A rare new development in Surry Hills is aiming to replace a cluster of underutilised commercial buildings with a contemporary eight mixed-use building just 300 metres from Central Station.&nbsp;

The $27.5 million project is being led by ISL Property Investments Management and will include 35 apartments, some earmarked for affordable housing, alongside street-level retail and basement parking.

The development spans multiple lots between <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/98-106-kippax-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">Kippax, Sophia, and Waterloo Streets</a> and will involve substantial demolition of the existing structures on the 780 sqm site.

According to the Urban Design Report prepared by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO</a>, the design has been shaped to reflect the area’s gritty industrial past while contributing to its evolving identity as a high-density urban hub.

“The proposed development is designed to integrate sensitively and intelligently with its immediate surroundings and evolving urban context,” DKO stated. “It mediates between the existing built environment and the area’s future trajectory, ensuring a thoughtful transition”.

<img alt="First look: I.S.L. Property Investments plans eight-storey mixed-use apartments in Surry Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db880273-57af-4167-9601-f05fd7b39124" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Surry%20Hills%20isl.png?VersionId=f3Ix9jP4eJ44H69zUcgot_zxBr4rW6gJ" />

The project includes 35 one, two, three-bedroom apartments across the upper levels, with 15 per cent of the total floor area allocated to affordable housing.&nbsp;The dwelling mix is designed to cater to a range of household types, with layouts strategically oriented to maximise solar access and cross ventilation, DKO notes.

Architecturally, the building is anchored by a podium that reinforces the streetscape while referencing the area’s industrial brick fabric. Above this, a lighter tower form is chamfered to reduce visual bulk and improve solar access to the public domain.&nbsp;

“The tower mass is elevated above the podium, visibly distinct yet firmly anchored at the bookend corner of Kippax and Waterloo Streets,” DKO wrote.

The development is also aiming high on sustainability. Features include rooftop photovoltaics, water-efficient landscaping with local species, and a commitment to all-electric infrastructure.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: I.S.L. Property Investments plans eight-storey mixed-use apartments in Surry Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e1b99eb-6945-48b6-8222-647efe549803" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site_0.png?VersionId=fUWGEn1sGpIMuzQ6KJ5zGQxQTjUoe9gz" />

The project is lodged under the Housing SEPP and seeks approval from the City of Sydney. There have been very few new apartment developments in Surry Hills in recent years. Some of the most notable has been redevelopments of former commercial buildings, as opposed to demolishing buildings.

That's the plan for national developer Time &amp; Place, which has recently submitted their State Significant Development Application for Marlborough House, the redevelopment of the original&nbsp;David Jones department store warehouse and factory building&nbsp;on Marlborough Street. The development will have around 150 warehouse-style apartments.

Joel Robinson

First look: Rare new apartment project pitched for Sydney's Surry Hills

Award-winning Canberra developer Art Group is approaching the final stages of construction on its newest residential development, Calypso, located on the city-fringe boulevard of Northbourne Avenue in Dickson.

Now 90 per cent complete and tracking toward a 2025 move-in date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/calypso-dickson-330-northbourne-avenue-dickson-act-2602">Calypso</a> will deliver 207 one-, two-, three-bedroom apartments designed for the owner-occupier.

The project has been described as a “vibrant oasis” within the growing Northbourne precinct, with design and amenity focused on enhancing both liveability and connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134842 project_image_fid=1205]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/art-group">Art Group</a> has positioned Calypso to meet the growing preference for flexible, lifestyle-oriented urban living. All apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows, generous internal layouts, and purpose-designed spaces such as study nooks or dedicated home offices in larger configurations.

One-bedroom layouts are designed with oversized bedrooms and dual-access bathrooms for added convenience, while two-bedroom apartments include additional study rooms and expansive kitchens.&nbsp;

The three-bedroom residences further elevate functionality with walk-in pantries, freestanding laundries, and panoramic mountain views from corner apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134842 project_image_fid=1203]

Beyond private residences, Calypso incorporates a range of shared amenities tailored to modern hybrid work and wellness lifestyles. These include dedicated coworking spaces, a gym with cardio and strength equipment, rooftop gardens, communal EV charging, and landscaped outdoor entertaining areas.

Technology integration is a key feature, with fibre-to-the-unit internet offering speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, instant-access Wi-Fi in shared zones, and an embedded network providing streamlined utilities.&nbsp;

The development also includes energy-efficient inclusions and central staircases designed to promote active living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134842 project_image_fid=912]

Situated on Northbourne Avenue, Calypso benefits from immediate access to light rail, placing residents within easy reach of the Canberra CBD.&nbsp;

The development is also walking distance to the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/dickson-act-2602">Dickson</a> retail precinct and close to several key education institutions, including the Australian National University, University of Canberra, and Dickson College, as well as&nbsp;North Ainslie Primary School, Lyneham High, and Blue Gum Early Learning Centre.

With demand for inner-north apartments continuing to outpace supply, Calypso’s nearing completion places it among a select few large-scale projects delivering new stock to the area within the next 12 months.

With an exclusive final developer release, and $0 stamp duty available in the ACT, there has never been a better time to look at this unique development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134842]

Art Group’s Calypso in Dickson approaches completion

Headland Parade is one of the most premium and tightly held streets in Barrack Point in the Shellharbour region south of Sydney.

Local developer&nbsp;Allowrie snapped up an opportunity to develop four custom-designed townhomes on the exclusive strip, which they recently completed the luxury homes to the design by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ingenuity-home-designs">Ingenuity Home Designs</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150639 project_image_fid=3556]

From the street, the development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/12-headland-parade-barrack-point-12-headland-parade-barrack-point-nsw-2528">12 Headland Parade</a>&nbsp;features gabled rooflines, muted coastal palette and landscaped frontages that reflect the enduring character of the area.

Inside, the attention to detail continues across open-plan layouts that flow into private alfresco spaces, with select residences enjoying their own inground concrete swimming pool.

The interiors are defined by their use of thoughtful materials and functional sophistication. 40mm 0% silica stone quartz benchtops, brushed brass tapware, and curved v-groove bathroom cabinetry are paired with Polytec kitchen joinery and Lappato-finished terrazzo tiles to create spaces that feel both premium and relaxed.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150639 project_image_fid=3550]

Comfort underfoot is achieved through hybrid European oak flooring and extra heavy-duty loop pile carpets in the bedrooms, while ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning ensures seasonal adaptability.

Each residence includes a garage with epoxy flake flooring, landscaped outdoor areas, and integrated energy-efficient inclusions like 5kW solar photovoltaic systems. These elements reinforce the project’s focus on longevity and liveability, making the homes equally suited to growing families and downsizers alike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150639 project_image_fid=3558]

Located 160 metres from Little Lake and 400 metres from Warilla Beach, the address sits within walking distance of the Shellharbour Village café strip, Shellharbour North Beach, and the coastal cycleway.&nbsp;

The Shell Cove Marina precinct is a five-minute drive, and Stockland Shellharbour provides broader retail and medical services nearby. Recreational spaces include Dawes Park, Killalea State Park, and Bass Point.

The four townhomes are move-in ready, and start from $1.25 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150639]

Staff Reporter

12 Headland Parade delivers rare new-build coastal homes to Barrack Point

Sunset Boulevard was a small, relatively unknown riverfront street on the Nerang River in Surfers Paradise around 18 months ago. However, the street is now set to become a thriving residential hub after the Gold Coast City Council approved several new developments that are poised to transform the character of the area.

The latest development approval on the river is for a 29-level tower by the Sydney-based P&amp;N Sleiman Group. The development, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/52-sunset-boulevard-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">52 Sunset Boulevard</a>, will be its first in the Gold Coast.

The developer, which only filed the plans in April, is approved for 62&nbsp;two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, as well as two double-level penthouses with their own&nbsp;private rooftop terraces and plunge pools.

Residents will also have access to communal amenity on level three, including a gym, lounge, barbecue facilities, and an infinity-edge pool.

<img alt="First look exclusive: P&amp;N Sleiman plots debut Gold Coast apartment project" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/52%20Sunset%20Boulevarde%20DA.png?VersionId=731rf3Vpi3nKCP69_eNV8kpn4GM0olqO" />

&nbsp;

Also now approved is YHY Group's tower which is crowned by what would be the largest penthouse ever produced on the Gold Coast.

YHY Group, also Sydney-based, is approved for a 33-level building with 74 apartments, across a triple site incorporating&nbsp;56, 58 and 60 Sunset Boulevard.&nbsp;The ninth level will feature a kids play area with an adjoining creche, a lap pool that runs along the edge of the building, a recovery space with a sauna and steam room, a yoga room, a gym, golf simulator, and a wellness spa with a treatment room and a massage room.

Above is another swimming pool, this one with&nbsp;an integrated pool bar and spa which has been oriented to offer gun-barrel views to the Surfers skyline. On the same level is a lounge, a bookable lounge with a kitchen, and a business centre.&nbsp;The ground level is set to feature&nbsp;a grand entry lobby, a cigar room, a cellar, library, study, bar and multiple entertaining areas.

The "Ultra Penthouse" is one of the largest ever pitched on the Gold Coast at 1,449 sqm of internal living space.

&nbsp;

There are five bedrooms spread across the five levels, as well as two staff quarters. The top level is dedicated just to a master suite, with a sauna, a gym, and a spa on the balcony. Including external space, the penthouse totals 2,239 sqm.

<img alt="YHY" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43381819-fe90-41b5-aa99-90ef3b50fa6b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-25%20at%2010.09.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=2nISoYh.pFvOEWBIz2X6ytvR.ok4D8V0" />YHY Group's riverfront tower. Image credit: Mode&nbsp;Design Corp

The first developer to identify Sunset Boulevard was Roy Skaf's Macquarie York. He has approval for a more boutique, 17-level tower on the river, facing Chevron Island's famous Home of The Arts (HOTA) building. There will be a mix of 43 two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments.

The resident amenity is located on level two and will feature a swimming pool, fire pit area, barbecue space, day beds, gym with a sauna and steam room, work from home space with desks and a boardroom.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-architecture" target="">Plus Architecture</a>, led locally by Danny Juric, says the project has been "meticulously designed to seamlessly blend with its urban and natural surroundings, achieving a harmonious balance between the human-scale streetscape, riverscape, and the emerging skyline."

Speedy approvals set to change the face of Surfers Paradise riverfront street

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/retreat-palm-beach-1177-jefferson-lane-palm-beach-qld-4221">Retreat Palm Beach</a>, the newest apartment development in Palm Beach, is proving highly attractive for those seeking both a holiday escape and the opportunity to generate passive income in the booming Gold Coast apartment market.

Positioned on coveted Jefferson Lane, just one row back from the beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/retreat-palm-beach-188-jefferson-lane-palm-beach-qld-4221">Retreat</a> comprises 56 apartments across an architecturally-striking nine-level building. It is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ignite-projects">Ignite Projects</a>, the team behind the hugely successful Cabana Palm Beach and The Monaco at Main Beach.

With its premium address and versatile apartment offering, Retreat delivers the best of both worlds: personal use just steps from the sand, plus the potential for strong returns through short-stay holiday letting. Add to this the prospect of continued capital growth in a rising market, and it’s clear why demand for Retreat is already strong.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=1853]

Rental estimates from Hometime suggests the two-bedroom apartments at Retreat, which start from $1.35 million, could net anywhere between $75,000 per annum, based on 80 per cent occupancy, to $89,000, which is based on 85 per cent occupancy. Short-term and long-term letting will see gross rental yields between five to seven per cent.

All signs point to a strong return for both investors and owner-occupiers. Palm Beach's rental vacancy remains below two per cent, while median apartment prices have more than doubled in five years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=1849]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a>, the nine-level building draws inspiration from its coastal setting, with soft, curving forms that reflect the movement of sea and sand.&nbsp;

The architecture is complemented by a natural material palette, with bronze tapware, engineered oak flooring, Miele appliances, and natural stone benchtops integrated into thoughtfully zoned open-plan layouts - creating a refined, calming environment that maximises natural light and privacy.

The three-bedroom apartments at Retreat feature king-sized master suites, walk-in butler’s pantries, and secondary living areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=4299]

A key feature of the project is its wellness-focused amenity floor. Residents have exclusive access to a heated lagoon pool, mineral spa, cold plunge, infrared sauna, and gym.

Additional conveniences include floating day loungers, e-bikes, secure surfboard storage, and digital concierge booking for shared spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=1845]

Located just 500 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>’s vibrant village hub and 10 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, Retreat combines easy access to the beach with day-to-day convenience in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal pockets.

Construction is expected to commence in October 2025, with completion scheduled for late 2027.

Prospective buyers only have a few weeks to walk through the onsite display suite, which is soon to be demolished as part of the commencement of construction.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134965]

Retreat Palm Beach offers dual-purpose beachside living with strong rental upside

Jackson Teece

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Developer Mulpha's bid to significantly upscale their its Norwest Business Park precinct within Baulkham Hills is gathering momentum, as evidenced by their latest residential project which is slated to reach 23 levels.

At 2-6 Maitland Place, the proposal which was submitted during late February is the developer's first tangible manoeuvre post Mulpha's announcement during late 2017 that they would <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/mulpa-embarks-on-3b-new-developments-at-norwest-20171024-gz73wk">undertake a considerable expansion</a> of the Norwest Business Park with the aim of creating a smart city. This expansion would see an additional $3 billion pumped into the expanded 377-hectare masterplanned precinct.

Jackson Teece have designed 2-6 Maitland Place; it features vertical 'green DNA' strands running the height of the building and green terraces, in addition to substantial landscaping around the tower form.

<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/image172_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Jackson Teece"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="723" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image172_0.jpg?itok=1ZZNsY5w" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Jackson Teece" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Planning image: Jackson Teece</figcaption></figure>131 apartments are included within the proposal, which would be considerably taller than existing surrounding buildings. The apartment matrix sees 32 studio or single bedroom, 72 dual bedroom and 27 triple bedroom apartments.

The tower is slated to reach 69.8 metres.

Mulpha is also developing Haven Apartments on a nearby site fronting Solent Circuit; Haven along with a completed residential building adjoining it stand at the 10-11 level mark.

Construction firm Taylor is undertaking the $44 million build of Haven Apartments, and is well into construction. 80 new dwellings within Haven's 11 storey form are supplemented by 4 retail tenancies and 3 levels of underground car parking. 

<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/w1920-h1080-w2000-h1500-2012456679_12_pi_160809_122703.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Haven is well into construction. Image: Taylor"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/w1920-h1080-w2000-h1500-2012456679_12_pi_160809_122703.jpg?itok=zLacLf3x" title="Haven is well into construction. Image: Taylor" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Haven is well into construction. Image: Taylor</figcaption></figure>Only during December a further, and larger, planning application was lodged for 7 Maitland Place which is directly opposite Mulpha's latest proposal.

Four separate buildings amounting to 287 apartments are proposed in the scheme created by architecture firm TURNER for BHL 7 Norwest Dev Pty Ltd. Ranging between 6-24 levels, the buildings are located above a 3 level basement for 470 vehicles.

Spanning 9,630 square metres, the site under the proposal would see 4,500 square metres dedicated toward open green space.

7 Maitland Place's status has been noted at 'Stop the Clock' suggesting amendments to the design are required for the proposal not to fall foul of planning authorities.

<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/image173_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="7 Maitland Place. Planning image: TURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image173_1.jpg?itok=O1obJVbR" title="7 Maitland Place. Planning image: TURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>7 Maitland Place. Planning image: TURNER</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Jackson Teece

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