovations in recent years, including the early implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM), to launching Australia’s first digital twin in an operating building at Investa’s 567 Collins Street in Melbourne."
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Investa announce 'insite' app for 60 Martin Place tenants

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Australian Unity's trio of major projects across Sydney and Melbourne have all reached interesting junctures of late.

After the Sydney Central City Planning Panel granted Australian Unity the right to develop a new office complex on Parramatta's Valentine Avenue, the project has re-entered planning with City of Parramatta in the last week, sporting a number of design enhancements.

Architect in charge Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest design iteration sees a modest overall height increase, additional vehicle and motorbike parking, an additional lift, revised floor to ceiling heights, revised internal layout over certain levels and an enhanced facade over the tower's podium.

<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/image19_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest version of Australian unity Parramatta"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="258" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_20.jpg?itok=gBQXo7Ct" title="Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest version of Australian unity Parramatta" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest version of Australian unity Parramatta</figcaption></figure>The existing 5 level par park across 10 Valentine Avenue will be amalgamated into the development, with a revised car park 'veil' facade part of the updated planning set. 

Australian Unity's Valentine Avenue tenancy amounts to 8,515 square metres of Net Leasable Area.

Meanwhile, work has progressed rapidly on Australian Unity's new headquarters at 271 Spring Street at the top end of Melbourne's CBD. ISPT is developing the new $110 million office tower; the A Grade building will include 15,612 square metres upon completion, allowing Australian unity to expand their workforce.

The purpose-built tower is the work of John Wardle Architects with head contractor Probuild currently advancing the floorplates beyond the inverted podium, with the first facade panes now in place. "This project is aimed at delivering a building and head office solution that both resonates with the 175 year history of Australian Unity while providing a contemporary and productive environment for its planned CBD operations."

Australian Unity has taken a 15-year lease term over the entirety of 271 Spring Street which is due for completion in mid-2019.

<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/image15_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street; render and construction progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="306" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_14.jpg?itok=J_ygitn1" title="271 Spring Street; render and construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street; render and construction progress</figcaption></figure>In South Melbourne, Australian Unity's Albert Road development is coming together, with a new tower at 126-130 Albert Road approaching structural completion at the hand of builder Watpac.

The retirement living tower spans 18 levels and includes 79 purpose designed apartments and communal facilities. Upon the completion of Australian Unity's new headquarters on Spring Street, their existing head office at 114 Albert Road, and adjoining 126-130 Albert Road, will be converted to accommodate further retirement living apartments.

The above and other projects have been financed by Australian Unity's multiple capital raising campaigns that have successfully funded a variety of projects in recent years.
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Australian Unity's Sydney and Melbourne projects in focus

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Brisbane City Council has executed a quick turnaround on a major planning application in order to provide one of Brisbane's largest commercial office developments with the green light.

Project partners Investa and Charter Hall submitted the sizeable planning application earlier this year. Council has in turn granted the hulking 205 metre commercial office tower with approval a little over a week ago, subject to a raft of minor conditions.

Simply known as 360 Queen Street, the development will account for a quartet of low and medium-rise dated commercial buildings in the heart of Brisbane's CBD. In a relatively swift process, Investa and Charter Hall only secured all buildings across the 2,147 square metre site during June 2017 for $53.75 million.

<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/image61_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Image: 360queen.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="835" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image61_2.jpg?itok=9jw97liB" title="Hero perspective. Image: 360queen.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Image: 360queen.com.au</figcaption></figure>360-380 Queen Street is located in Brisbane's ‘Golden Triangle’ which home to a high concentration of financial institutions. Valued at $650 million, the co-owners task of securing a major tenant for the tower which includes 50,000 square metres of A-Grade office space will be bolstered by the recent approval.

The Blight Rayner-designed project includes a new public pedestrian thoroughfare which will link Queen Street to Giffin Lane and Ely Lane, and was to have been lined by retail tenancies. Final plans for the development have dropped the retail aspect in favour for food and retail, or hotel uses.

Additionally, an amphitheatre, underground supermarket, childcare centre, business lounge and various other entertainment/dining options will assist in drawing the public to the area.

A vertical green wall will mask the adjoining property boundary, whilst a 'suspended' green zone will feature mid podium. Thereafter three separate green spaces will break the tower's form at levels 13, 28 and 40, in addition to a vertical chasm that will add extra greenery externally. 

360 Queen Street will target a 5 Star Green Star Design rating, 5 Star NABERS Energy rating, plus WELL Core and Shell Gold certification.

<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/image63_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="External terrace. Image: 360queen.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_7.jpg?itok=GTXGda8b" title="External terrace. Image: 360queen.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>External terrace. Image: 360queen.com.au</figcaption></figure>Leasing for the development is now active with CBRE appointed as the agent of choice. 360 Queen Street will enter the Brisbane commercial office market at an interesting juncture.

A Knight Frank report on the state of the Brisbane CBD office market dated April 2018 notes that total commercial vacancy is expected to fall from 16.2% at the start of 2018 to approximately 13.5% by the end of the year. Knight Frank assert that the Brisbane CBD office market will see little new stock over the course of 2018, although a number of major projects are in the pipeline.

The report identifies 12 separate commercial office developments slated for Brisbane's CBD that combined would add 300,000 plus square metres over and above existing stock. 360 Queen Street alongside Mirvac's 80 Ann Street and ISPT's The Regent development constitute the largest office developments in Brisbane CBD's pipeline.

According to the development partnership, construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2019, although overall approval and tenant pre-commitments are first required.

<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/image60_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the approved commercial tower. Image: 360queen.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_3.jpg?itok=xQZSzxBM" title="Aerial perspective of the approved commercial tower. Image: 360queen.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the approved commercial tower. Image: 360queen.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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Brisbane's 205m Queen Street commercial development gains approval

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In seeking to develop the future workplace for its staff, Investa, Australia's largest office manager, engaged project management company Montlaur to manage the delivery of its new head office in Sydney based on a design prepared by HASSELL.

Located at 420 George Street, the subsequent transformation, completed in January 2018, has seen Investa consolidate its workforce onto a single level and shift to an agile workplace.

This has provided the staff with greater flexibility and variety in their working environment, as they are encouraged to move around the office and work where they are most productive. Instead of having just one desk, the team are provided with a variety of desks and workstations in addition to collaborative areas, or quiet zones for individual work.

<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/p1120120_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Investa's staff are encouraged to work where they are most flexible. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p1120120_1.jpg?itok=Wv2VwpGr" title="Investa's staff are encouraged to work where they are most flexible. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Investa's staff are encouraged to work where they are most productive. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Over the last five to 10 years, we have seen huge changes in the contemporary workforce. The best organisations view their workplaces as strategic assets to help them compete. Investa recognised early on in the relocation process the opportunity to change the way its workplace was designed, to better align with its culture and support the way its people wanted to work and collaborate.

Before any architect can start designing, we really need to work out what the strategy is around the physical space, the technology and how people work. 

It’s important in this stage of the consultation that we aren’t steering anyone in a particular direction. Our job is to get to know the business and its people and present options soundly based on what they are trying to achieve as an organisation.

- Stuart Munro, Montlaur Change Director 
</blockquote>

Investa's workforce is mobile and technologically connected, spending considerable time out of the office, working between the company’s commercial properties and offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The company's previous premises didn’t reflect this type of work environment, instead, it provided a traditional desk-and-cubicles layout, inefficiently spread across two levels with the work being performed by teams who were isolated.

HASSELL and a technology consultant, POMT were engaged to design a workplace that reflected best-practice office design and would ensure Investa's staff remained motivated and productive.

The team conducted focus groups, interviews with leadership, an all-staff survey to analyse how the current workplace was performing and a utilisation study to assess how the workspace was being used. The results highlighted numerous opportunities.

The assessment presented the possibilities for activity-based working (ABW) and explored a hybrid option, combining two different styles. Montlaur was then engaged to develop a workplace strategy with Investa that would align its work environment with its business strategy and vision for the future, with a complete transformation roadmap created. 

<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/p1120131.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of the many different areas of Investa's new workplace. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p1120131.jpg?itok=MWXq4GS8" title="One of the many different areas of Investa's new workplace. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One of the many different areas of Investa's new workplace. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>According to Investa, the choice to move to agile working was fundamentally about providing everyone in the team more choice about how they approach their work environment and how it assists them in completing their daily tasks.

As part of the consultation process Montlaur also created a team of ‘change champions’ drawn from all levels of the company, who they collaborated with to create a series of videos and events to help the wider workforce understand why the business had chosen to work in a new way. 

These also highlighted the benefits provided by the central city location adjacent to Pitt Street Mall in the CBD and its proximity to retail, fitness and dining opportunities.

A launch event brought everyone together to learn about the new workplace and highlight how it would better meet the needs of staff, enabling a strong, positive culture to thrive.

<blockquote>
Montlaur were an integral part of our workplace transformation project from both a change management and project management perspective. They ensured our people were fully engaged with on the project and ready to transition to the new way of working. We were very pleased to have them on board.

- Sally Franklin, Group Executive, Real Estate Services and Business Operations, Investa
</blockquote>

For Investa, the entire relocation process was made easier by the fact that Montlaur is one of the few companies to offer change management and project management services under the one umbrella.

<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/p1120252.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Investa's new workplace designed by Hassell and managed by Montlaur. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p1120252.jpg?itok=JLBDE0cs" title="Investa's new workplace designed by Hassell and managed by Montlaur. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Investa's new workplace designed by HASSELL and managed by Montlaur. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Investa's new Sydney office highlights the value of workplace design

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A property play between Charter Hall and Investa that began mid last year with the intentions of delivering a major office tower to Brisbane's CBD reached a milestone last week.

The development partnership announced that the planning approvals process for a Blight Rayner-designed commercial tower at 360-380 Queen Street has begun. During June 2017 the duo outlaid $53.75 million for three adjoining office buildings across a 2,147 square metre site for the purposes of a commercial office development.

The result is a 41 storey skyscraper that will reach 205 metres above ground, potentially becoming one of Brisbane's tallest towers.

360-380 Queen Street is located in Brisbane's ‘Golden Triangle’ which home to a high concentration of financial institutions. Valued at $650 million, the co-owners hope to add further to the precinct with 50,000 square metres of A-Grade office space slated for the development.

<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/image122_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="873" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image122_2.jpg?itok=MYzJGV6K" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Planning image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>The intended development will see a reworked ground plane, resulting in a highly permeable and accessible structure.

A new public pedestrian thoroughfare will link Queen Street to Giffin Lane and Ely Lane, and is set to be lined by retail tenancies. Additionally, an amphitheatre, supermarket, childcare centre, outdoor cinema and various other entertainment/dining options will assist in drawing the public to the area.

A vertical green wall will mask the adjoining property boundary, whilst a 'suspended' green zone will feature mid podium. Thereafter three separate green spaces will break the tower's form at levels 13, 28 and 40, in addition to a vertical chasm that will add extra greenery externally. 

All in all the tower is aiming to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Design rating, 5 Star NABERS Energy rating, plus WELL Core and Shell Gold certification.

<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/image124.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central viod doubles as a design feature. Planning image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image124.jpg?itok=DbffAxrG" title="Central viod doubles as a design feature. Planning image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Central viod doubles as a design feature. Planning image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
CPOF Fund Manager, Matthew Brown said: “This is a very exciting investment opportunity for both Charter Hall and Investa.

The joint venture development and ownership structure with ICPF diversifies risk with a credible institutional counter party and provides certainty of delivery.

Our combined office experience and expertise, will see us create a new generation, high quality building designed to support tenant customers’ requirements for collaborative workplaces, higher density and flexible occupancy along with the latest technology.
<cite>Matthew Brown: CPOF Fund Manager</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The 370 Queen Street development strongly supports ICPF’s ‘build to core’ strategy and reflects our commitment to investing in high quality, new office developments that deliver diversification for ICPF’s office portfolio.

A commitment of this scale also reflects our confidence in the underlying strength of the Brisbane CBD office market and we’re very pleased to reach this important DA milestone.
<cite>Jason Leong: ICPF Fund Manager</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Our in-house development team will deliver an office building of a standard not yet offered in the Brisbane market.

Targeting the highest level of sustainable design and building performance, it will provide extensive recreational and landscaped areas at podium level and throughout the tower, with higher density and technology enabled workplaces providing greater connectivity and flexibility for the future tenants of this progressive, new workplace community.
<cite>Andrew Borger: Charter Hall’s Head of Office Development</cite>
</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/image123_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground floor activation. Planning image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="311" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image123_0.jpg?itok=XicQuVxt" title="Ground floor activation. Planning image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground floor activation. Planning image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>According to the development partnership, construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2019, although overall approval and tenant pre-commitments are first required.
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Investa and Charter Hall eye Brisbane's Queen Street for a new commercial skyscraper

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Cromwell Property Group (ASX:CMW) has entered into an agreement to sell its entire stake in Investa Office Fund (ASX:IOF) for $4.65 per unit, effectively abandoning its $3 billion plan to buy the fund.
The agreed sale price was a premium to the IOF closing price of $4.50 on October 3, Cromwell said in an ASX announcement.
Cromwell Property Securities Limited as responsible entity for the Cromwell Diversified Property Trust purchased its 9.83% stake in IOF for $4.24 per unit on 12 April 2016. The stake sale also represents an annualised equity internal rate of return of 18%, it said.
Investa Property Group (Investa) approached Weightman late Tuesday offering to buy the stake for $4.65 a share. The offer gave Cromwell, which had reached a stalemate with IOF after failing to secure additional funding to raise its bid, a way out, The Australian Financial Review added.
Since the Australian sharemarket closed on Tuesday, Cromwell sold 60.37 million shares at $4.65 to ICPF, which already holds about 10 per cent, The Australian reported.
The $276 million trade equates to about 10 per cent of the stock and was handled by UBS and Rothschild. 
Last year, Cromwell had snapped up the IOF stake, knocking off Dexus Property Group’s $2.5 billion takeover bid for Investa ­Office Fund.
“The investment in IOF has been a profitable one for Cromwell,” said Cromwell chief executive Paul Weightman.
“We would have liked to have been able to complete a deal, but as I have said previously, it became obvious to us that a friendly transaction was unlikely to proceed, regardless of the price that we offered.”
“Upon careful consideration of all of our options, we have therefore decided that the best way forward for Cromwell securityholders is to realise the value in our investment.”
“We will continue to focus on delivering value to our securityholders through the different strategic initiatives that we are currently undertaking,” added Weightman.
The proceeds of the sale will be used to reduce gearing and for other general corporate purposes, Cromwell said.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Cromwell sells stake in Investa Office Fund

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Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF) recently unveiled a major foyer upgrade of its A Grade, 16-level office building at 259 Queen Street in Brisbane’s CBD at a well-attended event.
Designed by Cox Architecture, the upgraded foyer integrates the building sympathetically with the heritage façade of the adjacent General Post Office (GPO) via a glass canopy, creating a modern, light-filled entrance, said a media release. 
The foyer to the flagship building in Brisbane’s Golden Triangle now also includes direct access to a 70 seat café, a concierge and lifts.
NAB is set to relocate 650 employees to the building in August 2017. It has a 10-year lease for more than 8,000 sqm of space over two levels.
The building at 259 Queen Street comprises more than 24,780 sqm of net lettable area. It has a 5-Star NABERS Energy rating. 
Investa also plans to improve 259 Queen Street’s end-of-trip facilities for better tenant health and well-being.
The proposed new facilities will include 150 bicycle spaces, 200 lockers and upgraded change rooms. Value-add services include a towel service, bike servicing, drying room and dry cleaning.
ICPF fund manager Jason Leong said the integration with the adjacent GPO provides “vital connectivity to the retail and food outlets of the Golden Triangle and Eagle Street Pier”. 
Guests included Investa’s CEO Jonathan Callaghan, ICPF fund manager Jason Leong and other key stakeholders, including incoming anchor tenant NAB and other Federal and State Government tenants. 
<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/2017/06/19/Investa259Execs.jpg" alt="">
Among the attendees were (from left to right above) Jason Leong, ICPF Fund Manager and Group Executive, Investa, John Blackburn, Rubicon Red, Christine O’Hara, general manager, Brisbane CBD Portfolio, Investa, Travis Green, general manager, Brisbane IOF Portfolio, Investa, Jonathan Callaghan, CEO, Investa  
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Investa unveils major foyer makeover at its Brisbane Queen Street building

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A major construction milestone has been reached at Investa Office Fund’s new commercial office development, located at 151 Clarence Street in Sydney’s CBD.
The Barrack Place project will see a total of 40,000 cubic metres of concrete used and will generate a total of 2,000 jobs. It is being developed in collaboration with contractor Built, who are conducting the first concrete pour on the 18-level tower.
The concrete pour marks the end of a 12 month excavation process, which saw the existing B-Grade building on-site demolished. The next stages of the construction will see concrete pours for the footings, slabs and lift-cores, followed by floor by floor structures.
“Barrack Place will deliver something new to the Sydney CBD office market and will provide an important connection to Martin Place through to the Western Corridor,” remarked Mark Tait, group executive and head of commercial development, Investa.
“The open courtyard through site-link and retail precinct offering is set to create a new city destination. It will also complete at a time when the CBD market is lacking brand new quality office stock, so we expect tenant demand to continue to be strong,” he said.
Designed by Architectus, Barrack Place will deliver a 22,000 square metre workplace to the Sydney CBD. Its design places flexibility at its core, aiming to cater for open-plan offices and dynamic workspaces, which are complemented with smart building technology.
“Barrack Place has provided us with the opportunity to demonstrate the future of construction showcasing new levels of Building Information Modelling,” added Brett Mason, managing director, Built.
“We have worked closely with the project team to develop a highly detailed virtual model that goes beyond 3D modelling, to 6D modelling that links programme, cost control and facilities management modules,” he said. 
“This allows us to steer the most efficient construction process with one source of truth, removing cost, co-ordination and duplication inefficiencies. The model will also continue to inform the ongoing performance and optimisation of the building long after project completion.”
Engineering group Arup has already pre-committed to 35 per cent of Barrack Place on the podium levels from Level 1 to 6, and discussions continue with prospective tenants in the marketplace.
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Investa commences concrete pour at 151 Clarence Street 

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Investa Office Management (Investa) will pursue a net zero emissions target by 2040 across its $10 billion office portfolio and business operations.
It was part of its comprehensive carbon strategy launched this week.
As the first Australian property company to announce a Science Based Target, Investa aims to maintain its leadership position by tracking its performance against this globally recognised framework.
The Science Based Target initiative is a robust, globally recognised framework referencing the climate science requiring the world to limit global warming to 2 degrees above pre industrial levels.
This is in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Nina James, general manager for corporate sustainability at Investa said Investa’s carbon reduction strategy charts a course to a net zero emissions profile by 2040.
"The strategy was formed via extensive collaboration with industry experts and staff and outlines Investa’s roadmap to achieving the target.”
Sighting global capital decarbonisation movements and an increasingly environmentally aware investment community, Investa has endorsed the ambitious plan to reduce emissions across the portfolio.
It references the influential Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council’s report, “Low Carbon, High Performance”, which advocates that the Australian property industry can achieve a net zero position by 2050 using current technologies.
"Having achieved a 56% reduction in emissions intensity since 2004, this Science Based Target will ensure we maintain our leadership position and set the pace for a low carbon future in office management," James said.
As part of the strategy, Investa is taking responsibility for its corporate value chain emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and 3), working towards a ‘whole-of-building-whole-of-life’ approach, that will see the progressive expansion of the net-zero target boundary in line with the Science Based Target review process.
Electricity and gas within Investa properties accounts for 99.6% of the greenhouse gas emissions across the Investa managed properties.
A net zero-carbon future will therefore address the carbon impact of Investa’s buildings in three key areas;
1. How the building is operated – Continual improvement in the operational performance of Investa’s buildings;
2. How the building is designed and constructed – With a focus on changing the building envelope to deliver further energy and emissions savings; and
3. How the building is powered – Sourcing zero-carbon options for residual power requirements.
The ‘whole-of-building-whole-of-life’ approach also includes measures relating to tenants, embodied carbon and occupant well-being within the performance management and reporting boundary, providing a holistic picture of performance.
"By pursuing these emission reduction actions, we believe we can change the conversation to include whole of building thinking, resulting in a change in the criteria by which leading performance is measured and showing the real benefits of Investa’s approach to upgrading and re- positioning existing buildings," James said.
Investa CEO Jonathan Callaghan said to continue to attract investment, Investa must position itself not only as a viable, but responsible investment option.
"A leader in this space, able to demonstrate a clear point of difference and capability in this sector."
"Sustainability leadership will help ensure we maintain access to shifting global capital flows, grow asset revenues, valuations and returns for current investors and support Investa’s overarching vision to be the clear market leader in Australian office.”
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