<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Mixed Use

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A mix-used, freehold asset in Sydney’s Balmain has sold to a local investor.
Situated at 205 Darling Street, the 116sqm property offers views of the Sydney skyline and sold for $1.4 million.
The home was listed on the market for over 200 days, after being listed previously without sale in 2018.
Achieving a yield of 4.2 per cent, the site offers a diversified income stream with its ground-floor being let to an art school and a residential tenant occupying the upstairs space.
The one-bedroom apartment upstairs featured two balconies, a rooftop terrace, and private garden access via Queens Place.
Savills Australia’s Nick Lower, Selin Ince and Oliver Ridley negotiated the deal.
“With retail trading at sub 5 per cent, it is clear consumer sentiment is on the rise, and investors are taking advantage of current market conditions in order to secure premium property”, they said.
The property is located in close proximity to the Sydney CBD and is only moments to Darling Street’s retail precinct.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mixed-use freehold asset in Sydney's Balmain sells for $1.4 million

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Domayne furniture Hire and Property Styling has snapped up a 7 year lease of an office and warehouse in Brisbane’s northern suburb of Northgate
Situated at 16&amp;17/62 Crockford Street, the asset that came with a 2,398 sqm building area and a 4,000 sqm site area, was signed up for an initial seven year leasing term with an additional three year option.
The agents declined to comment on the rental, however industry sources say it was between $135-$155 per sqm.
The property was marketed and leased by Ray White Commercial Queensland Senior Sales and Leasing Executives Aaron Aleckson and Andrew Doyle and Director – Brokerage Services Paul Anderson, with CBRE as co-listing agents.
Director of Domayne furniture Hire and Property Styling, Melinda Littman said, “moving into the new Crockford Street Northgate location in early 2020, the 2,382 sqm single building over two titles hopes to support the business expand further over the next seven years.”
Mr Doyle said it was pleasing to see another quality tenant move into the estate at 62 Crockford Street. “The draw card for this estate really has been the medical precinct and restaurant at the entrance to the site,” he said. “Domayne now joins a quality list of tenants to the estate such as Thyssenkrupp, Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Bevis and Bartels.” Mr Anderson said they had seen a spike in enquiry on the speculatively built warehouses in the North Gateway Precinct with a number of tenants still actively looking. “It offers many benefits associated with being right on the Gateway Motorway, with easy access to the Brisbane Airport, CBD and Airport Link tunnel.”
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Domayne Furniture Hire take up seven year Northgate office warehouse lease

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The Feros Hotel Group has bought Highfield Caringbah, the modern bistro and sports bar, for around $15 million.
Feros Hotel Group, who also run The Terrey Hills Tavern and Potts Point Liquor, were the tenants of the premises at <a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39QzG/Nyy8oj1MsQ8lDBqOLeGnfqPgIdmzmVW8USMH2yRIkL23sKlvcw9AAv2bvY52GmBAZy16vj3DwUuonGW8rSPNlY+IBAk29Rqkhsq7NIhj/eLAv7JpZH4lmUg0pxGF1IkmoZw/p+yg==&amp;rh=ff0051548225348a722f5b8b9b45b797708c0ed0" target="_blank">32 Banksi</a><a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39QzG/Nyy8oj1MsQ8lDBqOLeGnfqPgIdmzmVW8USMH2yRIkL23sKlvcw9AAv2bvY52GmBAZy16vj3DwUuonGW8rSPNlY+IBAk29Rqkhsq7NIhj/eLAv7JpZH4lmUg0pxGF1IkmoZw/p+yg==&amp;rh=ff0051548225348a722f5b8b9b45b797708c0ed0" target="_blank">a Road</a> in Sydney’s south.
Feros spent around $12 million in 2017 on major capital works and a fit-out.
The former workers' club, which homes Ugly Pizza, Huxley's, Public House and The Botanical, as well as a Sports TAB and gaming space, was offered with a double net lease with a net passing income of $589,104 + GST.
Spanning three levels, the building with 3,070 sqm of net lettable area on its 1,025 sqm land, has future development potential to add accomodation and an additional rooftop bar. 
Ray White Commercial NSW – Sydney City Fringe agents Kristian Morris and Justin Rose secured the sale.   Morris said there was strong interest throughout the campaign and the final sale price represented a sub-four per cent yield.
<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/2019/9/10/Highfield%20Caringbah%202.jpg" alt="">   “This was a well-executed campaign with 85 direct enquiries, 15 different groups inspecting the property and multiple parties interested close to the four per cent yield mark,” he said.   “Buyers saw the value in such a long lease (15-years plus options totalling up to 60 years with ratchet clause in favour of the lessor) and strong covenant. “Hotel assets that are subject to such a long lease don't come up very often and this resulted in such a tight cap rate 
Rose added that the property was an outstanding three-storey mixed-use hospitality asset with four separate but interconnecting dining experiences.   “It’s rare to have such a long and secure lease to a group that’s committed to the area, and it provided the right buyer with an investment seldom offered to the market,” he said.   “These freehold subject-to-lease (FSTL) opportunities are rarely available and it offered a stress-free and hassle-free annuity income stream, with the tenant paying 100 per cent of the outgoings and running costs.   “It’s close to the Caringbah Town shopping centre and major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, McDonald's and is just 150* metres to Caringbah train station.”
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Feros Hotel Group snap up Highfield Caringbah for around $15 million

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A mixed-use building on Perth’s high profile Queen Street has been sold for $4.89 million. 
The period building at 26 Queen Street was contested with more than 60 Information Memorandums provided, said Knight Frank Partner, Capital Markets, Todd Schaffer.
Schaffer said the building was positioned to capitalise on the resurgence of the top end CBD retail market, particularly around the King/Queen Street and Raine Square precinct. 
He said its location, 100% occupancy and offering had made it attractive to a broad range of investors. 
Knight Frank senior sales executive Rick McIntosh-Whyte said with two new hotels soon to open nearby and the continued evolution of Raine Square and Kings Square, the Queen/King Street precinct would continue to attract high levels of interest. 
The building is arranged over four levels providing flexible accommodation with a total net lettable area of 740 square metres.
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Mixed-use building on Perth's Queen Street sold for $4.89 million 

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A Fitzroy North landholding on Queens Parade with triple street frontages is being offered to market.
The 3,200 sqm development site is situated on a prime corner landholding at 81-89 Queens Parade, with triple street frontages to Alexandra Parade, Queens Parade, and George Street.
Savills Australia’s Clinton Baxter, Jesse Radisich and Benson Zhou have been appointed to manage the expressions of interest campaign with expectations of above $18 million.
“The upside potential of this site is profound, and we have already commenced fielding interest from major local and offshore developers keen to know more about this project,” said Mr Baxter.
“There is approved planning in place for an 8-level Cox Architecture mixed-use commercial project.”
“81-89 Queens Parade is arriving at a time and place that meets the strongest commercial office markets in decades,” added Mr Baxter.
Mr Zhou said that “whilst there has been talk of reducing Chinese capital in our market, Savills has sold more than half of our last 20 deals to buyers of Chinese background. Really there has been a flight to quality projects and investments, the money definitely is still there for the best projects like this one.”
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Savills marketing mixed-used Fitzroy North development site

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A new $83 million mixed-use development in Maroochydore has been given the green light.
Economic Development Queensland has ticked off on the proposed two residential towers and six Small Office-Home Office (SOHO) townhouse project.
The project will be on a 4158 square metre parcel of land in the new CBD.
There will be a total of 152 units across the two towers.
Habitat Development Group Managing Director Cleighton Clark said the SOHOs will offer a new style of office product in the Sunshine Coast market.
The number of small businesses on the Sunshine Coast has grown by 2.5% over 2018, ABS data indicates.
 “The SOHOs have clearly hit the mark for this sector, providing a perfect combination of work and home in one property,” Clark said.
The SOHOs will have a non-residential space on the ground floor, which can be used for an office, shop, food and drink outlet or other kind of business. 
Work is expected to start on the project in February 2020.
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New $83 million mixed-use project in Maroochydore given green light 

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Firstly, what is a Polycentric city and how can it benefit our growing population?

In Urban Planning, a Polycentric city is an urban area that is organised around multiple cities. In this example, Melbourne CBD is designated as the major hub with built up connecting activity centres which benefit by sharing job creation with inner and outer suburbs using a '20 minute neighbourhood' model. 
We can benefit from being a polycentric city in numerous ways as it will decrease travel time, localise businesses, encourage walkability, cycleability, social interaction, networking and community by creating opportunities in areas with existing increased infrastructure standards.

<h2>What does Melbourne look like now?</h2>

An estimated 5 million people reside in the city limits as of early 2019 with an expected projection upwards of 8 million people by 2050. 
This immense growth has seen:

<ul>
<li>An average of 50,000 new homes being built, most of those are a product of Urban Sprawl with new housing estates, communities and suburbs developing beyond existing suburbia.</li>
	<li>Due to urban sprawl, commute times have increased for many Melbournians, adding 30 minutes to the average drivers journey to work. </li>
	<li>With infrastructure not meeting the demands soon enough due to unprecedented growth, liveability in outer reach suburbs is lower as connection to jobs, opportunities, education and basic services require car dependency.</li>
	<li>Most job creation is isolated to or around the Melbourne CBD, with a daily workforce of over 500,000 people. 
	 </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/screen_shot_2019-07-30_at_2.03.16_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Sprawl in Melbourne's South Western suburbs. Image by Google Maps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-07-30_at_2.03.16_pm.png?itok=JQT7LvTB" title="Sprawl in Melbourne's South Western suburbs. Image by Google Maps" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sprawl in Melbourne's South Western suburbs. Image by Google Maps</figcaption></figure> What will Melbourne look like as a polycentric city?

<ul>
<li>With activity centres already in place and on the move for urban renewal and rejuvenation in Frankston, Reservoir, Moonee Ponds, Box Hill, Footscray, Preston, Epping, Sunshine, Dandenong and Werribee we will see an abundance of localised opportunity and a shared balance of job creation that extends beyond the CBD, strengthening our city economy.</li>
	<li>When built up, these activity centres will provide a diverse range of jobs, activities and housing options for residents as well as playing major roles in delivering health, education, government, retail and commercial services.</li>
	<li>Existing local activity centres thrive as they remain dedicated to community, culture and social attributes as well as giving residents no reason to commute one or two hours to work. This increases the quality of life majorly.</li>
	<li>These mini-cities are hubs of medium to high density mixed use developments, which will help curtail urban sprawl thus lessening the impact on native ecological and natural environments.</li>
</ul>
 

<h2>Existing - <a href="/developments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a> Activity Centre</h2>

<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/moonee_ponds_new_heart_pedestrians_and_cyclists.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist impression of the new civic centre space with a dedication to pedestrians, cyclists and community buildings."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/moonee_ponds_new_heart_pedestrians_and_cyclists.png?itok=1uJkgm6L" title="Artist impression of the new civic centre space with a dedication to pedestrians, cyclists and community buildings." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist impression of the new civic centre space with a dedication to pedestrians, cyclists and community buildings.</figcaption></figure> 
Moonee Ponds is a principal activity centre in Melbourne’s north-west with a current population of 15,000 people. Known for destinations such as the Moonee Valley Racecourse, Queens Park and the quaint community feel of the cafe’s, bars, boutiques and fresh food shopping of Puckle and Hall street.

This eclectic inner city suburb is just 7km out of the Melbourne CBD and has recently seen monumental growth in terms of density and commercialisation. At its core, the Moonee Ponds Junction serves as the arterial and tram connection to surrounding suburbs.

The 2030 Moonee Ponds activity plan expects to develop the suburb into a high density, pedestrian friendly, sustainable centre that intimately connects to public transport in an effort to reduce urban sprawl and car dependency which includes developments such as <a href="/buildings/hall-st-40-hall-street-moonee-ponds">Mason Square</a> by <a href="/developers/caydon-property">Caydon</a>.

Moonee Ponds vision is to exceed in creating a new civic community space with a central square around the historic Clocktower, create major improvements to car parks and pedestrian access, fostering and nurturing retail and businesses, protecting heritage, enhancing neighbourhood character and expanding community services such as health and education centres.

 

Existing - <a href="/developments/preston-vic-3072">Preston Central</a> Activity Centre

<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/screen_shot_2019-07-30_at_12.45.07_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist impression of residential and mixed use density surrounding Preston Market."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-07-30_at_12.45.07_pm.png?itok=e4wtsJ3E" title="Artist impression of residential and mixed use density surrounding Preston Market." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist impression of residential and mixed use density surrounding Preston Market.</figcaption></figure> 
Preston is a multicultural suburb 9km north of Melbourne CBD with a plan to centralise growth and progress opportunities for residents. Preston’s population of 32,000 people is made up of European, Asian and Middle Eastern residents, many of which are descendants of the post war migration. The suburbs flat terrain and abundance of land resulted in low density developments to which now is evolving into a hub for the North as population growth pressure and closeness to the CBD leads to more medium to high density residential developments.

The Preston Activity Centre is centralised around the beloved Preston Market, with a strong focus on retaining its community charm and cultural significance for the suburb. The utilisation of car parks and empty plots surrounding Preston Market and the suburbs main thoroughfare for local businesses, High Street is an important factor in bringing people closer to work and opportunities. 

Preston has numerous community facilities such as the Darebin Performing Arts Centre, Preston Library and the Northern Region Migrant Resource Centre which are all serviced by Preston Station, the main link to education and fresh food markets in the suburb.

The main objective for the central plan is to curtail urban sprawl, strengthen community links and advanced opportunities, increase business and civic space and provide residents with affordable housing options. Preston could see an increase of over 10,000 new residents in the next 5 years with high density developments such as <a href="/buildings/due-north-preston-70-82-high-street-preston">Due North</a> and <a href="/buildings/8-clinch-avenue-preston">8 Clinch Avenue</a>.

 

<h2>FUTURE - <a href="https://merrifieldmelbourne.com.au/about/">MERRIFIELD, MICKLEHAM</a></h2>

<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/merrifield-render-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering of civic space in Merrifield’s city centre."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/merrifield-render-1.jpg?itok=qWnNkxJO" title="Rendering of civic space in Merrifield’s city centre." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of civic space in Merrifield’s city centre.</figcaption></figure> 
Located in Melbourne’s far north is the newly planned community suburb of Merrifield, a joint masterplan by <a href="/developers/mab-corporation">MAB</a> and <a href="/developers/gibson-property-corporation">Gibson Property</a> which will sustain a population of 30,000 residents and 40,000 workers. 
The city of the north is expected to be completed by 2025, and aims to be a hub of connectivity for small and large businesses in their business district, a cultural and community space with shops, restaurants and medium density residential and civic buildings by the Central Park and waterfront with 12,000 homes planned and already under construction. 
Merrifield is serviced by rapid bus transport and major highway links though aims to truly be a walkable, 30 minute neighbourhood where residents will use the pedestrian and bicycle friendly links to reach all of their daily needs. 
As the North is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, we need sustainable and centralised developments with updated infrastructure and commercial opportunities for residents. Car dependency makes working in the CBD difficult for many people living in the Northern suburbs as transport is infrequent or too far from home. Having a hub closer to the outer reach suburbs makes a vast improvement for businesses and locals who live an hour from the CBD.

The community is already home to one of Victoria's biggest Industrial Parks with Dulux, D'orsogna and Australia's first Kaufland setting up shop with access to sustainable energy and recycled water. 
Merrifield boasts numerous lakes, wetlands and urban parks which are designed to encourage environmental consciousness and enrich natural biodiversities. 
 

 
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Nick Dante

How close is Melbourne to becoming a Polycentric city?

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The former home of one of Perth’s most recognised cake shops, Avanti Cakes, has been listed for sale.
It is almost 3,000 square metres of prime real estate on Beaufort Street, Inglewood.  
After 35 years of ownership, the Lembo family has appointed CBRE to market for sale the four adjoining properties.
They are 867 Beaufort Street (1,183 square metres); 871 Beaufort Street (604 square metres); 875 Beaufort Street (594 square metres) and 875 Beaufort Street (599 square metres). 
The combined 2,980 square metre site was home to Avanti Cakes – one of Perth’s top wedding cake suppliers – between 1983 to 2005.
It was also the former Inglewood Police Station buildings. 
The property has recently received development approval for a five-storey mixed use project comprising restaurant and retail shops, medical consulting rooms in the retained heritage police quarters, 57 residential apartments and 78 car parking bays.
It is located opposite the mooted Inglewood Woolworths. 
CBRE’s Michael Milne and Ben Younger have been appointed to market the site for sale via a public offers to purchase process closing July 4.  
Milne said the properties represented an attractive development opportunity in one of Perth’s most desirable inner metropolitan locations.  
“Many people will recognise this high-profile site by the Avanti Cakes mural, which has decorated its exterior since the ‘80s, together with the adjoining Inglewood Police Station buildings," he said. 
"Its favourable street profile and existing development approval will underpin strong buyer interest from retail groups and mixed-use developers."
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Former Avanti Cakes, Perth premises listed for sale

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Nissan Motors has been secured as the anchor tenant for Frasers Property Australia (Frasers Property) and ESR Australia (ESR1) newly purchased Mulgrave site
The 4.67 acre 254 Wellington Road site has received planning approval for 60,000 sqm of commercial space, a 752 sqm café/retail area and 2,497 car spaces.
A community hub is also envisaged incorporating a gymnasium, restaurant and activated outdoor open space.
The business park is expected to have an end value of A$400 million when completed.
Anthony Maugeri, General Manager, Southern Region Commercial &amp; Industrial, for Frasers Property Australia stated, “Frasers Property, in joint venture with ESR, previously developed 211 Wellington Road with a strong track record in attracting major corporates to the area. 
"We plan to develop a state-of-the-art business park and are eager to deliver industry-leading amenity on the site to assist in attracting large commercial occupiers,”he said.
Phil Pearce, Chief Executive Officer at ESR Australia said, “This is an exciting project for ESR and Frasers Property as we commence a large-scale business park development in Melbourne’s south-east. We are seeing Mulgrave emerge as a growing suburban commercial office market"
Nissan Australia’s Managing Director Stephen Lester said, “Our current office was officially opened in June 1977, so over the 40 plus years that we have based ourselves here it has served us well, but we have grown as a business since then."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/14/Nissan%202.JPG" alt="">
Nissan Australia’s 11,000 sqm facility will be spread across five levels (including ground level) of the 8 level building and will comprise over 9,000 sqm office, 1,850 sqm workshop and 550 car bays.
The new building, situated on the corner of Wellington Road (60 metre frontage) and Peters Avenue will achieve a 5 Star Green Star Design &amp; As Built v1 certified rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
The joint venture is a 50:50 split between Frasers Property and ESR. Frasers Property secured the 245 Wellington Road site, while ESR will undertake the development. Nissan Australia’s building is anticipated to be completed by May 2020 while the entire development is forecast for completion by late 2025.
Practical completion of the facility is due in May 2020.
Andrew Peak, Gianni Macdonald and Stephen Adgemis from CBRE brokered the Nissan transaction.
Rob Joyes from Colliers International brokered the 254 Wellington Road acquisition.
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Nissan to anchor Frasers Property and ESR's newly purchased Mulgrave site

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Melbourne developer Welsh Group has purchased an additional site in the Victorian suburb of Armstrong Creek.
The site at 500-540 Surf Coast Highway completes the Welsh Group ownership of over 40 hectares of landholdings at the mixed-use Armstrong Creek Town Centre.
Construction of the site, which has now received planning approval, is due to commence in the coming weeks.
Stage 1 of the development comprises of a Coles supermarket along with supporting specialty retail.
<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/2019/5/31/IN1.jpg" alt="">
Andrew Welsh, Managing Director of Welsh Group, said Stage 1 of the Town Centre is scheduled to open in 2020.
“Stage 1 will initially service approximately 58,000 people, and provide in excess of 1,100 ongoing jobs, with the suburb set to rapidly increase to over 110,000 residents by 2036,” Welsh said.
“The Welsh Group has a strong investment within the Geelong region through its residential homes division, Welsh Homes.
“The Armstrong Creek Town Centre will be the first major commercial project in this region delivered by Welsh Group, and will include a range of retail, leisure and entertainment, residential and community facilities; bringing an array of services and employment opportunities to the growing community.”
Colliers International has been appointed as exclusive leasing agents with Mike Crittenden and Adam Lester set to manage the leasing campaign.
“The initial off market campaign in securing the anchors, has already generated significant local and national retail interest for the soon to be launched specialty tenancies,” Crittenden said.
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