Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Parramatta

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A three bedroom, four-bathroom, 53rd floor penthouse apartment in Coronation Property’s 8 Phillip Street residential tower has been sold for $3.325 million.
The penthouse features customised Woods Bagot interiors and 190sqm of internal living.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.21.40%20AM.png" alt="">
Jason Soulos, Coronation Property sales director said the personalised service offering that allows purchasers to customise penthouse residences was a deciding factor for the buyer and his wife.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.20.46%20AM.png" alt="">
“Certainly, the opportunity for the buyer to have a private consultation with one of Australia’s premier architects, Domenic Alvaro from Woods Bagot, and the ability to choose the moodboard for the residence, as well as premium additions such as wine fridges, was a significant attraction,” said Mr Soulos.
“We feel such a significant investment warrants this level of service, to ensure the buyer and his wife move into a home that reflects their personal taste and style, and which differentiates it as distinctly theirs.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.22.46%20AM.png" alt="">
“The buyer mentioned that he was particularly impressed by the concept of having a five-star QT Hotel on the lower levels and residential living above, similar to developments he had previously seen in New York.
“Also, the recent announcement that two of Rockpool Dining Group’s signature restaurants will be located onsite at 8 Phillip Street was the icing on the cake."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.23.29%20AM.png" alt="">
When completed, 8 Phillip Street will feature 314 residences, with apartments to include one, two and three bedroom configurations, as well as studio and penthouse options as well as Sydney’s highest rooftop venue, Studio 54, a signature bar &amp; grill restaurant, multiple meeting and event spaces, and a grand ballroom. 
For more information, <a href="https://www.liveat8phillipst.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>. 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

53rd floor penthouse apartment in Coronation Property’s 8 Phillip Street development sold

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Parramatta is set to become Sydney’s future, according to Savills’ latest report.
“Forecast to be vital to Sydney’s future, Parramatta is now a city in transition with significant residential and commercial development activity taking place.
“The centre of Parramatta is already considered Sydney’s second CBD with an extensive commercial centre with substantial retail amenities.
“The suburb has benefitted from a number of private sector companies relocating or opening new offices in the area.
“These moves mean there is a greater number of high earning professionals, not just working, but often living in the area as well as utilising the retail, dining and leisure facilities.
“Aside from the ongoing development activity and popular dining precinct, Parramatta will continue to evolve into more of a destination due to the infrastructure improvements due to take place.
“The State Government has committed $10 billion for infrastructure investment for Parramatta and Western Sydney, which includes the new Sydney Metro West, Light Rail network, integrated and upgraded roads, rail, buses and ferry services,” the report stated.
Property values in Parramatta have experienced strong growth over the past decade.
“House prices have increased by 136 percent and apartment prices by 118 percent, outperforming the average growth seen across Sydney as a whole.
“However, over the past year, the rate of annual growth has slowed to 3 percent and 5 percent for houses and units respectively, reflecting a more subdued housing market seen across Sydney.
“Despite this rise in value, Parramatta remains a relatively affordable location to buy residential property.
“The median price of a house in the suburb of Parramatta in December 2016 was $1.19 million.
“This is slightly higher than average across all of greater Sydney but offers a substantial discount when compared to Central Sydney, the Inner West and the north western suburbs.
“Units in Parramatta have a medium price of $592,000, which is a discount of 16 percent compared to the Sydney average.
“This is due to a higher concentration of units in central, more expensive locations.
“Across the wider area of the City of Parramatta, prices can vary significantly.
“Oatlands, a suburb with high quality, family housing stock, is the most expensive location with the average house price nearly reaching $1.5 million.
“By comparison, areas to the south east of Parramatta such as Granville and Rosehill are cheaper with an average price for a unit of around $500,000,” the report advised.
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-rosehill-125583526" target="_blank">11/88 James Ruse Drive</a>, Rosehill (above) has been listed for between $570,000 to $600,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-granville-125581878" target="_blank">11/9-11 Boundary Street</a>, Granville (below) has been listed for between $589,950 to $629,950.
<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/2017/05/31/11_9-11%20Boundary%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Large-scale unit block developments are now common in Parramatta according to Savills.
“In response to the increased demand and changing demographics of the area, there has been a significant amount of residential development activity in Parramatta including a number of large-scale unit blocks.
“These apartments are popular with investor buyers and have increased the number of rental properties available.
“The proportion of private renters in Parramatta is already significantly higher than average, accounting for half of the population compared to a quarter across Greater Sydney.
“Tenants are attracted to the cheaper rents available. The median weekly rent in December 2016 was $550 for houses and $470 for units, around 15 percent cheaper than the Sydney average, resulting in average yields of 2.4 percent and 4.1 percent respectively.
“Unsurprisingly, given this new stock coming to the market, vacancy rates in Parramatta are slightly higher than the average across Sydney but the rental market remains active and the median rent has remained relatively stable over the past two years, following large increases,” the report commented.
Parramatta has one of the fastest growing populations of any local government area in Sydney, according to Savills.
“From 2011 to 2016, estimates show the population across the city of Parramatta has increased 17.6 percent, twice the rate of growth seen across Greater Sydney.
“This has significantly added to the demand for real estate in the area, equating to 7,150 new residents a year.
“Employment opportunities are a key reason people are drawn to live in an area.
“The City of Parramatta provides a wide range of employment options for both residents and surrounding locations.
“There are currently 92,000 residents of the city who are employed, but there is a daily work population of over 157,000, indicating at least 40 percent of the workforce lives outside Parramatta.
“Health care and social assistance is the dominant employment industry, with almost 25,000 employees, primarily driven by the Westmead health precinct.
“Across the city of Parramatta, there is a similar breakdown of household type to the Sydney average.
“There are higher numbers of lone person and group households which reflects the increasing number of young people moving to the area.
“Across the suburb, nearly half of residents are aged between 20 and 34 compared to a quarter across greater Sydney.
“Parramatta is a culturally diverse city and has a large international community.
“In the suburb, 21.3 percent of residents describe their ancestry as Indian and a further 21.2 percent as Chinese.
“Just 19.3 percent describe it as Australian or English compared to over half across Greater Sydney.
“As such, many international buyers are attracted to the area, providing an important source of demand for the housing market as both owner-occupiers and investors,” the report stated.
Parramatta’s landscape is expected to change if project development continues Savills says.
“The Parramatta CBD has seen a surge of residential and commercial development in recent years.
“If the projected development pipeline is realised, the Parramatta landscape is expected to continue this significant transformation over the next decade.
“This should contribute to strong population growth for the region and an increase of much needed supply of both commercial and residential properties.
“Forecasts suggest the population is set to increase by 74.5 percent over the next 20 years, to 416,750 people compared to a 37 percent increase across Greater Sydney.
“This is the third largest increase forecast of all Sydney’s Local Government Areas (LGA) following Camden and The Hills.
“The major investment in infrastructure and the ongoing commercial development is expected to create more jobs in the area and therefore an increase in demand for residential property.
“By 2021, Parramatta’s economic growth rate is anticipated to nearly double from 2.4 percent to 4.6 percent, taking the total employment to 186,000 people.
“The financial and insurance services sector is projected to see the most concentrated economic growth.
“The increased residential supply in Parramatta, combined with substantial government investment in infrastructure has increased general awareness of the Parramatta region.
“Whilst many buyers are still expected to be local to the western suburbs of Sydney, the ongoing changes and development activity are expected to broaden the range of interest and appeal to a larger catchment area, which is already starting to take place," the report stated.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Parramatta the future of Sydney: Savills

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GUEST OBSERVER
Australia continues to draw attention from overseas investors, but is Parramatta becoming Australia’s fastest growing CBD?
The combination of infrastructure improvements, development activity and population growth have transformed Parramatta into a vibrant city, which is popular with renters, first time buyers, young families and investors alike.
Parramatta is the second oldest colonial town in Australia, founded shortly after Sydney. The city was initially established as a farming settlement and the population grew rapidly as new settlers arrived by river and subsequently road and railway. Since then, Sydney has expanded and today Parramatta is located in the centre of Greater Sydney.
Forecast to be vital to Sydney’s future, Parramatta is now a city in transition with significant residential and commercial development activity taking place.
The centre of Parramatta is already considered Sydney’s second CBD with an extensive commercial centre with substantial retail amenities.
The suburb has benefited from a number of government agencies and private sector companies relocating or opening new offices in the area.
These moves mean there is a greater number of high earning professionals, not just working, but often living in the area as well as utilising the retail, dining and leisure facilities. Parramatta is a culturally diverse city and has an international community.
The residents ancestry are more mixed compared to greater Sydney with 21.3 percent ancestry described as Indian, 21.2 percent as Chinese and 19.3 percent as Australian or English. As such, this cultural community attracts the international buyers who provide an important source of demand for the housing market as both owner-occupiers and investors.
In addition, the population of Parramatta is forecast to increase by 75 percent over the next 20 years which will contribute towards increased demand for residential properties.
Aside from the ongoing development activity and popular dining precinct, Parramatta will continue to evolve due to the infrastructure improvements taking place. The State Government has committed $10 billion to infrastructure investment for Parramatta and Western Sydney, which includes the new Sydney Metro West, Light Rail network, integrated and upgraded roads, rail, buses and ferry services.
Sophie Chick is the Head of Research – Residential for Savills. She can be contacted <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/blog/author/148069/Sophie" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

How is the changing landscape in Parramatta impacting residential property?: Sophie Chick

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GUEST OBSERVER
The potential for the city of Parramatta to become an equal city centre with the Sydney CBD could be under threat from significant taxes proposed on development. 
Many developers keen to build in Parramatta are now reconsidering their projects as the City of Parramatta adds excessive taxes on developments.
I have been amazed at the number of developers who have contacted me about the latest proposal to require developers to give 10 percent of their apartments to the council. 
When this tax is added to the value capture proposals of the council that require half the land value of uplift along with the State Government's levy of $20,000 per apartment the viability of development in Parramatta is under threat.
There seems to be an unrealistic ‘Magic Pudding’ attitude that the staff of the City of Parramatta Council have that developers will fund all of their desires and needs. 
If the same logic was applied to the council they should ask their own rate payers to cover the rates of the 10 percent of the residents most in need or for the council to require the Parramatta supermarkets to give away food to 10 percent of shoppers.
Some Urban Taskforce members have estimated that the combination of levies and taxes proposed in Parramatta will add $100,000 to the cost of an average two bedroom apartment. 
While council may be hoping to help those who are struggling to get into the Sydney market the end result of the levies will be to make most dwellings far less affordable and this price hike will pull even the affordable homes up in price.
We are concerned that the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) has asked each council to develop their own affordable housing policy rather than give leadership to ensure a long term sustainable approach occurs across Sydney. 
The Greater Sydney Commission in their draft District Plans did propose an approach that was based on floor space uplift from rezoning and that this would only be where it was economically sustainable. It now seems that councils across Sydney are ignoring the GSC approach and only responding to the requirement to develop their own approach. Many councils are under administration and administrators seem to be taking a popularist approach that simply forces developers to pay for affordable housing.
The Urban Taskforce has proposed an approach to affordable housing for Sydney that could yield 40,000 affordable homes over 10 years. This would modify the government’s Affordable Rental Housing SEPP of 2009 to ensure that if 20 percent of a project was affordable apartments then a 20 percent floor space and height uplift would be given.
The SEPP provides for the affordable units to be available for 10 years and then returned to the developer. This approach would provide a continual supply of affordable rental homes across Sydney.
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We are concerned that, if implemented, the Parramatta approach could spread to most councils across metropolitan Sydney and the end result would be a dramatic slowdown in housing supply. 
The Urban Taskforce calls on the NSW Government to step in to the out of control free-for-all that is happening with councils that are adding a variety of taxes for affordable housing so that a consistent approach can be developed.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Parramatta Council affordable housing tax will slow down housing supply

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Total market vacancy in Parramatta is forecast to decline over the short term as pre-commitments absorb any new stock, according to Colliers International’s latest Metro Office report.
“Stage 1 Parramatta Square, which came online at the end of last year, was fully pre- committed by Western Sydney University.
Taking into consideration the development pipeline, 105 Phillip Street (delivery circa 2018, approx. 25,000sqm) is fully committed to the Department of Education and Stage 4 Parramatta Square (delivery circa 2019, approx. 62,000sqm) is fully committed to Property NSW.
These tenants will relocate from Darlinghurst and Sydney CBD which will likely contribute to above average positive net absorption for the period.
Looking further ahead, NAB has fully committed to 42,000sqm at Stage 3 Parramatta Square (delivery circa 2020),” the report stated.
2020 and 2021 should see Parramatta vacancy rising Colliers says.
“Notable vacant space is likely to be available in 2020 and 2021 with Parramatta City Council (126 Church Street), the Office of State Revenue (87 Marsden Street), and the Department of Planning and Environment (10 Valentine) intending to vacate 5,800sqm, 4,000sqm and 5,000sqm respectively.
Additionally, The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will vacate 101 George Street and 150 George Street in 2022 relocating to the Australian Technology Park (ATP) in Redfern, creating backfill space of approximately 40,000sqm.
As a result of the abovementioned movements, by early 2020 vacancy is forecast to fall to 3.3 per cent before increasing to 6.9 per cent by the end of 2021,” the report advised.
Colliers says that A Grade vacancy is likely to remain at full occupancy in the short term, with the secondary market, particularly B Grade, tightening at a faster rate.
“For the second consecutive period A Grade space remains at full occupancy, fuelling strong rental growth.
Over the last 12 months, net face rents have increased 5.8 per cent, with net effective rents increasing 10.4 per cent as incentives fell three percentage points to 15 per cent.
B Grade vacancy has fallen to 6.2 per cent, from 6.8 per cent, resulting in even stronger rental growth,” the report commented.
Net effective rents has increased over the past 12 months due to reduction in incentives Colliers says.
“Net effective rents increased 16.9 per cent over 12 months largely due to the significant 7 percentage point reduction in incentives, falling to 16 per cent.
With a strong pre-commitment market, we anticipate net effective rental growth to exceed historical averages for A and B Grade space of 3.6 per cent year on year and 2.5 per cent year on year respectively.
Over the next 12 months, net effective rents for A and B Grade are expected to grow by 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively with the average annual growth rate over the next three years forecast at 6.7 per cent (A Grade) and 7.4 per cent (B Grade),” the report stated.
A 25,000 sqm office building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-parramatta-502320926">105 Phillip Street</a>, Parramatta (above) has been listed for sale.
A 1563 sqm office at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-parramatta-501307275">87 Marsden Street</a>, Parramatta (below) was sold recently in April this year.
<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/2017/05/02/87%20Marsden%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a 2024 sqm office at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-silverwater-502309706">36 Egerton Street</a>, Silverwater (below) was sold recently in April this year for $3.96 million.
<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/2017/05/02/36%20Egerton%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Small office space include a 120 sqm office at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-granville-502328218?listingType=buy">9 &amp; 10/70-72 Railway Parade</a>, Granville (below) has been listed for between $1.2 million to $1.3 million.
<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/2017/05/02/9%20%201070-72%20Railway%20Parade.jpg" alt="">
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Market vacancy in Sydney's Parramatta expected to decline in the short term: Colliers

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A new $400 million 47 level mixed-use development on Parramatta’s waterfront, to be known as The Lennox, has been announced.
Located at 12 Phillip Street, Parramatta, on a 6,300 square metre riverfront site at the junction of Lennox Bridge and Church Street, it is being developed via a Project Delivery Agreement in conjunction with City of Parramatta and PCC DevCo1 Pty Ltd (a company initially established by LIDIS Group), with development management by EQ Projects.
The Lennox will comprise 441 residences across 40 levels, as well as approximately 5,500 square metres of retail and mixed use space and eight levels of basement parking.
There are 25 different apartment types, consisting of a range of studio, one, two, three and four bedroom residences that will vary in size from 40 to 206 square metres.
Prices range from $495,000 to more than $3.5 million for the ‘Skyvillas’.
The two four-bedroom Skyvillas are customisable homes located on level 47 encircled by a 20 to 30 square metre indoor-outdoor terrace.
Kitchens feature stone benchtops, a butler’s pantry and premium Gaggenau appliances and the bathrooms feature natural stone and unique tile patterns.
<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/2017/04/6/The%20Lennox_4B%20Skyvilla_View%20to%20the%20North%20West.jpg" alt="">
The 1,200 square metre residents-only space on level three features a 20 metre indoor pool with indoor-outdoor terrace and incredible riverfront views, a gym opening out onto a Zen garden with separate wellbeing space, barbeques and a sculptural garden, and entertainment spaces for residents.
The Lennox team collaborated with Marchese Partners on the interior architectural design and Lorena Gaxiola on the interiors.
Andrew Young, director of EQ Projects, said that Parramatta is fast becoming Sydney’s second CBD and stands to benefit from population growth in Western Sydney.
“Councils, government and community groups are working together to rejuvenate Parramatta River to an urban hub and we’re excited to be part of this with the creation of a 120 metre boardwalk which will activate the riverfront and connect the east and west access points under the south side of Lennox Bridge,” he said.
“For The Lennox, we’re expecting a mix of owner-occupiers and investors who understand the value proposition of buying a premium apartment in a booming area.
“The incredible location, amenities and access to great schools will appeal to owner-occupiers, while investors will be attracted to the high rental yield, secure investment and the planned infrastructure which will make it easy for future tenants to travel to work and university in the area.”
Ged Rockliff, head of residential at Savills Australia, says that Parramatta is an attractive location for investors and owner-occupiers.
“Property values in Parramatta have experienced strong growth over the past decade, with apartment prices increasing by 118%, but it remains a more affordable option when compared to central Sydney,” he said.
“The proportion of private renters in Parramatta is significantly higher than average, resulting in average yields of 4.1% for apartments.”
Construction of The Lennox has commenced and is due for completion in early 2021.
The Lennox display suite is located 333 Church Street, Parramatta.
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New $400 million The Lennox development coming to Parramatta riverfront

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A lack of stock and urgency by private investors to source quality investments has resulted in strong results for strata office sales in the heart of Parramatta, the epicentre of Western Sydney.
Ray White Commercial noted the demand for office strata was highlighted by the $650,000 sale at auction of a 63 sqm ground floor office investment at 3/4 Charles Street, Parramatta. It was sold by Ray White Commercial NSW-Parramatta’s Joseph Assaf for a sharp 3.62 percent yield.
Mr Assaf said smaller private investors have been particularly active in the strata office market, resulting in capital values averaging $4,520 per sqm, which is affordable in comparison to the highs achieved in the Sydney CBD of $7,614 per sqm.
“However, a lack of stock and urgency to source quality investments has resulted in results such as the sale of 3/4 Charles St,” he said.
“The yield was 3.62 per cent while the capital value was $10,317 per sqm.”
Ray White Commercial NSW Director Michael Ajaka said the robust performance of the Parramatta CBD office market over the last five years has been observed by many larger institutions and both domestic and international private investors who have been instrumental in reducing investment yields.
“Currently prime investment properties have averaged yields from 5.75 percent to 6.5 percent range,” he said.
“Recent sales include 80 George St, a B grade office building which sold for $51.88 million in October, 2016, to a private Asian investor on a yield of 8.50 percent, while A grade Century Centre at 18 Smith St changed hands in September, 2016, for $84.03 million, representing a yield of 6.88 percent.”
Ray White Commercial Head of Research, Vanessa Rader, said the Parramatta CBD office market has been yielding strong results over the last few years.
“There is still more than 200,000 sqm of office stock destined to be added in the Parramatta CBD during a time of steady employment demand which is putting pressure on vacancy rates and improving rents achieved,” she said.
“New developments in office and continued residential development coupled with changes to infrastructure means Parramatta will remain a construction zone with road closures and cranes on the skyline for the next few years.”
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Parramatta CBD office investment yields sharpen

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Celebrity Chef Neil Perry has opened his Burger Project restaurant in Parramatta's mixed-use development V by Crown Group.
Meanwhile more than 220 new residents have moved in to the $300-million development since the first of its two towers opened last month. 
The development will also feature Parramatta’s first five-star hotel Skye Hotel Suites with 72 luxury suites scheduled to open in mid-2017.
Julian Sedgwick, Crown Group global head of sales and marketing said he was thrilled to see V by Crown Group come to life.
“The popularity of apartments at V by Crown Group both for lease and for sale demonstrates the demand for high-quality apartments with resort-style amenities and lively ground-floor café atmosphere in Parramatta,” he said.
“More than 200 people have already moved in and more than 80 per cent of apartments for sale have already sold, months before our grand-opening.
“Last week we saw a queue out the door at the opening of Neil Perry’s Burger Project, which is the first restaurant to open at V by Crown Group’s world-class architecturally-designed ground-floor plaza,." 
First homebuyer Alex Topic is relocating from Newtown to Parramatta after buying an apartment in V by Crown Group.
He said he was originally looking at older properties in the CBD, but found more value in a high-quality apartment in Parramatta.
“I’d be looking at paying the same price for an old apartment, half the size,” he said.
“I hadn’t considered Western Sydney, but when I looked the development was very conveniently located and a lot higher quality,” he 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/2017/03/14/161602%20-%20V%20By%20Crown%20-%20Rooftop%20-%20Final%202000.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
V by Crown Group was awarded the Five Star Award for Residential High Rise Architecture Australia at the 2016 – 2017 Asia Pacific Property Awards last year.
The development’s second tower is scheduled for completion in May. 
A selected number of apartments are available for sale ranging from one-bedroom apartments for $642,000 to three-bedroom penthouses for $2,545,000.
For more information please visit <a href="https://www.crowngroup.com.au" target="_blank">www.crowngroup.com.au</a> or call 1300 302 186.
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Parramatta's long-awaited vertical village 

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A second two bedroom display suite at Parramatta's 20 storey residential development V by Crown Group has been opened.
The new display suite is located on level 20 and features two bedrooms, a study, a living and dining area and views across Parramatta Square to Sydney’s CBD.
It also includes LED strip lighting, SMEG appliances, mirrored splashbacks, LED strip ‘accent’ lighting and stone bench tops.
When completed, V by Crown Group will have 590 apartments, pool, gym, sauna, conference facilities, music room, theatrette, a library and a retail and restaurant precinct.
The development, designed by Sydney-based Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects, won the Five Star Award for Residential High Rise Architecture Australia at the 2016-2017 Asia Pacific Property Awards.
<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/2017/01/17/VBC_Display_1_Apartment_009_LowRes.jpg" width="700" height="425">
Display apartments at V by Crown Group are available for inspection seven-days-a-week from 10am - 4pm.
For more information please visit <a href="https://www.crowngroup.com.au" target="_blank">www.crowngroup.com.au</a>.
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Parramatta’s V by Crown Group opens second display suite

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Parramatta commercial property sales increased in the quarter to December 2016, according to CoreLogic's Cityscope report.
The property data firm says that for the three months to December 2016, there were 32 sales at a total value of $150.2 million, compared to 17 sales at a total value of $139.3 million for the previous quarter.
Over the year there were 97 sales at a total value of $492.8 million, a decrease from the 171 sales at a total value of $578 million for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Parramatta Cityscope:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-1.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-1.jpeg" alt="">
Notable sales in the December 2016 update of Parramatta Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-parramatta-501863054" target="_blank">Albion Hotel, 135 George Street, Parramatta</a> (pictured above), a single and two-storey building with beer garden, bottle shop and parking on a site of 1,920 square metres, which was sold together with Albion car park, 118 Harris Street, Parramatta, a paved car park for the hotel on a site of 1,214 square metres for about $60 million through Khoury &amp; Partners Parramatta;</li>
<li>80 George Street, Parramatta, two office buildings of six and 11 storeys providing a net lettable area of 8,115 square metres with basement parking for 103 cars, which was sold for $51.88 million through Knight Frank</li>
<li>292 Church Street, Parramatta, a three-storey retail building with a net lettable area of 2,090 square metres and six car spaces, which was sold for $9.75 million through Ray White Commercial – Sydney.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-2.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/24/Paramatta-2.jpeg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in the December 2016 update of Parramatta Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>295-309 Church Street, Parramatta, a two-storey building with a net lettable area of 1,362 square metres and 17 car spaces, which is available for sale through Savills and Khoury &amp; Partners</li>
<li>Unit 3 at 411 Church Street, Parramatta, a 77 square metres office suite on level one in a two-storey building, which is for sale through LJ Hooker Commercial Parramatta.</li>
</ul>
Properties with leasing opportunities listed in the December 2016 update of Parramatta Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>197-205 Church Street, Parramatta, two interconnected buildings of two and three-storeys, which have office space of 1,500 square metres available through CBRE Western Sydney;</li>
<li>90 Phillip Street, Parramatta, a four-storey office building with a net lettable area of 3,180 square metres and 61 car spaces, which has office space up to 1,200 square metres available through CBRE Western Sydney</li>
<li>486 Church Street, Parramatta, a 10-level residential building and a two-storey retail annexe, which has retail space up to 1,200 square metres available through Khoury &amp; Partners Parramatta.</li>
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