<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
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Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Melbourne

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Across Australia’s largest auction market of Melbourne the performance across the individual property types is quite interesting, according to the latest CoreLogic Property Pulse. 
Clearances rates have been tracking higher for houses compared to units for most of 2017, while this year has seen results in contrast of this with units the better performer
It suggests there were 4,588 houses taken to auction over the past 8 weeks with just over half selling (50.5%), while units show a higher 58.7% success rate across 2,230 auctions so far this spring. 
Over the corresponding period last year, a significantly higher 72.4% of Melbourne houses sold at auction and units saw a clearance rate of 69.3%, which happened to be over the period just prior to the peak in Melbourne dwelling values.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/25/melbourne%20auction%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/25/melbourne%20auction%20.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne apartments selling at auction better than houses: CoreLogic

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Median weekly rents remained flat for the quarter at $430 for houses and $410 for units, according to the latest rental report from Domain.
The report found, Melbourne house rents climbed 2.4% higher over the year and unit rents 2.5%.
However, rental price growth is less than half of the annual growth over the same period in 2017.
House gross rental yields improved over the quarter to 3.13%, however, remained the lowest across all of the Australian capital cities.
Melbourne unit gross rental yields jumped by 0.8% for the quarter to 4.32% — the highest quarterly growth of all Australian capital cities. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/10/domain%20melbourne%20.jpg" alt="">
Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell said, "rental prices continued to rise on an annual basis, but the pace of growth is less than half of what it was over the same period in 2017".
"Despite record levels of apartment development and investment activity, total advertised stock volumes have failed to increase," she said. 
"The number of advertised unit rentals has dwindled for four consecutive years and house rentals are also tracking lower over the year.
"The unprecedented influx of new residents from overseas and interstate has placed additional demand on the rental market, which has lead to heightened competition for rental accommodation.
"The impact from the Victorian Government's recent rental reform is also yet to be seen.
"It could have an adverse effect on Melbourne’s rental landscape, with landlords opting for shorter-term leases or selling up.
"However, the overall impact on the rental market is likely to be minor."
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Melbourne's annual rental price growth more than halved: Domain

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Golden Age boss Jeff Xu has sold his Melbourne laneway building for $14.5 million.
McKillop House, at 12-14 McKillop Street between Bourke Street and Little Collins Street, was bought by the Mantzis family, operators of Sleepeezee Bedding and other furniture businesses.
It comprises a freestanding, five level Manhattan-style building over 1706 square metres featuring bespoke floors of 250 square metres and large industrial style windows.
The 361 square metre corner site has 22 metres frontage.
Xu paid $11.5 million for the property in September 2015.
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Golden Age's Jeff Xu sells Melbourne laneway building

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The City of Melbourne - via its Future (Planning) Committee - has thrown its support behind a development proposal at 407-415 King Street in West Melbourne, albeit with a caveat attached to it by way of a reduction in height.

DCF Property's latest development proposal for a 19-storey tower on the current site of Flagstaff House, would include the internal demolition of the two-storey building which is covered by a heritage overlay. Completed in 1968, Flagstaff House was designed by Yuncken Freeman with the individual heritage overlay (HO842) pertaining to the exterior only. 

The approval paves the way for the construction of a 60m building accommodating 258 hotel rooms, two function spaces on the roof level and a 177 sqm restaurant located on the ground floor. The Fender Katsalidis-designed scheme replaces a previous application which was refused at VCAT in April 2017.

<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/flagstaff_house_previous.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous schemes proposed for the site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_house_previous.jpg?itok=GiJr9Xz9" title="Previous schemes proposed for the site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous schemes proposed for the site</figcaption></figure>First submitted in May 2016, the initial proposal designed by Plus Architecture, sought approval for a 69m high mixed-use tower featuring apartments and hotel rooms. According to the City of Melbourne, 'had a failure appeal not been lodged, the application would have been refused due to significant concerns relating to heritage, built form and design matters'.

One of the key considerations VCAT cited in its verdict, was that any redevelopment of Flagstaff House must provide an appropriate design response and built form outcome. The new proposal seeks a reduced scope of demolition works than previously proposed, with the intent to retain the buttress elements and other notable features determined by VCAT.

The proposed tower is expressed as a single form, rising above and beyond Flagstaff House. The introduction of setbacks and a more proportionally appealing massing, allows Flagstaff House to 'read as a strong element therefore allowing for the real appreciation of it’s form', says the planning officer report.  Additionally, the design and materials proposed are considered 'respectful' and complement Flagstaff House's Modernist architecture. 

<blockquote>
The new tower form can, in my view, be accommodated upon the existing heritage building. The proposal now presents legibly as respecting and responding to the heritage host. The proposed design is evidently in keeping 
with and a complement to the heritage host.

As a form of a contrasting scale, of considerably greater bulk and presence than the host, the evident response to the host building should enable the new presence to be seen as following from 
the host and so to a degree as secondary to the host.

Whilst a smaller building, it is my expectation that the original building will retain a primacy of presence given the responsive composition of the new, which follows directly from that of the heritage host.

- City of Melbourne's Heritage Advisor
</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/407-415_king_street_inline.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The retained Flagstaff House, incorporated into the new hotel design. Planning image: FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/407-415_king_street_inline.png?itok=tve4fnqr" title="The retained Flagstaff House, incorporated into the new hotel design. Planning image: FK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The retained Flagstaff House, incorporated into the new hotel design. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>FK are proposing a material palette which comprises clear and feature glazing, a combination of black steel paint and anodised finishes based on the existing heritage elements. A bronze metal canopy will provide a flourish of colour to the streetscape.

The City of Melbourne's Urban Design team also expressed their support for the amended design noting the additional ‘bay’ to the upper floor facades and the removal of service louvres to King and Batman Street have resulted in an improved outcome which satisfies previous feedback provided. Interestingly, the Urban Design team didn't express any concern regarding the proposed height.

Despite its general support, the City of Melbourne is seeking a reduction in height down to 53m (excluding the lift overrun) or the equivalent of two-storeys. According to planning officers, the 53m height will also ensure that 'the proposed tower steps down from the adjoining (development at Flagstaff Green) which is at a height of approximately 66m'.
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Laurence Dragomir

A challenging West Melbourne site finally finds favour with Council

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Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula is emerging as a popular market for CBD investors, with the $5,435,000 sale of a retail property.
CBRE’s Melbourne Strip Retail Investments team, comprising Rorey James, Josh Rutman and Sandro Peluso, negotiated the sale process of 9-13a Main Street via an onsite auction, which attracted a crowd of more than 120.
The property was eventually sold to a Melbourne-based buyer, after attracting over 100 enquiries and offshore team engaging more than 60 foreign investors to the asset, James said.
The property, which comprises a 453 square metre building on a 936 square metre site, was offered at an initial bid of $4.1 million, where it rose quickly to above $5 million before being knocked down to a Melbourne investor for $5,435,000.
The sale result translating to a yield of just 3.5% and a building rate of approximately $12,000 per square metre.
The property comprises two separate titles and is occupied by five separate tenants, including three offices and two local restaurants, Afghan Marco Polo and the Brass Razu wine bar.
The sale of 9-13a Main Street marks CBRE’s sixth transaction on the Morning Peninsula this year, following the sale of two properties along Ocean Beach Road in Sorrento – a waterfront shop in Rye and a hobby farm in Red Hill.
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CBD investors seeking Mornington Peninsula retail property

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The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has revealed the three finalists for its Urban Innovation Ideas Competition, which aims to champion best practice in the development of cities and the creation of communities, places and spaces by sharing ideas, opening dialogue and engaging with industry participants. The competition was officially launched at the ULI City Forum on 22 August which involved a panel discussion about some of the challenges facing Melbourne into the future.

The 2018 competition received a record number of submissions from young professionals and students from Melbourne, interstate and abroad, who were tasked with developing solutions for revitalising the north-west corner of Melbourne’s CBD, bound by La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer streets.  The Competition's role is to provide a platform for entrants to share ideas and concepts for the 'site', with many focusing on improving streets for people, and adopting place making initiatives to boost activity within the area. 

The jury applauded the entrants' ability to think outside the box and develop innovative design responses which demonstrate clear, achievable urban interventions that would improve this corner of Melbourne's CBD. The jury comprised:

<ul>
<li>ULI Australia Executive Director David McCracken</li>
	<li>Bec McHenry, Founder and Director at The Space Agency,</li>
	<li>Professor Donald Bates, Chair of Architectural Design at The University of Melbourne,</li>
	<li>Kate Brennan,former CEO at Federation Square</li>
	<li>Peter Holland, Director at Urbis and Trustee at the ULI.</li>
</ul>
<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/davidmccracken_lindy_huang.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ULI Australia Executive Director David McCracken with finalist Linda Huang who also received the student prize"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/davidmccracken_lindy_huang.jpg?itok=3nON-A1l" title="ULI Australia Executive Director David McCracken with finalist Linda Huang who also received the student prize" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ULI Australia Executive Director David McCracken with finalist Linda Huang who also received the student prize</figcaption></figure>The finalists proposed a broad range of ideas to improve the area including upgrades to laneways, the creation of a civic plaza and the blocking of vehicular traffic on Spencer Street between Collins and La Trobe streets.

<blockquote>
The Competition has shown the fantastic ideas that young professionals and students have been able to generate with many high-quality submissions received this year.

While this area of Melbourne is currently underutilised and lacking activity, the finalists have shown how it can be enhanced by tying it in with the city’s love of the arts.

The jurors were delighted that so many individuals and groups responded in interesting ways to the challenge of making this part of our city more liveable and viable.

It has been great to see the vision that young people have for this area and the things that are important to them, which centres on injecting more of Melbourne’s identity to create a vibrant space

Design, engagement and activation were integrated functions at some level in the majority of submissions showing the broad thinking of these young professionals.

-  David McCracken, ULI Australia Executive Director 
</blockquote>

<h2>Shortlisted finalists:</h2>

‘Reflective Lane’ – Bohan Jones, Hee-Jung Yoon, Linda Lin and William Cai from Mirvac’s design team.

 

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hl1ZyjgYN9A" width="560"></iframe>

‘Welcome to Melbourne’ – Fabian Culican, Kavita Sonar, Shelley Black and Simon Zhao from Tract Consultants.

 

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2nNhm6lpnxE" width="560"></iframe>

‘Mixed Collectivo’ – Lindy Huang, a student at University of Melbourne; and Marc Schmailz, a student at Technical University of Munich.

Mixed Collectivo are also recipients of the $500 student prize in addition to earning a place as a competition finalist.

 

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n7Fsb2OHJeo" width="560"></iframe>

The three finalist teams will receive $2,000 and now proceed to the next stage of the competition to further refine and develop their respective concepts. The winner will be announced in late October and receive an additional $2,000 in prize money plus a trip to Shanghai to present their proposal at the ULI 2019 Asia Pacific Conference.

The public is now invited to vote for their favourite submission from all entrants in the form of a ‘popular vote’ open until 22 October. at www.urbaninnovations.com.au.
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Urban Innovation Ideas Competition shortlist announced, voting now open

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The Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, and the Member for Albert Park, Martin Foley, this morning launched the new Fishermans Bend Planning Framework at South Melbourne Primary School forecourt. 

This follows 12 months of extensive public consultation which also included a Planning Review Panel process, attracting over 250 submissions. The Framework will also be supported by an infrastructure funding plan to be announced at a later date.

Fishermans Bend represents Australia’s largest urban renewal project and seeks to capitalise on its proximity to the Melbourne CBD, Docklands and Southbank. The urban renewal precinct spans two municipalities across the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip. By 2050 it will be home to around 80,000 residents and provide jobs for 80,000 people.

Fishermans Bend will see the delivery of the equivalent of 60 MCGs worth of new open space, in addition to housing diversity and typologies to ensure Fishermans Bend doesn't become simply another high-rise suburb. It will also include a six per cent affordable housing target for all new developments, with the potential for developers to opt into a Floor Area Uplift via delivery of affordable housing.

The new Framework was developed to guide the vision for Fishermans Bend over the course of the next 30 years, with a real focus on building a community that is supported by new primary and secondary schools, public transport and walking and cycling links.

Already the South Melbourne Primary School has been delivered, with a new park within Montague near complete. Planning is already underway on a new secondary school within what will become the Wirraway Precinct adjacent to JL Murphy Reserve.

Twenty-six tower proposals were ‘called in’ by the Minister for Planning earlier this year and will now be assessed by a Standing Advisory Committee against the new planning controls, which were also announced this morning.

The release of the Framework and Planning Controls for Fishermans Bend follows the establishment of the Fishermans Bend Development Board in August this year. The Board's role will be to provide guidance on the planning and development of the urban renewal precinct, in addition to community engagement and providing advice on the preparation of Precinct Plans and major decisions for Fishermans Bend.

The board will be led by Ms Meredith Sussex AM as Chair. Ms Sussex is joined by a team of five experts in planning, industry, finance and transport: Ms Cheryl Batagol PSM, Ms Janet Bolitho, Mr Gary Liddle, Mr Martyn Myer AO and Ms Susan Oliver.

Urban.com.au will provide further analysis however in the meantime, see the framework on <a href="https://www.fishermansbend.vic.gov.au/">fishermansbend.vic.gov.au</a>. 

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We’re fixing the mess Matthew Guy created when he rezoned swathes of land overnight to benefit a few fortunate land holders, in actions roundly condemned by an independent review panel.

This Framework will make Fishermans Bend a community – rather than a concrete jungle – with schools, public transport and green, open spaces to meet friends and kick a footy.

-  Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Matthew Guy’s dodgy rezoning was an absolute disaster - which is why we’re making sure the planning changes needed to protect Fishermans Bend are enshrined in law, so that this community can continue to grow and flourish.

I thank everyone who contributed to the Framework and helped save Fishermans Bend from the Liberal Party.

- Martin Foley, Member for Albert Park
</blockquote>

Lead Image: Lensaloft via fishermansbend.vic.gov.au
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Fishermans Bend Framework and Planning controls finalised

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Hub Australia this week launched the second of its Melbourne coworking spaces within the historic Georges Building. Located at 162 Collins Street, the new space joins Hub Australia's Melbourne flagship, Hub Southern Cross which occupies part of the 1917 Mail Exchange opposite Southern Cross Station. Together these two spaces account for half of Hub Australia's national footprint of 20,000 sqm.

The Georges Building was once home to the prestigious Georges Department Store from 1889 before ceasing trade in 1995, and continues Hub Australia’s focus of transforming iconic buildings into premium coworking spaces. Hub Australia intends the coworking space will create opportunities for growing businesses to base themselves on Collins Street, but without the cost associated with a Collins Street address.

<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/hub_collins_street_exterior_streetscape.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hub Collins Street is located in the iconic George’s Building at the stunning ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street. Image: Hub Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="245" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hub_collins_street_exterior_streetscape.jpg?itok=dSE9C5w6" title="Hub Collins Street is located in the iconic George’s Building at the stunning ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street. Image: Hub Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hub Collins Street is located in the iconic George’s Building at the stunning ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street. Image: Hub Australia</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The Georges Building is primely located in the heart of the Paris end of Collins Street and we’re excited to see it transformed from its retail roots into a thriving business community, driving innovation and connection in the Collins Street precinct. The premium coworking offering we’ve created is unrivalled in the area and we’ve seen keen uptake from tech, services and creative businesses that recognise the benefits of being a Hub member, such as increased networks, staff retention and ultimately business growth.

The Hub Collins Street space is rich in history and character, and throughout the refurbishment we retained and celebrated the unique fabric and art deco features of the building. This combined with state-of-the art amenity such as a 50 seat café, boardroom and strategy room with views over bustling Collins Street, a fully operational member kitchen, fitness, relaxation and media rooms, cultivates an exceptional coworking offering.

-  Brad Krauskopf, Hub Australia CEO and Founder
</blockquote>

Hub Collins Street has a variety of workspaces to cater for up to 600 members including bespoke offices, private offices and open plan dedicated and flexible desks. Targeting the growing corporate market or project teams, a bespoke office on level two overlooking Little Collins has 40 desks, including two internal offices. There are also additional offices ranging suitable for two to twenty-four people configurations.

The Hub Collins Street provides a further nine bespoke suites to ‘Georges Lane’, the original retail arcade located on the mezzanine level which has been transformed into a laneway linking Collins Street and Little Collins Street. These fully secure and furnished suites are suitable for teams of 12 – 18 people supported by internal meeting rooms or offices, and come complete with their own dedicated reception area with signage that draws on the building’s retail history.

<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/hub_collins_st_cafe1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The restored interiors celebrate the heritage fabric of the Georges Building. Image: Hub Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hub_collins_st_cafe1.jpg?itok=CnGfz92Y" title="The restored interiors celebrate the heritage fabric of the Georges Building. Image: Hub Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The restored interiors celebrate the heritage fabric of the Georges Building. Image: Hub Australia</figcaption></figure>The building's restored interior maintains the iconic atrium on level three that provides ambient natural light and celebrate the feature trusses and columns. Heritage features such as previously blocked off fireplaces, original scaffolding and lift level indicators have been restored as part of the refurbishment.  Art deco retail counters and display cabinets discovered from during the building's retail past have also been restored and incorporated throughout the new fit out.

Additional amenity in the coworking space includes serviced meeting spaces and a state-of-the-art boardroom, parents’ facilities, soundproof phone booths, gym, premium end-of-trip facilities with complimentary towel service, generously sized lockers and bike storage facilities.

Hub Australia will be opening its third Melbourne-based coworking space - Hub Parliament Station - at the top of ICI House, in May 2019.
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Hub Australia launches 2nd Melbourne coworking space on Collins Street

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The wider Melbourne retail leasing market continues to see varied results, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) commercial report.
The valuation firm took a look at the changing face of the retail sector across the nation. 
It suggests Melbourne CBD and inner suburban retail strips have continued to evolve throughout 2018, underpinned by population growth, changes in consumer behaviour and varied consumer confidence.
While some segments of the market continue to experience strong results, likely a reflection of the limited quality stock available, other areas have seen declining rents and tenant demand.
There are a number of factors driving the current trends and changes within the CBD’s retail leasing market.
HTW noted Melbourne City Council has forecast that the population of the CBD will grow by over 50% in the next 10 years, driven predominantly by overseas migration.
"The implementation of vertical suburbs, incorporating ground floor and podium retail uses and upper level residential apartments, is becoming more popular as developers seek to maximise site utilisation and amenity for residents," the report said.
National and international retails are taking advantage of population growth and the centralisation of retailers through the establishment of flagship stores in prime locations, it noted.
Luxury retailers such as Longines, Fendi and Brooks Brothers opened new flagship stores within the CBD in 2018 and Apple’s plans for a global flagship store within Federation Square continue to take shape.
"These retailers appear to be opting for a more centralised model of retailing appealing to consumers demanding a more convenient and interactive shopping experience," HTW advised.
"For larger national and international retailers, this new approach does appear to be working."
It noted demand for retail space within regional and super regional shopping centres has strengthened throughout 2018.
Conversely, smaller retailers unable to sustain the higher rental rates demanded by these centres have struggled with these effects, compounded by the vacating anchor tenants along older retail strips unable to provide the convenient experience modern consumers demand.
"Retail strips such as Chapel Street, South Yarra and Bridge Road, Richmond are continuing to experience a shift away from traditional retailing such as clothing towards service and food based uses," HTW noted. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/3/SMAK.jpg" alt="">
Indicative of this shift towards food based services is 6c Daly Street, South Yarra.
The SMÄK Food House (pictured above) only opened in 2016 and joined several other cafe's on Daly Street including Little Frankie's and Fancy Nance.
This is due to numerous factors including retailers now preferring to be located within the Melbourne CBD and major shopping centres such as Chadstone together with increased online shopping for fashion items which reduces the need for a physical store presence.
With the ongoing increase in population due to numerous apartment projects there will likely still be demand for retail space within these precincts for various types of uses, particularly food and service based, on a longer term basis.
"We have been advised by local leasing agents that tenant demand within these precincts has declined in recent years for various reasons. For example, in previous years Bridge Road incorporated a large number of discount clothing and footwear outlets, however many tenants have now relocated to enclosed discount outlet centres such as Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) in South Wharf and Essendon, " the HTW report said. 
Landlords have continued to seek increasing rentals and these have generally become unaffordable for tenants. Retail rents have declined substantially over the last few years and in some instances by over 40%.
Local leasing agents have advised that quantum of money and affordability are major considerations for tenants within these strips, particularly local retail operators.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/2/south%20yarra.jpg" alt="">
A South Yarra corner property with dual street frontage is now on the rental market with the price of $60,000 per annum. 
Located at<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-south+yarra-502961782" target="_blank"> 448 Chapel Street</a> (pictured above) it features 163 square metre floor area and rear access from Elllis Street.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/3/Chapel%20hunt.JPG" alt="">
Another example on the Chapel Street strip is 352 Chapel Street, South Yarra.
Set on 320 sqm it is a fully fitted cafe/restaurant ready for a new tenant.
The two floor rental listing is held by James Spencer of Fitzroys and was previously tenanted by the restaurant Chinacy.
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Melbourne retail leasing market sees varied results: HTW

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New research has ranked Sydney as one of the most unaffordable cities in the world – with Melbourne not far behind.
Property research firm RiskWise  places Sydney second on its analysis and Melbourne 11th.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/3/Unit%20unaffordability%20-%20World_MEL.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said that the analysis looked at only units 105 square metres in size and not average-sized dwellings, like the Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey does.
“The problem with Demographia's method is that it does not compare apples to apples,” Peleg said.
The Demographia survey ranked Hong Kong as the world’s least affordable city, followed by New York, Tokyo and London with Sydney was ranked 9th and Melbourne coming in at No.11.
Peleg said that in Hong Kong the average-sized unit is only 46 square metres, while in Sydney it is 105 square metres.
“Sydney and Melbourne are not as bad as first thought when compared to other cities,” he said.
“And yes, while in general families cannot afford a 105 square metre unit, the situation in other places is significantly more serious.
“Both Sydney and Melbourne, as global cities, could potentially be even less affordable.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/3/Unit%20unaffordability%20-%20AUS.jpg" alt="">
Peleg said that Victoria was ranked as more affordable sue to the greater supply of units and less capital growth.
"However, while in the last five years capital growth of units has been good, it has not been as good as Sydney,” stated Peleg.
Sydney prices have fallen 4.5% year on year, while Melbourne prices have also decelerated as lending restrictions and the Banking Royal Commission has clamped down on the market.
"The needs of families differ from those of singles and couples and many new apartments are not suitable, meaning there is an imbalance between the supply of units to the market needs,” Peleg said.
“Whether you take a world view or an Australian one, there appears to be a complete disconnect between the price of units suitable for families to the median household income.
“The people who own the majority of residential properties that are suitable for families are mainly higher income earners and investors.
“They are not standard household earners. They are, largely, people at the top 50% of income earners or investors who are cashed-up."
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