Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Joel Robinson

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

National apartment developer Abadeen has topped out its debut Gold Coast apartment project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea Palm Beach</a>.

Buyers will move into the $120 million development in early 2026, with builder Emicon now focusing its attention towards the fitout stage of the apartments.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>’s Executive Chairman and Founder, Justin Brown, said topping out at Villea represented an exciting step forward for the company’s national growth and the delivery of a benchmark coastal development.

“Villea Palm Beach represents everything Abadeen stands for — design-led living, premium quality, and the convenience we are bringing for residents to feel part of a perfect beachside community," Brown said.

"It is a particularly special project for us, being our first with spectacular ocean views, just metres from the water and with the addition of ground-floor retail. To reach the top floor is a proud moment, and I am incredibly proud of the Abadeen and Emicon teams for the way they are bringing this project to life for future residents.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336444]

Pierre Saab, Director of builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/emicon">Emicon</a>, said topping out was an exciting milestone and the team is now focused on interiors and detailing.

“This is a fantastic milestone to reach. With the final roof pour complete, we’ve moved into the fit-out stage where the detailing will truly bring Villea to life,"&nbsp;Saab said.

"Standing on the top floor, the team was struck by the stunning 180-degree views of the ocean and all that <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> has to offer — a daily reminder of the exceptional lifestyle this project will deliver.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

Nick Clydsdale, Director of SRQ, who is managing sales and marketing for Villea, said the milestone marks the next phase of the sales campaign.

“With construction now at its highest point, we are excited to kick start the next phase of the campaign off the back of strong sales momentum driven by the local market,"&nbsp;Clydsdale said.

"Villea is a prized offering in the popular suburb of Palm Beach— ideally suited to owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking a convenient and beautiful coastal lifestyle. At the same time, with forecasts pointing to further price growth across the Gold Coast in 2025, Villea offers investors the opportunity to enter early in the upswing cycle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336442]

&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a>, Villea comprises 69 two- and three-bedroom residences with light-filled layouts, premium finishes including timber flooring, Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and high-performance glazing to maximise comfort.

Many residences capture ocean views, while all benefiting from generous open plan designs and access to shared amenities like a&nbsp;pool, gym, barbecue facilities, and outdoor entertaining spaces, all just 400m from the beach.

A ground floor retail leasing campaign is also underway, with Abadeen set to handpick a curated mix of tenants to enhance the experience for both residents and the wider community.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106840]

Abadeen tops out Villea Palm Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has officially unveiled its vision for a landmark development in Little Bay.

The vertically integrated developer-builder is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE</a>, a collection of low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis Architects</a>, comprising 94 apartments.

Targeted at local downsizers, upgraders, nature lovers, and golf enthusiasts, ESTE offers close proximity to Kamay-Botany Bay National Park, Little Bay Beach, and the renowned St Michael’s Golf Club — widely considered one of New South Wales’ top courses.

Many of the apartments, with interiors by Richard Stanisich, boast uninterrupted ocean views — a rare offering in Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=210130]

Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private rooftop amenity level featuring a heated infinity pool, a fitness centre equipped with the latest TechnoGym technology, and a sauna.

Urban Property Group has taken a careful and considered approach to the design and planning stages, ensuring ESTE delivers an architecturally appropriate and sensitive addition to a suburb that rarely sees new development.

Plans were first submitted to Randwick City Council in late 2022, following concept approval from the NSW Government earlier that year.

Construction commenced in November 2024, with the project expected to top out in Q4 2025 and reach completion in Q3 2026.&nbsp;

Urban was one of the first developers in New South Wales to adopt the sought-after 10-year <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance</a>. The policy — that can only be taken out by developers or builders and not by individual apartment buyers — covers any structural or waterproofing defects for a full 10 years post-completion, providing buyers with the most comprehensive protection available when purchasing off the plan.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

SRM Residential will be launching ESTE in the coming months.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Urban Property Group unveils ESTE Little Bay apartments

For the first time, prospective off the plan apartment buyers in Sydney's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-nsw-2140">Homebush</a> can purchase with the confidence of a 10-year defect protection for their new apartment building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bridge-road-residences-homebush-3-5-bridge-road-homebush-nsw-2140">Bridge Road Residences</a>, the latest development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ventus-group">Ventus Group</a>, is the first new apartment complex in the area to offer the highly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance, provided by Resilience Insurance.

This policy, which applies to all 80 apartments in the new building on Bridge Road, covers homeowners against&nbsp;structural or design defects defects that may arise within the first 10 years after the building's completion. It can only be taken out by the developer or builder of the new development, and not by individual apartment owners.

Half of the apartments in the building have already been quickly snapped up. Buyers have been attracted by the insurance policy, along with the guarantee of a quality build, thanks to the insurance's Technical Inspection Service. This service involves third-party experts visiting the construction site at least once a month to ensure the building is being properly constructed, making defects highly unlikely.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6989 project_image_fid=2132]

Located on Bridge Road, the development offers a mix of apartment configurations, from studios to three-bedroom apartments.

Apartments have been designed&nbsp;by MX Architects with liveability in mind, featuring open-plan layouts, engineered timber floors, wool-blend carpet in bedrooms, and either ducted or split-system air conditioning depending on configuration.&nbsp;

Many apartments also include north-facing aspects or oversized balconies, enhancing natural light and outdoor usability.

The development includes landscaped communal gardens with a central lawn, shaded seating, and barbecue areas. A rooftop terrace offers views across the city and Sydney Olympic Park. These amenities are designed to provide outdoor spaces for both relaxation and socialising, without increasing maintenance burden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6989 project_image_fid=2135]

Bridge Road Residences is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Homebush Station and close to major road links including the M4 and M8.&nbsp;

Residents will have immediate access to Rochester Street’s cafes, grocers, and restaurants, as well as retail and dining hubs at North Strathfield’s Bakehouse Quarter, Strathfield Plaza, and DFO Homebush.&nbsp;

The area is also well-served by schools and tertiary institutions, including Homebush Public School and the University of Sydney.

Construction is being led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/one-way-dc">One Way Development &amp; Construction</a>. They are expecting to complete the build in Q3 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6989]

Bridge Road Residences brings 10-year defects guarantee to Homebush

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/romano-property-group">Romano Property Group</a> has appointed AG Construct to deliver their boutique new Fitzroy apartment development, Napier 235.

Half of the apartment in the architecturally-striking block of 14 have already been snapped up.

Located just 150 metres from Brunswick Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/napier-235-235-napier-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Napier 235</a> will bring a mix of two and three-bedroom residences to the tightly held inner-city neighbourhood, including a full-floor penthouse and one townhouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144904 project_image_fid=3217]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/florian-wild">Florian Wild</a>, Napier 235 presents a sculptural, low-rise form that aligns with Fitzroy’s heritage character while introducing contemporary detailing.&nbsp;

Residences are all north-facing and feature large private terraces, with living areas that connect to the outdoors via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass.

Inside, kitchens are anchored by 3.5-metre stone island benches and include walk-in pantries, Miele and Gaggenau appliances, and built-in bars with wine fridges in most apartments.&nbsp;

Customisable floor plans allow buyers to tailor internal layouts to suit their needs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144904 project_image_fid=3220]

Sustainability has been prioritised from the outset. Napier 235 ranks in the top five per cent of Victorian developments under current planning policy benchmarks, reflecting efficient energy use and environmentally responsible design.

Napier 235 places residents within walking distance of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a>’s food and retail precincts, including Marion, Morning Market, and Bentwood Café. Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens, and tram connections to the CBD are also nearby. Despite its proximity to major amenity, the development sits within a quieter residential pocket.

Pricing for two-bedroom apartments at Napier 235 starts at $1,225,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144904]

Construction to commence at Napier 235 in Fitzroy as Romano appoints builder

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

<html><body>
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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silvermb

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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