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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

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

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

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Retail

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Sushing - the owners of Sushi Train - is opening its popular Japanese eatery in the North Lakes Central mixed development site in Brisbane.
The company has leased 116 square metres, at shop 102 in North Lakes Central, for 10 years. The outlet and restaurant opens in June.
The lease was handled by Ray White Commercial Brisbane Northside’s Robert Rey and Ellie McGovern.
“This will be the first Sushi Train and Japanese restaurant opening in North Lakes outside of the Westfield Shopping Centre, giving people a convenient location to dine for lunch and dinner,” Mr Rey said.
“We are also looking for another restaurant of similar size to join this restaurant strip.”
North Lakes Central is 25 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD and the development will aim to provide residents and workers in the fast growing North Lakes area with a mix of restaurants, retail and offices all situated in the one building.
Sushing has secured the North Lakes Central tenancy for a net rental of $62,110 per annum.
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Sushi Train owners opening new store in North Lakes Central development, Brisbane

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Foreign investors and businesses have been showing a great deal of confidence in the Australian retail market, and all types of retail property are benefiting.
South African retail group Woolworths last week <a href="/expert-insights/investing/david-jones-taken-over-by-woolworths-sa">made a $2.15 billion bid for David Jones</a>, with the $4 a share bid representing a 25.4% premium to the previous day’s closing price for the Australian department store’s stock. Woolworths’ chief executive Ian Moir told media the company planned to expand David Jones and add more than $130 million to its bottom line over the next five years.
The proposed takeover is the latest in a series of offshore retail entries into the Australian market.
Swedish fashion retailer <a href="/expert-insights/investing/h-m-set-for-australian-roll-out-as-its-first-local-store-launches-tomorrow">H&amp;M opened its first Australian store in Melbourne’s GPO</a> at the start of April. Japanese brand Uniqlo is due to open its first store at Emporium Melbourne on Wednesday April 16.
Those brands follow others such as Zara from Spain and Top Shop from the UK, as well as Canadian home ware retailer Williams-Sonoma which have all entered in the past few years.
The international brands favour being located in prime shopping locations, which has boosted assets in those areas.
Retail sales more generally have been improving and major regional shopping centres have benefited.
Turnover rose 0.2% in February 2014 in seasonally adjusted terms, following a rise of 1.2% in January 2014, Australian Bureau of Statistics data released last week shows.
Victoria was the largest contributor to the rise, with turnover increasing 0.5%, followed by Western Australia with a 0.4% increase and New South Wales with 0.1% more turnover.
Resilient returns on major regional shopping centres are attracting institutional investors, Colliers International national director of <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Services/Property_Types/Retail.aspx" target="_blank">retail </a>investment services Lachlan MacGillivray said in March after facilitating the sale $496 million of a 50% stake in Northland, a major shopping centre in Preston in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, to GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund.
“Yields for this asset class across Australia currently range between 5.25% and 6.00%, reflecting the significant value and core nature of this asset category.  However, the increasing demand over recent years has led to some yield compression,” MacGillivray said.
More than $7 billion worth of shopping centres transacted in 2013, a record for the sector, and the trend is expected to continue this year.
Investors are also pursuing smaller retail properties, particularly in Melbourne.
At the start of April, a local private investor paid $1.67 million representing a yield of just 4.58% for a strata retail premises at 353-355 Flinders Lane in Melbourne leased to Café Del Corso, until November 2020.
In March, a private Chinese investor paid $1.05 million for a 20 square metre property and $2.1 million for a 281square metre store, both ground floor of 114 Russell Street, Melbourne. A separate Chinese buyer bought an adjoining 235 square metre property in the same building for $1.61 million. The sales were made at initial yields of around 6.5%.
CBRE negotiator, Victorian retail investments Rorey James said the depth in the market for sub-$5 million strip retail properties in Melbourne was as diverse as it had ever been.
“We are receiving strong interest from local, national and offshore parties all looking to capitalise on both the low interest rate environment and the improved retail tenant and consumer confidence,” James told Property Observer.
“Buyers are looking for alternatives to term deposits and the volatile share market and are willing to pay premium prices to secure these properties.”
Melbourne has more than 20 substantial retail strips, with the prime shopping areas, such as Acland Street, Chapel Street, Church Street and Carlisle Street, being the most sought after and tightly held in the current marketplace. 
CBRE recently sold a property in Acland St for a tight yield of 3.7% and price that reflected the highest building rate ever paid in the strip. Other recent sales include two properties on Toorak Road that sold at yields below 5% and a retail premises on Bay Street, Brighton that went for a 3.7% yield. 
James said the strong results were evidence of unprecedented buyer demand for sub-$5 million retail investment properties at a time when there was a significant lack of buying opportunities combined with record low interest rates, which was spurring investors to compete to acquire the assets.
The lack of prime strip properties being offered to the market was forcing investors to look to secondary locations, such as Bridge Road, Richmond, where retailers have not been performing as strongly, he added.
"We are noticing a heightened level of buyer demand in secondary locations given the inability to purchase properties in prime strips, and this increased demand is seeing yields compress in all Melbourne strip retail markets,” James said.
The early strong results set the benchmark for 2014 and were clear indicators that buyers were aggressively seeking high quality retail properties in well located areas and were willing to pay premium prices.
Offshore buyers entering the Victorian commercial property market were also having a positive effect on pricing when vendors decided to bring their assets to market for sale.
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Retail market benefitting from foreign investor and business confidence

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David Jones, Australia's only upmarket department store, has fallen into the hands of South African retail giant Woolworths, in a deal worth $2.15 billion. 
Woolworths, which already has a majority shareholding in Country Road, has out muscled Myer, which had proposed a merger deal between the two departments. Myer withdrew its offer this morning.  
In an announcement to the ASX, the board of David Jones said it unanimously recommended the offer to its shareholder, which will see Woolworths acquire all of DJ's shares via scheme of arrangement. 
The proposed scheme offer is for $4 cash per share - reflecting a 25.4% premium to its closing price on 8 April. 
Woolworths chief Ian Moir said the combination of the two would create a "leading southern hemisphere retailer with meaningful scale, able to leverage common fashion seasonality with enhanced sourcing capability". 
"Woolworths will bring extra capability, financial strength and significant scale to accelerate these strategies and offer a greatly enhanced value proposition, delivering on-trend product within the most exciting and innovative shopping experience in the market".  
David Jones chairman Gordon Cairns described the proposal as "compelling", which represented a "significant premium to not only our intrinsic value but also to broker valuations and to recent share prices". 
"It represents a substantial earnings multiple". 
In reaching its conclusion, he also said the board considered a number of alternatives. 
Among them were "standalone value creation opportunities, realising the value of the freehold properties owned by David Jones or pursuing a merger with Myer. 
As at noon, the upmarket retailer's share price was up 23% or 73c to $3.923. 
Shareholders will have an opportunity to vote on the scheme proposal in late June.   
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David Jones taken over by Woolworths SA

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A Village Cinema building in Geelong and another in Albury have been listed for sale with expectations of $14 million each.
The 11 screen cinema offering at 194-204 Ryrie Street in Geelong is the refurbished art deco Geelong Theatre, operating as Village Cinemas. 
It is being marketed by CBRE’s Justin Clarkson and Jamus Campbell with the Albury Village Cinemas, a large scale cinema and retail complex at 450-460 Dean Street. The Albury building (pictured above) was originally constructed in 1926.
Clarkson noted the stable investment opportunity presented by both properties.
“With long term leases attached, these two assets provide an attractive opportunity to acquire secure income streams underpinned by profitable businesses in two established and growing regional cities,” said Clarkson.
“These iconic buildings also benefit from a central location in the heart of their respective retail and commercial centres.”
Clarkson expects that strong yields and rental growth will drive demand for the buildings. Currently the Albury property is returning $1,374,829 per annum in rental income, setting rental yield at 9%. The Geelong cinema brings in $1,214,981 each year, with a yield about 8.5%.
“Both leases have generous annual built-in rental growth provisions throughout their respective terms, providing an annual additional uplift in returns,” Clarkson said.
The properties are being offered for sale separately or together via an expressions of interest campaign until 8 May.
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Double pass: Two Village Cinemas hit the market

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Swedish fashion giant H&amp;M has declared it will open more Australian locations as it prepares for its <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/innovation/41147-ham-locks-in-australian-store-date-following-local-e-commerce-launch" target="_blank">first store launch</a> in Melbourne tomorrow.
The company, which will open the doors to its 5,000 square metres flagship at Melbourne’s heritage-listed GPO building at 10am on Saturday, expects to roll out more sites this year.
H&amp;M global chief executive Karl-Johan Persson said the retail powerhouse expects to open around six flagship stores in Australia over the next 12 months, followed by more next year, the Australian Financial Review reports.
The business is already eyeing locations in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/sneak-peek-fashion-giant-hm-set-to-open-its-melbourne-flagship-store-20140403-360y7" target="_blank">The Age reports</a>.
Persson also said H&amp;M would offer the same product that it does in international markets and at similar prices. It will keep price equality by absorbing the higher costs for Australian rent and labour, <a href="https://www.afr.com/p/business/companies/prices_in_australia_to_match_overseas_q0VsF9h0aXd2NuWD904NeL" target="_blank">the AFR reported</a>.
It will also build on its Australian ecommerce site, which it launched in February this year, with a range of products exclusively available in Australia.
Last night it held a preview launch, which The Age described as “one heck of an opening party”. Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman attended the launch event and says he was “blown away” by the store and the product offer.
“Last night’s launch event was truly impressive,” he says. “The new H&amp;M store has something for every Australian consumer and represents visual merchandising at its finest.”
Zimmerman told SmartCompany that the store is bringing a “lot of excitement within the retail industry”. He says it makes good use of the three levels of the GPO Building and was among the best examples of a H&amp;M store he has seen internationally. 
"It is fair to say it is extremely well laid out in terms of a clearly defined store.
"This is a retailer that really knows what it is doing. There was a huge depth of range in terms of the stock and it is very much a flagship for Australia."
He was not perturbed by the competition to local retailers, but rather embraced it. 
“Having another well-known international retailer is always beneficial to competition, and the ARA is confident that local retailers are more than capable of stepping up to the mark to compete with any newcomers to the industry.
“The fact that more and more international retailers are choosing to set up shop in Australia is a positive sign that the Australian retail industry may finally be on the road to recovery.”
Zimmerman says the H&amp;M store, coupled with the adjacent new Emporium centre that is opening in a couple of months, is making the Melbourne CBD an impressive retail hub for international and interstate visitors.
The new H&amp;M store has a series of shop-within-shop-style areas, with menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, streetwear, lingerie and accessories among the product categories.
H&amp;M was founded in 1947 and has over 3,000 stores in 53 countries. It is still partly owned by the family of the original founder.
H&amp;M is one of many international retailers putting their stamp on Australia. Scandinavian label <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/35550-scandinavian-fashion-brand-cos-to-open-in-australia&amp;sa=U&amp;ei=bes9U72RNoW1kAWnioGIBg&amp;ved=0CAYQFjAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;usg=AFQjCNGqHU6myBd0DlqqXFXStGeWEnr2kg" target="_blank">COS</a> recently announced it would launch its first Australian store in Melbourne, while Japanese retailer Uniqlo is also set to open this year.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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H&M set for Australian roll out as its first local store launches tomorrow

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A retail property in the heart of Melbourne's popular shopping district Brighton has fetched $1.3 million at auction.
Three bidders battled it out for Shop 1, 72-74 Church Street, with the end buyer being a local resident. 
The property is used for the sale of stationery and printing services and consists of a single-level brick building of about 127 square metres. It also includes a mezzanine office area accessed via internal staircase. The sale is subject to a new 5+5+5-year lease from January 2014 to established business Bizworks, returning $60,000 plus outgoings and GST.
Fitzroys senior associate Mark Talbot was the selling agent.
“In comparing the recent sale of 46a Church Street, which sold for $3.2 million on a yield of 2.6%, this sale presented excellent value and future growth,” he said.
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Church Street, Brighton shop sells for $1.3 million at auction

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Name: Tom Doran<img src="/images/2014/04/02/tom-doran-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Associate director - retail sales leasing and projects
Company: Doran Commercial
Office location: Neutral Bay - Sydney
How long have you been in the industry? 
13 years
What's happening in the area you specialise in? 
Retail investment stock continues to tighten buoyed by the low interest rates, falling retail vacancy and the influx of Asian investors.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold? 
10 years ago we sold the Stoned Crow at Crows Nest. The Stoned Crow was renowned for its "Cougar" segment of the market. Being a young impressionable 19 year old at the time i certainly had my eyes wide open when conducting late night inspections.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Energy, empathy and enjoying yourself.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
I love meeting an array of high successful and interesting people. From Wallabies, media celebrities and heart surgeons to Olympians, politicians, mums and dads
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
The retail investment market is strong currently. Traditionally investors prefer leased investment rather than vacant possession stock that has to be leased. With the retail leasing market strengthening buying retail strata and leasing can be highly profitable. Before purchasing vacant retail strata you need to ensure that the following is clarified before purchase
<ul>
<li>Access to grease trap and exhaust</li>
<li>What services are available into the shop</li>
<li>Are there any restrictions on usage or trading hours?</li>
</ul>
Which football team do you support?
The mighty Manly Sea Eagles. Go Manly!
What's your favourite app or techno gadget? 
The flashlight on my iphone is crucial in retail property. When entering older buildings or tenancies without power, this is a crucial part of the trade.
How do you use social media? 
We love social media in our office. We have made a commitment to keep our clients as up to date as possible with trends, forecasts and recent transactions. We have tried to break down our social media into segments so that we can provide information the median expects. Our rough rule of thumb is below
<ul>
<li>Linkedin - Strictly business</li>
<li>Facebook - Combination of business and fun</li>
<li>Instagram - Combination of business and fun</li>
</ul>
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In profile: Doran Commercial's associate director - retail sales leasing and projects, Tom Doran

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Like it or loathe it, Chadstone Shopping Centre is about to enter another expansionary phase which will further solidify its position as Australia's largest. Beyond the planned push to over 215,000 square metres of leasable space, the headline construction note within the upcoming phase will be the delivery of premium office tower fronting Dandenong Road.

With near 16,000 square metres of office space expected, the soon to be under construction commercial building will in due course be joined by an additional tower containing 190 hotel suites. Both towers were covered in a <a href="/news/chadstones-twin-towers-sharpen-up" target="_blank">previous Urban.com.au article</a>.

<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/Image3_10_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hotel and commercial towers side by side. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_10_0.jpg?itok=ZGbjPIn5" title="Hotel and commercial towers side by side. Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

The office tower is included within Stage 38 and according to website <a href="http://www.estimateone.com/" target="_blank">EstimateOne</a> also includes the following:

Early Works

<ul>
<li>Bulk excavation and site retention of the new car park located under the office tower</li>
	<li>Underpinning of the existing Myer car park</li>
</ul>
Stage One Works (Separable Portions apply)

<ul>
<li>New Myer car park deck</li>
	<li>Pedestrian link</li>
	<li>New bus interchange</li>
	<li>Road works to Eastern Road</li>
	<li>New signage gantries to Eastern Road</li>
	<li>Road works to Princes Highway</li>
	<li>Commercial in-ground carparking and ramping</li>
	<li>Office tower excluding tenant fitout</li>
	<li>Landscaping</li>
	<li>Screeding over future site for Hotel</li>
</ul>
<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/Image10_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © chadstoneshopping.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_10.jpg?itok=1Yt7GCoI" title="Image © chadstoneshopping.com.au" width="580"></a>

In addition, Stage 40 which centres around an expanded retail offering is also out to construction tender. According to the <a href="http://www.chadstoneshopping.com.au/chadstonedevelopment/chadstone_capital.htm" target="_blank">official website</a>, "The new development proposal represents an investment of over $500 million by its owners, creating significant employment throughout the economy for the broader community (2,700 direct jobs during construction and 2,200 ongoing)."

Currently six major builders are in the running, although Probuild may have the upper hand given they have delivered a variety of expansion projects for the centre over a 15 year period.
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silvermb

Chadstone Capital moves to construction

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You can argue the case for bravery or stupidity, yet there's always one intrepid soul willing to be that first animal into crocodile infested waters.  A treacherous crossing with potential ruin at the jaws of a true killing machine with a skill set honed over many a year, yet the crossing is worth the risk considering the green pastures that lay beyond.
Unfortunately for me I'm not on safari gazing over the banks of the Mara River in deepest Africa, but rather walking along City Road, Southbank.  In recent weeks that brave soul taking the plunge into one of the more hostile urban environments Melbourne has to offer is  <a href="http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/a-taste-of-france-southbank" target="_blank">A Taste of France</a> - to most people a French patisserie but in the eyes of Apartments.com.au a venture willing to take on a beast that has the ability to crunch and spit out any unsuspecting prey.
<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/article-2225219-15C1E831000005DC-679_964x641.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sometimes it doesn't go to plan. Image © Caters News"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/article-2225219-15C1E831000005DC-679_964x641.jpg?itok=OcNmQtGf" title="Sometimes it doesn't go to plan. Image © Caters News" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
City Road in particular has evolved over decades into the hostile environment it is now.  As apartments towers began their infiltration during the late 1990's and gathered pace thereafter, the urban realm was treated as an afterthought - hey there's no rush given there's so many sites yet to be developed plus so many retail and amenity options within a 15-20 minute walk.  Unfortunately the lax attitude has lingered and the area finds itself in a quandary with an ever increasing population mass concentrated around City Road, with City Road itself almost completely inactive from a pedestrian's view.
Some may recall the best part of ten years ago a plan put forward by Melbourne City council to activate and beautify certain parts of Southbank, with City Road coming in for its share of attention.  Included was a circus, a Piccadilly Circus on Southbank of sorts, concentrated around the City Road and Queensbridge Street intersection.  As expected nothing came of the plan and essentially nothing has been done to correct the wrongs of City Road and many other areas of Southbank since.
There are small pockets of resistance though with the recently refurbished <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/CommunityServices/CommunityFacilities/Boyd/Pages/AboutBoyd.aspx" target="_blank">Boyd Community Hub</a> introducing a cafe with outdoor seating while Wine House opposite provides respite for those inclined to enjoy a tipple, yet A Taste of France is the first  commercial/retail outlet to take the fight to the street with curbside seating.
<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/Img_0356.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leading the charge, at a snails pace.City Road at peak hour"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_0356.jpg?itok=zOuuAK5Q" title="Leading the charge, at a snails pace.City Road at peak hour" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
The above picture says it all really, dying tree and all.  Good weather on a Saturday morning should see the masses out and about.  The population is certainly there yet where are all the people?  Quite possibly enjoying themselves elsewhere I'd suggest.  Light penetration is good, footpaths are wide, an ever increasing population and no-one walking the area aside from one or two - it's an indictment on Southbank!
So what cane be done to right the wrongs of Southbank?  Well it's a massive undertaking that requires time and capital yet the first steps in correcting the areas failings could involve:
<ul>
<li class="rtejustify">
		Melbourne City Council devising a capital works program to rid the main thoroughfares initially of asphalt and lay pavers equal to those within Melbourne's CBD.  Simultaneously enlist a firm such as <a href="http://www.uap.com.au/street-furniture/" target="_blank">Urban Art Projects</a> to create practical art pieces such as street furniture or sculptures to insert at key locations</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		Nice and simple - plant more trees</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		With a nice new street level perspective, Council should waive any fees associated with any business willing to implement alfresco seating, or possibly even install fixed glass curbside balustrades (similar to Lygon Street or Lonsdale Street) free of charge </li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		Platinum Tower will introduce one of the worlds<a href="http://platinumtower.com.au/#/architecture/" target="_blank"> largest vertical gardens</a> to the streetscape upon completion.  Consider requiring any future developments carry green podiums rather than the obligatory inactive mesh or finned facade over above ground car parks.  This serves to soften the vista and brings and earthy, enjoyable element to the area.</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		Introduce traffic calming measures</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		Address the Kings Way overpass with a similar application to the <a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/Image6571.jpg" target="_blank">rail overpass found over Carlisle Street</a>, East St Kilda - a little art can go a long way</li>
</ul>
As for that zebra I like to call A Taste of France, life won't be getting much easier with the 170 metre Platinum Tower opposite commencing construction in the new year, providing a 'soothing' hum of construction equipment for the next two or so years.  Sometimes, just sometimes though that first animal to cross the treacherous river makes the crossing successfully and prompts many others to follow -  here's hoping!
Ultimately all I've done is highlight one problem and suggested some remedies.  I don't profess to being able to solve the issues of Southbank, the problem is neither can those charged with its success.
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Into the jaws of Southbank

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Collins Square seemed another run-of-the-mill development until I had the chance last week to take a guided tour through the complex with no less than the development's General Manager, Michael Spence.  Externally it displays all the restrained elegance that's expected of a <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart design</a>, and internally the innovative layout and finishes are of the highest order, culminating in The Lunch Room; a high quality communal retail space that’s accessible to the public.

Initially though, consider the likely access point for most pedestrians arriving via Collins Street as it connects from Spencer Street over Wurundjeri Way to Batman’s Hill Drive.  707 Collins Street aka The Lantern building is small in stature, yet striking in appearance.  Its interface with the street was deliberately set-back to provide pedestrians with a clear line of sight into the project, whilst also making a contribution to the public realm; a plaza has been constructed over Village Street to connect The Lantern with the main Collins Square site.  Works are for the most part complete, yet two striking markers will appear shortly reinforcing the notion of sense of place.  Designed by sculptor Dion Horstmans, a large yellow steel canopy will be erected between The Lantern and 727 Collins Street creating a public marker that's expected to be an instantly recognisable meeting place for visitors and workers alike.

<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/Horstmans.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Walker Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Horstmans.jpg?itok=YGZWj6jS" title="Image courtesy Walker Corporation" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The above render provides an indication as to the scale and intricacy of the glazed sculpture that will cast an ever changing light pattern across the plaza.  Further to this, high-profile restaurateur Pete Evans will deliver two new dining concepts at either end of the plaza, providing activation of the space.  These venues are now under construction and will add to the public experience, bringing life to this section of Collins Street outside of business hours.

As for the star of the show, The Lunch Room was opened to the public last week and will make an instant impression upon those who visit.  The spatial planning was designed by <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">The Buchan Group</a>, with Walker’s own interior designer working with Blackmilk Interior Design on the fit-out.   The Lunch Room is accessed via a large atrium that seamlessly flows into a food court allowing for a grand feel to the area.  Similar in certain aspects to the internal food court found at QV, yet with a more brooding sophisticated element.   The Lunch Room is a high quality public space with attention given to the slightest detail; so much so Sydney-based developer Lang Walker was a weekly visitor inspecting progress and assuring all finishes met his exacting standards.

Currently home to nine food outlets such as Sobo Japanese and Edamama, the offerings will expand as more towers are developed.  With this in mind Collins Square has intentions of opening over weekends in due course; visitors to Etihad Stadium currently have limited options available.  Pete Evans' restaurants will go a long way to activating an area of Docklands that needs more critical mass to be successful outside of business hours.  In due course it's expected that over time 48,000 people will traverse Collins Square daily enjoying a choice of services, food outlets, cafes, restaurants, fashion, grocery and specialty retailers once the complex is complete.

<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/Img_6653.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Lunch Room during its first week"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6653.jpg?itok=KIDwWFuF" title="The Lunch Room during its first week" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Another focal point recently unveiled is King Sun, a 48sqm mural conceived by renowned artist John Olsen.  Located in the lobby of the recently completed Tower 1 anchored by Marsh &amp; McLennan Companies, the Collins Square website carries the following description

"Olsen’s 6×8 metre piece is des­tined for the lobby of “Tower B” at Collins Square, Walker Corporation’s bil­lion dol­lar com­plex of retail and office build­ings at Dock­lands, designed by archi­tects Bates Smart. It is the largest piece the 85-​year-​old has worked on since 1982′s Salute to Five Bells, his vibrant, blue mural for the Syd­ney Opera House." “In this mural it’s based on the sun and we’ve got these incredible images that were taken by NASA,” he said. “Work­ing on that theme, the sun goes into dark cor­ners, the sun gives us light – what’s at the end of it?”

<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/CollinsSquare-012_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="King Sun in frame and focus. Image courtesy Walker Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CollinsSquare-012_0.jpg?itok=ne0brtV2" title="King Sun in frame and focus. Image courtesy Walker Corporation" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Visible from Collins Street the mural takes pride of place, but only for now.  Mounted on a wall that will eventually make way once the adjoining Tower 2 office tower is constructed, the mural will be relocated elsewhere within the expanded lobby.  Upon completion of Tower 2, the common lobby will result in a cavernous, functional space with great connectivity between all areas, including The Lunch Room.  As for Tower 2, Walker Corporation last week submitted plans for the Hassell-designed commercial building to the State Government (DPCD) for consideration.  The approximately 60,000sqm complex is an evolution of the restrained Bates Smart designed commercial towers and is slated to include a three level mid-tower void laden with greenery.

Two other development sites round out Collins Square, one of which fronts Wurundjeri Way and lends itself to an exceptional design given it's in effect a marker into Melbourne's CBD for those arriving via the West Gate.  Regardless Walker Corporation has made excellent strides in enhancing the user experience at Collins Square, one which will only improve as the development expands to its intended size.

 

www.collinssquare.com.au

See below further internal design features of The Lunch Room located within Collins Square, 727 Collins Street

 
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