Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

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Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

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The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

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The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

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The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

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Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

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Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

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The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Melbourne CBD

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A CBD retail investment within Melbourne’s historic Capitol Arcade has been offered to the market.
Colliers International’s Chris Ling, Anthony Kirwan and Oliver Hay have been appointed to sell Shop 3, 115 Swanston Street via an international on-site public auction campaign.  
The property has offers net lettable area of 29 sqm within the Capitol Arcade, which is home to the historic Capitol Theatre. 
“It is expected to attract wide-ranging interest from a diverse group of buyers, both local and offshore as well as first time commercial entrants due to its competitive price point,” Mr Ling said.  
Located at the heart of the Melbourne CBD’s bustling retail precinct, directly opposite Melbourne Town Hall, the property has dual access via Swanston Street and Presgrave Place. 
Shop 3, 115 Swanston Street is fully leased on a seven year term to hospitality operator 30ML Coffee.
The tenancy provides a net annual income of approximately $56,388 (approx.) with fixed annual increases.
Mr Ling said the immediate area would benefit significantly from the creation of a new Town Hall Station as part of the $11billion Melbourne Metro Tunnel project.
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Melbourne CBD retail investment in Capitol Arcade offered

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CBRE Hotels’ Scott Callow and Wayne Bunz have been appointed to oversee the Ibis Budget in the Melbourne CBD being marketed for sale this week.
The three-star hotel features 146 recently refurbished guest rooms, reception area, food and beverage outlet and other supporting facilities.
With a CBD location on Elizabeth Street, between Collins and Bourke Streets, the hotel is within immediate proximity to the historic Flinders Street Station as well as other landmarks and amenities.
The Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD is currently operated by AccorHotels, Australia’s largest hotel management company, under a long-term agreement. 
Mr Callow said, "the Ibis Budget is modern and ideally located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, close to transport hubs and sporting, retail and business centres."
“The Ibis Budget represents an entry point 146-room hotel, which is hard to come by in the CBD due to escalating land values over the past five years.”
Mr Bunz said, “economy hotels have become less viable to develop in CBD locations, which makes existing opportunities even more valuable."
 It is being offered for sale via a public international expression of interest campaign, closing Thursday, July 18, 2019.
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Ibis Budget Hotel in the Melbourne CBD for sale

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Japan-based global fashion retailer Muji, has signed a lease in Melbourne's CBD at the historic Scottish House building on William Street, just ahead of the opening of their biggest Australian store at Chadstone in August.
Samuel Friend and Stephen Land of Fitzroys negotiated the lease five-year deal with two three-year options.
Set over 292 sqm on Level 5 at 90 William Street, the lease was signed for $116,000 per annum with 4% annual increases on behalf of The Australian Club.
Friend said Muji needed a larger Australian head office as it embarks on a major expansion and wanted a CBD location.
The new 1,700 sqm store will offer Muji’s popular minimalist-style clothing, bedding, skincare and stationery, as well as a new range of furniture available in Australia for the first time; workshops and interactive events; a Muji Books offering, and self-serve coffee bar.
Friend said the Scottish House space attracted more than 80 enquiries, with law firms, finance companies, not-for-profits, accounting firms, marketing agencies and major transport operators all keen on the space.
“Major commercial developments through the CBD’s western corridor are attracting a broader range of tenants to this part of the city, beyond law firms seeking offices close to the legal precinct,” he said.
Scottish House is just metres from the dual-tower, office, hotel and residential Collins Arch development at 447 Collins Street, on the corner of William Street, as well as Mirvac’s Olderfleet project at 477 Collins Street, which will bring more than 52,000sqm of new office space.
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The six-storey heritage building was designed for prominent shipping agents McIlwraith McEacharn Ltd in 1907, by architect Charles D’Ebro, and was their head office for more than 70 years.
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Japan based fashion retailer Muji sign 5-year lease in Melbourne's Scottish House building 

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The design for a new Melbourne hotel has been revealed.
The 23-storey Park Hotel by Roxy Pacific at 360 Little Bourke Street will feature 319 guest rooms.
The hotel has been designed by architecture and interior design practice Bates Smart.
It will also feature a lobby lounge, a concept restaurant and roof top bar.
The hotel is scheduled to open in late 2021.
Bates Smart Director Cian Davis said the design pays homage to the site’s history as gateway to the historic horse stable and livestock auction sale yard, Kirk’s Bazaar.
“We have respected the urban context and character of the location that is surrounded by warehouse frontages,” he said.
“The site will be transformed to offer a respectful sense of verticality, with the façade reinterpreting the old beautiful red brickwork of the streetscape.
“Intimate internal spaces have been created on the ground floor plane to encourage social interactions and engagement with the other local restaurants and retailers.”
Bates Smart Director Brenton Smith said the interior features include “horse saddlery accents” and “blacksmith-inspired metal accents”.
“The hotel takes cues from Melbourne’s vibrant laneway culture, recognising the ‘urban grit’ of this former industrial neighbourhood and its surrounds,” Smith said.
“The interiors complement the architectural approach, creating create a sensory experience for guests.
“The traditional food and beverage model has been challenged to create a space for an independent operator that will offer guests an authentic, local neighbourhood experience.
“We responded to the laneway context of the site and brought this element of Melbourne’s café and street culture within the building.
“We also remodelled the conventional arrival experience to offer an inquisitive guest arrival journey.
“The ground floor plane is opened to encourage guests to walk through the relaxed food and beverage component before reaching reception for check-in.”
There will also be a a ballroom to accommodate meetings and events, said Ben Hopkins, Managing Director of Roxy-Pacific Australian and NZ.
“Conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne, the new Park Hotel Melbourne is a continuation of the Group’s strategic efforts to strengthen our hospitality and is in line with our plans to grow our stable of recurring income streams,” said Hopkins.
“Going forward, Australia’s tourism and hotel sector is expected to record strong growth in the coming years, likely to exceed the country’s broader economic growth, and should augur well for the new hotel.
“Bates Smart have been the perfect partner to grow our vision for the property, which we aspire to be the market leader in 4-star hotels in Melbourne CBD.”
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Designs unveiled for Australia's first Park Hotel in Melbourne

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Liminal, part café, part wine store, part event space, part market place, is set to open in May this year.
It is the latest project from Melbourne hospitality outfit The Mulberry Group.
Liminal will be located on the ground level of 161 Collins Street and is a new direction for the group who sold their signature cafés, Top Paddock, Kettle Black and Higher Ground, in December last year.
Situated Adjacent to the lobby atrium in the art deco T&amp;G Building.
The 400 sqm space was designed by The Stella Collective. .
Executive Chef Martin Webster (Jackalope, Montalto) has created breakfast and lunch menus. 
We’ll be changing them regularly depending on what produce comes through from the market.” says Webster.
The wine store offers customers the opportunity to select a bottle to enjoy in house or pick up one to take home.
Liminal will also feature a private board room.
It will operate Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm.
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Mulberry Group's latest Melbourne CBD project Liminal opens May

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Trinity College at the University of Melbourne is set to open a new CBD campus at 611 Elizabeth Street.
Stage 1 of PDG’s new 70,000sqm redevelopment project is now 100% leased following this commitment.
Colliers International’s Edward Knowles and Michael Darvell negotiated the new 10-year lease to Trinity College for 9,500sqm in Stage One of PDG’s Elizabeth Street project.
Mr Knowles said Trinity College would share the newly developed site with Melbourne City Toyota in Stage 1 of the 611 Elizabeth Street project, which consists of a 20,000sqm new building.
Situated above the heritage building will sit a new vertical campus, designed by architects Gray Puksand.
The 7,000 sqm site at 611 Elizabeth Street is owned by PDG across Stages 1 and 2.
“It is primed to become Melbourne’s newest education and bio-medical precinct, with three towers offering circa 70,000sqm of commercial buildings due for construction by mid-2022,” Mr Darvell said.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Trinity College in developing its state-of-the-art teaching campus in the heart of Melbourne’s Education and Biomedical Hub,” Sebastian Mahoney, Development Director at PDG, said.
Mr Mahoney said construction is targeted to commence in the coming months.
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Trinity College commit to lease new campus in Melbourne CBD

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The development application for Charter Hall’s $1.5 billion 555 Collins redevelopment has been lodged with the Victorian Department of Planning.
Charter Hall purchased the site on the corner of Collins and King Street in October 2018.
With the adjoining site at 55 King Street, which is also owned by Charter Hall’s rime Office Fund, it encompasses a combined 4,620 square meters.
The design was created in partnership with Australian multi-disciplinary firm Cox Architecture and global design and architecture firm Gensler.
The first phase will include 35 levels of Premium Grade, technology enabled office space across approximately 45,000 square metres.
<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/2019/4/19/charter%20hall.jpg" alt="">
Simon Stockfeld, Charter Hall’s Regional Development Director said the building will be one of the city’s most sustainable office buildings.
“Our approach to workplace design is entrenched in extensive research into what tenants truly want and need, now and in the future,” Stockfeld said.
“Through this people-centric approach, we are committed to creating workplace experiences which are designed to foster community, an instinctive way of working and ultimately result in a better workday for our tenant customers.
“The vision for the site is to create a workplace experience like no other, where people will feel connected, inspired and engaged with their working day, and we are excited by this innovative methodology and how this development will shape the future of workplace.”
CPOF Fund Manager, Matthew Brown said: “CPOF is actively growing its existing $5.4 billion portfolio of high quality assets.
“A redeveloped 555 Collins will further enhance CPOF’s portfolio quality and total return metrics and deliver our Fund investors a coveted new Premium Grade office building in the tightly held western core of Melbourne’s CBD, a location favoured by major corporate, legal and government occupiers.”
Charter Hall has appointed JLL and Colliers as conjunctional leasing agents for the project.
Completion is targeted for mid-2022.
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Charter Hall unveil plans for $1.5 billion 555 Collins redevelopment 

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The historic five-storey Assembly Hall building at Scots’ Church in Melbourne CBD’s ‘Paris End’ is now fully leased.
Designed by Henry H. Kemp and built by Swanson Bros. in 1914, it sits immediately in front of Westpac’s modern headquarters and is adjacent to the 1873-built Scots’ Church, on the corner of Russell Street.
Mens’ shoes and fashion accessory label Double Monk has taken a 42 square metre space on part of the ground floor on a 6+6-year deal at $35,000 per annum plus GST with 3.5% increases.
The five suites, across the ground and second floors, cover a total of 172 square metres and the leases will initially bring in a combined rent of circa $94,000 per annum gross plus GST.
Rates range from $450sqm to $550 square metres plus GST per square metre for the second floor.
Other tenants include Jackie Knight Consulting, William Angliss Charitable Fund and Enable Workplace Consulting.
Fitzroys Manager - Agency, Stephen Land and Agency Executive, Sam Friend negotiated the deals.
<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/2019/3/26/156-Collins-3.jpg" alt="">
Land said the Gothic Revival-style Assembly Hall offered rare self-contained offices in the coveted east end of Collins Street.
“Assembly Hall has retained its historic character over more than a century, an element that continues to draw tenants across the boutique office market,” said Land.
He said strong levels of enquiry were received from a number of different commercial operators, with legal, financial and real estate consultants, not-for-profit groups, and psychology and counselling services particularly prominent.
“The city’s east end offers a vibrant mix of its famous high-end shopping that has the street dotted with iconic global brands; high-profile modern and classic office buildings, and a range of food and beverage options, while Assembly Hall is also located a short distance from the heart of the Melbourne’s CBD.
“Tenants continue to look for spaces that offer attractive lifestyle elements and are well located, with Assembly Hall’s location on Collins Street between Swanston and Russell Streets easily accessible via a multitude of public transport options.”
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Scots’ Church’s Assembly Hall building now fully leased

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A local investor has paid $508,000 for a Little Collins Street retail investment at a record $39,077 psm rate for a strata titled CBD retail property.
The deal, brokered by Teska Carson‘s Gideon Marcus, was for shop 11, 530 Little Collins Street in the Exchange Tower building.
Situated on the building’s ground floor, the property comprises a 13 sqm space currently leased to Exchange Tower Newsagency on a five year term from August 2015 with a five year option.
The property has a current rental income of $47,896.68 plus GST.
Featuring three street frontages the shop has pedestrian access via Little Collins Street, Church Street and Union Place.
The 12,230 sqm Exchange Tower comprises ground floor and mezzanine level retail tenancies and 207 upper level office suites which are fully occupied housing approximately 1000 workers.
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Local investor purchases Lt Collins retail property at record $39,000 psm

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Melbourne based property investor Jeff Xu has sold his Victoria One portfolio of five CBD strata retail properties for $13.615 million to a Melbourne based investor.
The 452 Elizabeth Street portfolio sold on a 5.5 per cent yield and at what is thought to be a record building rate of $27,230 a square metre for similar properties.
CBRE Manager, Melbourne City Sales, Nathan Mufale, who brokered the deal with National Director Investments, Mark Wizel, Leon Ma, and Ben McMahon, said the result was unprecedented for strata retail in the Melbourne CBD.
Mr Mufale said that the properties being in a booming education precinct with a strong Asian international student catchment was a key consideration behind the high level of interest the portfolio had attracted.
Confidence in this precinct is clear as this is the third strata retail transaction on Elizabeth Street within the last six weeks.  
The 452 Elizabeth Street portfolio comprises five strata retail spaces covering 500 square metres across ground, first floor and mezzanine spaces.
The portfolio has 50 metres of Elizabeth and Franklin street frontage and is located at the bottom of Golden Age’s 643 apartment tower. 
The properties are leased to established international tenants returning more than $750,000 per annum.
Mr Wizel said significant appreciation in land taxes for freehold assets was another important consideration for investors and that it was "another factor driving the increasing demand for strata retail assets in the CBD."
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