Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Queensland

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SPONSORED POST
With Australia’s Life Sciences sector beginning to take shape, overseas experts in the field have Queensland tipped to have the right fundamentals for promoting the evolution of this sector.
David Lupson from Savills Science (UK) has made the trip to Queensland this week to review ripe markets and offer his advice on the fundamentals of a ‘science precinct’ based on his involvement and experience in crafting the Cambridge Science Park and other new science parks including those in Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The origins of science parks date back to the early 1950s with the creation of Stanford Research Park in the USA. In 1970, Trinity College commenced development of the first UK science park in Cambridge. Following this movement a number of UK-based universities recognised that an era of integrated educational and knowledge based businesses had arrived and realised the benefits of aligning multidisciplinary research and business. 
Today, Cambridge consists of 11 science parks in total; which includes the University Hospital and University &amp; Technology based businesses to complete the full ecosystem. New generations of science parks have spread all across the UK, however Cambridge still stands out as a front runner with a value proposition that has market appeal.
According to the University, Cambridge is now Europe’s largest technology cluster, with around 57,000 people employed by more than 1,500 technology and science based firms, which have a combined annual revenue of over £13 billion.
“It’s important to remember that the science sector competes on a global stage, our advice is pragmatic and evidence based using our industry experience coupled with ongoing benchmarking,” Mr Lupson said.
Mr Lupson is Europe’s most experienced commercial science park practitioner and has acted as the Development Director and Chief Operating Officer for a number of leading science park projects and bio-innovation centres across the UK.
“The first secret to the success of the Cambridge Science Park has been the relationship between individual entrepreneurs, the university and the science park operations and development team.
“The close proximity of the park to the university and teaching hospital in the city has been instrumental in both creating and feeding the businesses that reside there,” he said.
Science parks aim to enable the commercial exploitation of intellectual property by the provision of fit for purpose hard and soft infrastructure.
“The collaborative nature of the park has also helped to foster a sense of community, which the landlord has tried to maintain by including more amenities, which in turn has been crucial in attracting and retaining staff,” Mr Lupson said.
Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge bolstered its offering with the construction of the Nucleus Building, which provided a gym, restaurant, bar and conferencing facilities for its tenants. 
With science and technology continuously evolving, so are the businesses which work within the field, therefore conditions for these tenants need to remain fluid.
“St John’s Innovation Park is an excellent example of how providing incubator space with flexible lease conditions gives businesses the opportunity to grow.
“It’s not uncommon to see users grow from medium size floorplate requirements to taking an entire headquarters before the end of their leases,” he said.
The infrastructure and transport networks around a science park also play an important role in the precinct’s mechanics. 
In recent years Cambridge Science Park has seen substantial improvements to its accessibility through the provision of highway upgrades, new cycle ways and access to a guided busway. More recently the opening of a new railway station north of the city has further improved access options.
Mr Lupson will be speaking at three seminars in Queensland this week which will further educate the market on the emerging knowledge economy trends of the life sciences sector. 
For more information on Life Sciences or Science Park development in Queensland please contact <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/forms/contact-individual.aspx?id=104639-0" target="_blank">Dustin Welch</a>, Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/project-management.aspx" target="_blank">Savills</a> Health Projects. Savills Health Services provides bespoke transactional and planning services for medical service professionals, developers, government and investors across all aspects of primary healthcare, research and tertiary built form.
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Global expert defines the formula of a Science Park: Savills

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Woods Bagot has designed a new $31 million pier and lift structure which form key elements of the Urbis-led Master Plan for the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct. The project seeks to revitalise the riverside district by maximising the potential of the previously neglected area and transforming it into a hub of community activity.

The riverside pier employs materials that reference the community’s historical past of gold, silver and copper mining in a contemporary way, but just as importantly also represents an economic and cultural rebirth following the damage caused by Cyclone Maria in 2015.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/150193_n17_screenhd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The riverside pier and lift structure which form the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct. Image: Florian Groehn"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/150193_n17_screenhd.jpg?itok=YuetYOO8" title="The riverside pier and lift structure which form the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct. Image: Florian Groehn" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The riverside pier and lift structure which form the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct. Image: Florian Groehn</figcaption></figure>According to Woods Bagot, the riverside precinct has become a destination in its own right not just within Rockhampton but also regional Queensland. As part of the Master Plan, the site has become a public urban park comprising a playground, playful water features, amenities, local artwork, terraced landscaping, and places for shade and outdoor seating.

As part of the design response, the architects drew on and incorporated multiple influences from nearby sites, natural landscapes, and local industries which combined to form the overall composition of the two-story public building.

The 300 sqm building features a public landing on the lower ground level, while the main concourse accommodates a modern restaurant serving fresh seafood and seasonal produce. 
Additionally, the design also draws on the local vernacular forming a direct relationship with the quintessential ‘Queenslander’, with its large overhanging roof providing solar shading while allowing for uninterrupted views of the natural landscape.

The building’s linear shape and industrial aesthetic draw heavily from the steel Fitzroy Bridge to the North, while Mount Archer’s mining history inspired the form of the rich, earthy colour scheme.

The natural materials palette of stone, timber, metal, and glass allowed local craftsmen to assemble elements by hand using traditional methods. Profiled weathered metal 'blades' flank the building and allow for views of the surrounding 19-hectare parkland while providing respite from the sun’s heat.

The 'breezeway' as the name suggests allows cool breezes to flow through and ventilate the building naturally, while the building’s vertical lift responds to the location’s subtropical climates and flood-prone coast, acting as they way-finder to the site, alluding to the masts of ships.

Clad in Corten steel, the lift's robust exterior reflects the rich tones of the landscape and the history of copper, gold and silver mining in the area.

Solar panels on the roof generate green electricity which is fed back into the local power grid, while electric vehicle charging and bicycle maintenance stations are available throughout the park.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/150193_n11_screenhd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design draws on the local vernacular and landscape. Image: Florian Groehn"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/150193_n11_screenhd.jpg?itok=vZoRH4G_" title="The design draws on the local vernacular and landscape. Image: Florian Groehn" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design draws on the local vernacular and landscape. Image: Florian Groehn</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Rockhampton Riverside Precinct has become a destination for everyone to visit, occupy and enjoy. The vision of restoring the energy from the gold period has been realised along with the aim to provide the people of Rockhampton with a world-class civic and recreational space.

The finished design delivers over 30,000 m2 of public space, tripling the amount of civic and open space that previously existed.

Putting people at the centre of the design process is always where we start, and this is exactly the outcome we planned for – creating a special place for community gathering and to drive a groundswell of local pride in the city.

- Mark Damant, Woods Bagot Principal
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Urbis worked with Rockhampton Regional Council on the redevelopment of the Riverside Precinct, a world-class waterfront area on the shores of Queensland’s Fitzroy River. 

The design incorporates playground areas, river lookouts, shaded walkways and gathering spaces. A streetscape along iconic Quay Street integrates the city’s edge with the riverbank parklands.

(The) design will revitalise and activate Rockhampton’s iconic riverside precinct by establishing a high quality realm space that will be widely celebrated and used by the community. 

- Urbis
</blockquote>

 
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Laurence Dragomir

Woods Bagot and Urbis revitalise Rockhampton Riverside precinct

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Low demand for office space in Toowoomba continues, according to report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
Leasing demand for commercial office accommodation in Toowoomba continues to be subdued.
The valuer firm stated that this has resulted in limited growth in rentals over the past three years and has also resulted in the introduction of some lease incentives to secure tenants.
Rents can vary from under $100 per square metre gross (often poor quality inner CBD first floor tenancies with no car parking or PWD access) to $400 per square metre gross for modern premium accommodation with good car parking the report noted.
A small premium can sometimes be achieved for medical suites, especially in the precinct surrounding St. Vincent’s Hospital.
There were no new major office building developments in Toowoomba during 2017 or early 2018.
Any leasing demand during this period has been fulfilled by existing stock.
There are several vacant commercial sites in Toowoomba ready to be developed however the reduced leasing demand has delayed most projects according to the valuers at HTW.
The valuers forecast "it is unlikely that any project will proceed in 2018 unless significant lease pre-commitments can be secured".
"The projects will also likely need to achieve market leading rentals to make projects feasible."
A new office building has been proposed on the corner of Campbell and Raff Streets in the northern fringes of Toowoomba’s CBD.
The building is to be multi-levelled and will contain a food/café tenancy on the ground level.
This project appears to be driven by multiple owner occupiers, the report notes.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Stagnant interest in Toowoomba office space continues: HTW 

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Queensland Treasury has warned of uncertainty in Brisbane's apartment market, especially if the southern markets of Sydney and Melbourne falter.
Both property taxes and mining royalties helped the Palaszczuk government revenue in yesterday's budget, with land tax receipts predicted to jump 11 per cent to $1.3 billion in 2018-19. Land tax thresholds have not been amended for a decade.
Stamp duty on transfers are estimated to rise 4 per cent to $3.2 billion, after a 5.7 per cent fall in 2017-18.
Payroll tax revenue was also expected to jump 5 per cent to $4.1 billion next financial year, with key sectors of construction, mining and manufacturing contributing to the growth, according to the budget papers.
Details revealed in Tuesday's Queensland budget indicate mining royalties are set to triple this year's expected surplus, rising from $485 million in the mid-year update to $1.51 billion.
"Domestically, uncertainty remains around the extent of oversupply in the apartment market, and any concurrent downturn in major southern capitals could exacerbate the downturn in Queensland," Treasury said in budget papers under "risks and opportunities".
Under the new taxes introduced in Tuesday's budget, foreign landowners will be slugged with an extra 0.5 per cent in land tax for properties worth more than $10 million plus an increase in the foreign transfer duty from 3 per cent to 7 per cent.
Both taxes will raise a total of $326 million over the next four years.
The First Home Owners Grant has been extended for another year, but reduced as foreshadowed to $15,000 and will not be extended to established homes.
The property sector received mixed news in the State Budget, handed down by Treasurer Jackie Trad, according to the REIQ.
“Taxing foreign buyers is a measure best suited to markets where affordability is an issue," the REIQ's chief Ms Antonia Mercorella said.
"That is not the case in Queensland."
“We have more than 550 suburbs throughout the state where the median house price is $500,000 or below and 132 of those suburbs are in Greater Brisbane.
"The REIQ was also disappointed that the State Government chose to drag its feet on stamp duty reform, ignoring expert advice that the stamp duty was a regressive, outdated form of property taxation that stifled housing mobility."
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Uncertainty looms as foreigners taxed higher in Queensland budget

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Brisbane's Cross River Rail project has had $733 million allocated to it in the 2018 Queensland state budget that was handed down by Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad this afternoon.

In the budget speech to state parliament, the Treasurer put Brisbane's Cross River Rail at the centre of the Palaszczuk Government's infrastructure spend.

<blockquote>
In a fast-growing state, investing in key infrastructure supports job creation, it boosts business confidence and it delivers the services Queenslanders need to maintain our way of life.

Our delivery of the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project recognises this.

Sadly, the Federal Government and those opposite don’t.

During the five-year construction period, Cross River Rail will support an average of 1,500 jobs each year, and up to 3,000 jobs in the most intensive year of construction
<cite>Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad</cite>
</blockquote>

The Cross River Rail project aims to provide another north-south path for South East Queensland's metropolitan rail network, alleviating congestion on the Merivale Bridge and opening up new station catchments in the heart of Brisbane's CBD and Woolloongabba.

The 10.2km of new twin-track will connect the Beenleigh/Gold Coast trunk at Park Road with the Nambour/Redcliffe/Shorncliffe trunk just beyond Bowen Hills.  5.9km of the new track will be in tunnels.

Exhibition station, currently only open and serviced during special events, will become a full time station serving Brisbane's inner north and a new interchange station, Boggo Road, will be built in the vicinity of Park Road station offering transfer opportunities to train passengers.

Roma Street will also be connected to the Cross River Rail tunnel offering further connection opportunities to rail services throughout all of Queensland.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/crr_alignment_qld_gov.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The route of the Cross River Rail project (blue) and Brisbane Metro - image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="944" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/crr_alignment_qld_gov.jpg?itok=gJw3R6pG" title="The route of the Cross River Rail project (blue) and Brisbane Metro - image: crossriverrail.qld.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The route of the Cross River Rail project (blue) and Brisbane Metro - image: <a href="https://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/info/#rail-route-top">crossriverrail.qld.gov.au</a></figcaption></figure>Along with the Cross River Rail project, the Treasurer confirmed the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Project has also been funded.

Approximately 40km in length, the single track section between Beerburrum and Nambour to the north of Brisbane will be duplicated and paid for by the Federal and State Governments.  

Canberra will be funding the project to the tune of $390 million and the Treasurer announced the Queensland portion of the funding will total $161 million.

Central Station will also yield $7 million to pay for general upgrades that will see modernisation of platforms, stairs, escalators, a new roof and additional escalators from the station's concourse to ANZAC Square.

To view the Treasurer's speech and Queensland Budget 2018 documents, see <a href="https://budget.qld.gov.au/">budget.qld.gov.au</a>.
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Alastair Taylor

Brisbane's Cross River Rail, Nambour duplication works funded in Queensland budget

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The body of evidence against the foreign investor tax increase expected in next week’s State Budget continues to grow, according to Queensland’s property industry. 
New research from the AEC Group, commissioned by the Property Council, has estimated that the decline in foreign investment in Queensland since the Government introduced an additional foreign investment tax in 2016, has equated to a decrease in Gross State Product of between $2.4 billion and $3.9 billion.  
The analysis indicates that the revenue expected to have been collected through the foreign investor tax equated to less than 1% of the overseas economic contribution Queensland lost between 2015-16 and 2016-17.
“It is clear that reduced foreign investor interest in Queensland has cost the state far more than the revenue raised through this foreign investor tax,” Property Council Queensland Executive Director, Chris Mountford, said.
“Regrettably we are still seeing the Government pursue short-sighted tax increases without adequately considering the long term consequences.”
“We certainly acknowledge that the State Government’s tax increase is not the only factor that has reduced the flow of foreign investment to Queensland. But it has played a big part, and it is a factor that is entirely in the control of the State Government.”
“The data shows the State Government has kicked a significant fiscal and economic ‘own goal’," Mountford said.
The State  Government intends to increase the stamp duty surcharge on foreign buyers of residential property from 3% to 7% of the purchase price from 1 July 2018.
 
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Foreigners' property tax is Queensland Government's own goal 

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Queensland great Mal Meninga will be on the hustings in Brisbane today, as he joins forces with the National Retail Association (NRA) to launch a state-wide campaign calling on consumers to get behind the Queensland Government’s July 1 ban on single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags.
The Bundaberg-bred coach, businessman and speaker, who grew up on the state’s treasured coastal areas, said tackling plastic pollution should be a priority for everyone who calls the Sunshine State home.
“The number of plastic shopping bags used by Queenslanders is nearing a billion each year – most of which are used for only a short period of time and go to landfill,” Meninga said.
“But around 16 million of these bags are littered and end up in our precious environment. The equivalent in weight to 96 small cars’ worth of plastic bags wind up in our environment where they wreak havoc on the local ecosystem, our waterways and our marine life.
“We simply cannot afford to stand by and let this scourge on our environment continue,” he said.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said retailers had long-supported the idea of industry-wide action to try and combat toxic plastic bag pollution, however those who’d launched their own bans had often found it tough getting customers to embrace the idea.
“Our industry is behind the State Government for making this a non-negotiable for all stores right down to the smallest takeaway outlets, local markets and online stores, as it’s a crucial step toward changing overall consumer behaviour,” Ms Lamb said.
Following the advent of high-density polyethylene plastic in the 1950s, and the introduction of the <a id="LPlnk59993" class="OWAAutoLink" href="https://sasgroup.net.au/index.php?subid=10037&amp;option=com_acymailing&amp;ctrl=url&amp;urlid=232&amp;mailid=1162&amp;Itemid=201" target="_blank">first throwaway bags in the late 1960s and 70s</a>, global plastic bag production has reportedly reached around <a id="LPlnk799536" class="OWAAutoLink" href="https://sasgroup.net.au/index.php?subid=10037&amp;option=com_acymailing&amp;ctrl=url&amp;urlid=233&amp;mailid=1162&amp;Itemid=201" target="_blank">5 trillion bags every year – around 160,000 per second.</a>
Without radical action by consumers and producers, the volume of accumulated plastic in the oceans is forecast to become greater than that of fish by 2050, according to a <a id="LPlnk630053" class="OWAAutoLink" href="https://sasgroup.net.au/index.php?subid=10037&amp;option=com_acymailing&amp;ctrl=url&amp;urlid=234&amp;mailid=1162&amp;Itemid=201" target="_blank">2016 report by the World Economic Forum</a>.
“We know we’ve reached a tipping point and the retail industry is right in the thick of it as consumers demand more transparency into how the products they buy are produced, so they can support brands with ethical production methods and environmentally sustainable practices. Banning lightweight plastic shopping bags is another important step in creating a future-proof industry,” she said.
From July 1, no retailer in Queensland will be allowed to hand out single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags under 35 microns thick, or they risk fines of more than $6000 per offence.
“Consumers will need to prepare by either bringing their own reusable bags, and should expect to pay a small fee of around 15 to 20 cents for a basic reusable option, through to as much as five dollars for locally-made jute or hessian bag.”
Ms Lamb has also asked shoppers to be patient with retailers throughout the transition period, while they adjusted to new bags and processes.
“It’s up to all of us to do our bit. It’s a small change in our routine for a big impact on Queensland’s environment,” she said.
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Queensland rugby legend Mal Meninga joins retailers to fight toxic bag pollution

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The Queensland government passed legislation last month to prevent the clearing of high-value regrowth vegetation on freehold and Indigenous land. The move has been deeply unpopular with many landholders. They have argued that they are footing the bill for the commmunity’s environmental aspirations – without compensation.
The government’s intention was to reinstate a “responsible vegetation management framework”, broadly in line with legislation first passed in 2004, but which the Newman government repealed in 2013.
But time has moved on since 2004. Instead of relying on a heavy-handed regulatory approach, a mix of carrots and sticks might have generated economic value for landholders, and reduced land clearing into the bargain.
Why landholders are fuming
Broadly speaking, landholders are worried the government hasn’t listened to their concerns and won’t pay for the land that is now effectively under state regulatory control. The parliamentary committee set up to report on the bill received more than 13,000 submissions (including 777 non-pro-forma submissions) – the largest number received by any committee of the Queensland parliament.
The government itself has admitted stakeholders were not consulted in the preparation of the bill, although the department report cites a “substantial history” of consultation on many of its measures. Nevertheless, the Queensland Law Society felt that further consultation would have been appropriate given “the sensitive nature of this legislation”.
Many submissions raised concerns about information shortfalls, regulatory duplication and excessive red tape. The department’s fallback position was simply to argue that “the proposed amendments are consistent with the government’s 2017 election commitment”.
Ironically, it is not only landholders who have lost out financially. The Queensland government is now effectively in control of an additional 1.76 million hectares of land, which it intends to leave undeveloped. But, in today’s world, the carbon stored in this land has a market price as well as an environmental value, if it’s properly managed.
Better alternatives
With a little more preparation and creative thinking, the government might have been able to spare our vegetation, create a huge pool of lucrative carbon offsets ready to market to the world, and provide compensation to affected landholders.
For instance, instead of an outright prohibition on land clearing, the government could have put in place a three-year moratorium on land clearing. Landholders could then be given a chance to opt out of the moratorium by transferring their land to a permanent conservation covenant or similar arrangement.
Although some careful drafting would be required to ensure the offsets integrity standards and other regulatory requirements are met, landholders who opted out of the temporary moratorium could become eligible to earn carbon offsets, or any other available financial incentives.
On the other hand, landholders who do not respond to this financial “carrot” would run the risk of being hit with the (uncompensated) “stick” of a more prescriptive approach (temporary or not) at the end of the moratorium period.
The government could help this transition along by helping landholders sign up for one or more of the various existing schemes for conservation covenants, carbon offsets and biodiversity offsets. One of the main factors preventing greater participation in these schemes is prohibitively high transaction costs, especially in the early stages.
I realise there is a degree of wishful thinking about this proposal. Several hurdles, particularly political ones, would need to be overcome. But if we want serious, fair and enduring land use reform, I think these options merit a more meaningful investigation.
At the moment, a heavy-handed sweep of a pen by politicians in Brisbane has locked both landholders and government out of the market for ecosystem services. Given that the government now essentially owns a huge store of carbon assets, it’s a missed opportunity.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/97178/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">With a little more creative thinking, Queensland might have provided compensation to landholders at no cost to itself. Instead, it has used a regulatory hammer to impose rules that – judging by past performance – have no guarantee of surviving past the next election.
Philippa England, Senior Lecturer, Griffith Law School, Griffith University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/queenslands-new-land-clearing-laws-are-all-stick-and-no-carrot-but-its-time-to-do-better-97178" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Queensland's new land-clearing laws are all stick and no carrot: Philippa England

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A Ayr three bedroom home has been listed by mortgagees for $120,000. 
Ayr is a town and locality in the Shire of Burdekin, Queensland.
It was offered by Nora Andersen and Carla Healy from Andersen Real Estate.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-ayr-128488846" target="_blank">Located at 96 Airdmillan Road</a>, Ayr, the house comes with three bedrooms, generous living area, kitchen, dining area and enclosed entertainment/rumpus room. 
It sits on a 1012 square metre allotment.
The suburb's median house price sits on $212,500, according to CoreLogic. 
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Ayr three bedroom house listed by mortgagee 

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A Burnett Heads three bedroom house close to Oaks Beach has been sold by mortgagees for $220,000.
It was sold by Jonathon Olsen from LJ Hooker Bundaberg.
It had last sold at $270,000 in 2011. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-burnett+heads-127625286" target="_blank">Located at 4 McKenzie Street</a>, the solid timber home on an 814 square metre allotment comes with three bedrooms, rear entertaining area and a front veranda. 
Additional features include air conditioning, ceiling fans and two bay lock up shed. 
The suburb's median house price sits on $285,000, according to CoreLogic. 
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