One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

&nbsp;

FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Office

<html><body>
A South Melbourne office investment occupied by architects Ewert Leaf has been sold for $10.2 million.
The four-level, 1,078sqm fully refurbished building at 49-51 Stead Street was snapped up by a local investor before the close of EOI after just 20 days on the market.
Architects Will Leaf and Toby Ewert, with Ed Farquharson, the owner of developer, Moda, purchased the site in 2018 for $6 million with plans to refurbish the entire building and sell.   
It was listed by Colliers International’s Ted Dwyer, Ben Baines and Michael Gross of Gross Waddell, 
The whole of the property is leased to Ewert Leaf and occupied by Ewert Leaf and associated businesses.
Originally built in 1985, the 49-51 Stead Street building has been fully refurbished throughout, with completion in July 2019.  
The property consists of ground floor retail/commercial premises and three upper levels of open commercial floor plates.
It also features six undercover car spaces accessed from Palmerston Crescent.  
“Positioned within a highly desirable commercial and residential location, the surrounding area provides workers and residents access to landmark destinations including Albert Park Lake, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park Golf Course, South Melbourne Market, Clarendon Street retail precinct and Royal Botanical Gardens,” Mr Baines said.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Private investor snaps up South Melbourne office building in 20 days

<html><body>
A landmark building within South Melbourne's office precinct has been listed for sale.
The property, which neighbours Australian Unity’s Albert Road building, is expected to generate interest upwards of $15 million. 
Situated at 71-73 Palmerston Crescent, it offers 4,528 sqm across five levels including 40 basement and ground level car parks.
Servicing the five levels of office tenants and surrounding office and residential buildings is a ground floor café.  
“This landmark freehold is expected to generate significant interest from a diverse range of local and offshore groups due to its premium location, flexibility of future use and the surge in sentiment following the Federal Election and recent changes in fiscal policy,” Mr Wolman said. 
“There are very few remaining opportunities of this scale within the South Melbourne office precinct, as properties of this nature very rarely come to market."
Strategically located in the middle of the Domain and Albert Park precincts, Mr Stagg said the surrounding area remained one of the most popular locations in Melbourne for commercial tenants due to its convenience and accessibility to the CBD. 
Colliers International’s Daniel Wolman, Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay have the listing. 
</body></html>

South Melbourne office landmark listed with $15 million expectations

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Investa Commercial Property Fund has recently leased the remaining 7,800 sqm of space at their Kent Street office tower at the Sydney CBD.
It achieved 100% occupancy for the Building at 201 Kent Street, Sydney and a WALE of four years.
Global workforce solutions company Manpower relocated from Darling Park to secure 1,730 sqm for 10 years.
Software company Nutanix, secured 1,730 sqm over a six-year term. 
The Commonwealth of Australia finalised a lease over 1,300 sqm for a ten-year term on level 29, with the remaining 3,000 sqm renewed by an existing tenant.
The building’s CBD location in the western corridor provides direct connectivity between Wynyard and Barangaroo and multiple transport options for staff. 
Leasing agent Frank Sassine of Colliers International said the tenants were also attracted to the amenities and services within the complex, which include a courtyard, a gymnasium, childcare centre, conference facilities, cafes, and onsite property management.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Investa fully leases 201 Kent Street, Sydney office tower

<html><body>
Walker Corporation’s Parramatta Square development has attracted two new tenants.
GT Insurance and Universal Fitness have committed to 4 Parramatta Square.
4 Parramatta Square is the first of four towers in Parramatta Square development and will open in December 2019. 
GT Insurance and Universal Fitness will join anchor tenant the NSW Government in the 65,000 square metre, 40 storey building.
A subsidiary of Allianz Insurance, GT Insurance diversifies the mix of occupants at Parramatta Square.
"The office relocation from St Leonards has been welcomed by staff travelling from Western Sydney," Greg Walsh, General Manager, at GT Insurance said.
<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/2019/9/18/4PSQ%20Property%20NSW%20fitout%203.jpg" alt="">
NSW Government fit-out, indicative of GT Insurance fit-out
Occupying over 1,000 square metres of retail space, Universal Fitness has committed to a 10 year lease.
"The drawcard for us was the number of high quality corporate firms and diverse workforce that the development brings," co-founders of Universal Fitness Kumar Ramachandra and Anthony Kerkmez said.
The gym will include a wide range of Technogym equipment, personal training, a variety of group Les Mills classes from Body Pump to, boxing, Yoga and more.
It is expected that more than 5,000 staff will work in 4 Parramatta Square.
Wellness factors employed in 4 Parramatta Square include an agile working environment, greater use of outside air, lighting system, and a minimum 5 Star Green Star fit-out, according to the marketing. 
<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/2019/9/18/Parramatta%20Square%2020.jpg" alt="">
Construction of the first tower is close to completion.
Award winning architects Johnson Pilton Walker created the design.
It features atriums and staircases that promote workplace connectivity, winter gardens and a range of amenities, including retail outlets and a business and events centre, catering for up to 200 people. 
With the NSW Government and GT Insurance confirmed as tenants, 450 square metres remains available at 4 Parramatta Square.
</body></html>

GT Insurance and Universal Fitness take up Parramatta Square leases 

<html><body>
Senversa Pty Ltd has secured part of the ground floor of 190 Flinders Street, Adelaide.
Savills Australia’s Adam Hartley and Alexandra McGee secured the deal for Senversa and said the tenants were drawn to the convenience and efficiency that the building offers. 
“The owners of this building are willing to listen and act on feedback we give them and are good landlords to their existing tenants, which is why only one tenancy now remains in the building,” Hartley said. 
Senversa’s Adelaide business has been growing and Hartley said the ground floor space meets their expansion requirements.
“The office meets Senversa’s requirement for extra space, without making the move a costly exercise because they are able to use much of the existing fit out,” Hartley said.
McGee said the office will provide great amenities.
“The office provides tenants access to a private outdoor courtyard, which remains highly sought and difficult to come by,” McGee said. 
Senversa Pty Ltd has signed a three-year lease and will pay $370 per square metre.
</body></html>

Senversa secures an Adelaide ground floor tenancy

<html><body><div title="Page 1">
<div>
<div>
Melbourne property developer and investment company, Up Property, has revealed plans for a new five level office building.
Its latest Geelong project at 181 Moorabool Street, is situated in the heart of the city's CBD.
Previously known as the Belcher Arcade, the plans reveal leasing opportunities ranging from 74 sqm to 2,884 sqm, with three street-facing retail tenancies below four levels of commercial office spaces.
The building was designed by Genton with a 4.5-star NABERS specification.
Registrations of interest are now open for the development through local Geelong real estate agency - Gartland Property.
Since purchasing its first property in Geelong back in 2004, Up Property has been heavily invested in this area.
It recently completed the regeneration of a number of other office and retail buildings.
These include 126-128 Little Malop Street, the new home of the Geelong Advertiser and Barwon Health, the historic pub turned popular gathering ground, The Inn Hotel, the recent refurbishment and transformation of retail showrooms at 107-123 High Street and the former 6.2-hectare CSIRO site in Belmont.
Office and retail space at 181 Moorabool Street development are available for lease now, with construction proposed to commence late 2019.
The development is located just one hour and 15 minutes to Melbourne by car and 52 minutes by train.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Up Property reveals plans for five level office building in Geelong CBD

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Travel website, Luxury Escapes has signed a 5-year lease at Market Lane in South Melbourne.
They are taking residence over 1,590 sqm of office floor space.
The deal brokered by Chris Meehan and Matt Cosgrave of Colliers International.
Joining Luxury Escapes will be owner, developer and builder, Hickory Group, which is taking up tenancy and moving its headquarters into the building at 68 Clarke Street.
Architect Elenberg Fraser has designed the building.
Market Lane features a ground floor laneway with retail concessions, underneath a central atrium.
Boasting a 5-star NABERS rating and a 4-star Green Star rating, Market Lane features landscaped terraces, indoor and outdoor working spaces, electric car charging stations, electric bike charging facilities, and high tech building management.
Only a short walk to the main commercial districts on Clarendon St and South Melbourne Market, Market Lane is also located with swift access to Melbourne's CBD.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Travel website Luxury Escapes signs South Melbourne lease

<html><body>
The Brisbane office market remains a target for the global flexible workspace operators with the city already recording approximately 16,000 sqm of commitments across CBD and metro regions in the first half this year., according to Colliers International.
“Major players in this space such as IWG and WeWork are expanding within Brisbane as the competitive rents allow them to make a bigger footprint for less capital expenditure,” said Nick Davies, Associate Director of Tenant Advisory at Colliers International."
“We are also an attractive location given the large number of small businesses operating in Queensland as well as a substantial amount of project related requirements from Engineering and Resources sector."
“Colliers International is forecasting flexible workspace operators to take up approximately 28,250sqm of space in the CBD this year. There are reports of operators that are in the process of negotiating new locations across the CBD and as well as metro locations."
“Despite the lack of available large scale contiguous space, flexible workspace operators are still expected to contribute to the reduction of the city’s vacancy rate through 2019 and well into 2020."
“With a substantial number of new office developments which have been approved or looking for pre-commitment, operators will be looking to take pre-commitment for this space that is due for completion around the late 2021 to late 2022, such as Midtown Centre, 80 Ann Street and 360 Queen Street just to name a few."
“Fortitude Valley has several new projects that are seeking pre-commitment and landlords are willing to provide highly favourable deal terms to secure long-term tenants,” said Mr Davies. 
Simon van Grootel, Development Director Australia at IWG said they are seeing a huge rise in demand for larger scale solutions from 50 – 500 work stations coming through weekly across the country.
“These are forming part of a national strategy for many of our corporate customers who not only value the national and global network we provide, but also need the scale across multiple locations to quickly satisfy the frequent spikes and subsequent reductions in head count space. 
“With Brisbane a key growth city that has matured significantly over the past 5 years, we anticipate that more companies will grow their presence here driven by strong migration and a skilled labour force. Our Spaces brand which is larger footprint offering, demonstrates our confidence in this with new centres opening in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in the next 6 months with further announcements coming soon.”  
As per Colliers International research statistics collated in February 2019 Brisbane is the Australian capital city with the largest percentage of flexible workspace occupancy of CBD stock at 2.8%.
There are 32 flexible workplace centres across Brisbane CBD totalling 63,104sqm with the average desk cost of $550 per month. 
Brisbane has reached its lowest vacancy in five years, with flexible workspace operators directly contributing to the take up in space.
Flexible workspace transactions have a significant impact on the reported vacancy rate as they account for pure absorption and are not typically leaving behind older tenancies.
</body></html>

Major flex space companies expand into Brisbane: Colliers International

<html><body>
Microsoft Australia has taken a 10 year lease for its new head office in the $1.2 billion 1 Denison commercial office building.
1 Denison is the tallest tower in North Sydney.
Microsoft’s premises will comprise 10,655 sqm across seven levels from 25 to 31 in the high-rise of the building with floor plates ranging from 1,449 sqm up to 1,563 sqm.
The company will consolidate a number of offices into the new North Sydney location including its current head office at North Ryde.
It will retain its office at 1 Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD.
<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/2019/7/24/Tenancy%20Profile%20Aerial_Microsoft_low%20res_190717.jpg" alt="">
North Sydney is fast becoming a destination of choice for companies seeking quick access to the city and high-quality amenity along with access to hotels in the area including 88 Walker Street and Vibe Hotel.”
<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/2019/7/24/s12055_V03%20Hero.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Microsoft secures new head office in North Sydney's tallest tower

<html><body>
A prime Adelaide office buildings located on a 1,450 sqm site has been listed for sale. 
The 12,305 sqm office complex at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-sa-adelaide-503074338" target="_blank">100 Waymouth Street</a> is about 75% leased to industry leading tenants, including Origin Energy and Beyond Bank providing a WALE of 4.74 years. 
The building, which was built in 1989 had a comprehensive refurbishment completed in 2014, with another refurbishment in 2018.
It has also recently achieved a 5.5 Star Nabers Rating.
Knight Frank’s Guy Bennett has been appointed to market the property for sale via International Expressions of Interest on behalf of the private Singaporean vendor. 
Mr Bennett said, “South Australia is in a growth phase, which is having a positive impact on office space demand – and subsequent investment in the sector. We’re seeing increased activity in a range of sectors, including defence, resources, technology, education, and healthcare.”  
Mr Bennett, who recently marketed 80 Flinders Street, said the asset will appeal to a broad buyer audience given it is very hard to find a 4 plus year WALE and 6 plus percent asset anywhere in Australia at the moment.  
100 Waymouth Street is being offered for sale via an international expressions of interest campaign closing August 15.
</body></html>

Office

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Office

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News