Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

Joel Robinson

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Savills

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Footscray’s Spice ‘n’ Grocery premises has been sold at auction to a local private investor for $2.65 million.
More than 100 people turned up to watch four bidders contest for the 390sqm property at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/49-51-leeds-street-footscray-vic-3011-2014162599" target="_blank">49-51 Leeds Street.</a>
The bidding started at $1.7million.<a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/49-51-leeds-street-footscray-vic-3011-2014162599" target="_blank"></a>
Savills Australia’s Julian Heatherich and Mark Stafford brokered the deal in conjunction with Trimson Partners’ John Verduci and Philip Mazzella.
“Selling for 47 per cent above reserve, this was a particularly hotly contested auction, demonstrating the burgeoning demand for retail assets in Melbourne’s inner-west,” Mr Heatherich said.
“The 2.21 per cent yield also highlights buyer appetite.”
Heatherich said the buyer recognised the value of the current six-year lease, which is returning $58,710sqm.
Stafford said the property presented “significant future upside” based on its Activity Centre zoning and location beside the Footscray Market and 100 metres from the train station.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Savills secures the sale of Footscray's Spice 'n' Grocery 

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An office in Adelaide’s CBD is being transformed into co-working space after sitting vacant for four years, highlighting the changing needs of South Australian businesses.
<a href="http://www.savills.com.au/">Savills Australia’s</a> Natasha Bertram and Adam Hartley have been appointed to lease 800sq m of shared office space at 12 Pirie Street after suggesting a co-working fit-out to the landlord.
“Several offices in Adelaide have been sitting vacant for several years, which is a frustrating situation for landlords,” Mr Hartley said.
“It was time to offer local businesses a fresh, up-to-date option, on par with some of the redevelopment going on in Melbourne and Sydney.
“We saw huge potential in creating co-working space at 12 Pirie Street, which has a large enough floorplate to be split into a number of small office suites to suit a variety of tenants’ needs.”
The office is being redeveloped by LDSa Pty Ltd to include individual or grouped workstations and offices, a shared boardroom and meeting rooms, hot desks and shared kitchen facilities, and is due for completion in May.
“Whether it’s a single work station or a small office suite with up to 14 workstations, the spaces come furnished with desks, storage units and task chairs,” Mrs Bertram said.
“Each tenant will have full access to the expandable board room, multiple meeting rooms and quiet rooms.”
Mrs Bertram said the co-working space would appeal to start-up businesses, entrepreneurs and companies seeking the flexibility that came with a shared working environment. “12 Pirie Street presents a simple, fast, affordable, professional and collaborative option for businesses looking to relocate but don’t require entire floors,” she said. “We’re looking forward to seeing which businesses take advantage of the opportunity to grow their business organically on such flexible lease terms. 
“This space will create a hub of activity, and may inspire other landlords to follow suit.”
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. Adam Hartley is Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/leasing/office-leasing.aspx">Office Leasing</a> and Natasha Bertram is Executive of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/leasing/retail-leasing.aspx" target="_blank">Retail Leasing</a>. 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

Co-working office space gains momentum in Adelaide: Savills

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Engineered joining technology manufacturer Norma Group is set to relocate to Logis Eco-Industrial Business Park, as part of a growing trend of major corporations moving to the Dandenong South industrial precinct.
The global company has signed a pre-lease for a 3,000 square metre state-of-the-art office/warehouse on Bazalgette Crescent, in Melbourne's south east, to be fulfilled by market-leading developer, BFD Construction.
Savills Australia’s Kosta Filinis worked closely with both parties to negotiate the seven-year term.  
Industry sources believe rental rates for similar asset in the precinct are circa $100-$110 per square metre.
“This lease term is a sign of the commitment from both sides to the project, and has enabled both the tenant and the landlord to achieve their requirements,” Filinis said.
The purpose-built facility will have direct access to Greens Road, the Dandenong Bypass and EastLink, and is located in the Logis North section of the Logis Eco-Industrial Business Park.
The environmentally friendly estate, which was developed by Melbourne Water and Places Victoria.
Filinis said the deal was another “outstanding result” for the popular Dandenong South industrial market.
“The area is consistently drawing occupiers from competing markets, such as Braeside, Scoresby and Rowville.”
Norma Group’s new facility marks another major deal for BFD, which has enjoyed recent successes developing warehouses of a similar size for NSK Australia, Sullair Australia and Terex.
 
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Major corporations head to Dandenong South: Savills

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One of Erskineville's biggest sites has been listed, with investors set to battle it out for the site with rare approved boarding house plans.
Savill's agent David Hickey suggested approval for boarding houses are scarce because councils face strong opposition through the approval process from surrounding residents.
“Current affordable housing operators and owners are having zero issues letting rooms on a longer term basis, as the security of income is making it an attractive prospect for investors and developers alike," said Hickey.
The growth in the Sydney residential market continues to make it difficult for students and middle age people to live in close proximity to the Sydney CBD.
The cost of living is now $600 per week for one bedroom apartments and this has made affordable living accommodation a much more appealing prospect.
Hickey said Erskineville is an area dominated by attached housing, so it is extremely rare to find a suitable site, especially as heritage conservation zones dominate most of the area prohibiting full demolition.
The Albert Street property on 450 square metres has 15 metres of street frontage is is located within 400 metres of Newtown, Erskineville and Macdonaldtown train stations.
Hickey and Nick Tuxworth at Savills Australia are marketing the property. Hickey said the City of Sydney Council is keen to promote properties with access to such amenity.
“Due to quantum value, leasing demand and low risk/low construction costs, we are experiencing high levels of enquiry for this asset class,” he said.
Currently, the property is a modernised five bedroom house with off-street parking and has the capacity to be rented out for $1,300 per week.
The existing tenants are on a temporary discounted rent and have agreed to allow the owner access to bring consultants through at short notice and will move out when building commences.
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One of Erskineville's biggest sites for sale

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A well-established retail complex in the Nerang town centre at the Gold Coast has sold to a local private investor for $3.5 million.
The property was sold by Jon Tyson and Michael Harcourt of Savills, following an expressions of interest campaign that generated strong enquiry.
The Lavelle Street property comprises two adjoining buildings on separate lots and incorporates a complementary mix of 15 local retail and service-based tenancies with a combined floor area of 988 sqm.
The complex occupies a prime 2,024sqm corner site on Price Street, the primary business destination in Nerang and the local section of the arterial Beaudesert-Nerang Road, with an average daily passing traffic count of 25,000 vehicles.
Jon Tyson said the Nerang property presented a significant repositioning opportunity for the astute investor with the added attraction of future redevelopment potential to a maximum building height of 39 metres.
“We received strong interest from over 150 parties due to the property’s central Gold Coast location as well as its immediate and long term value add potential.”
 
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Nerang retail complex on the Gold Coast sells through Savills

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Australian instant boiling water system manufacturer, Zip Industries, has committed to 1,661sqm at Hallam, signing a lease for part of 59-65 Wedgewood Road.
Savills Australia’s David Kalb and Kosta Filinis, in conjunction with Crabtrees Real Estate, negotiated the five-year deal at $82 per sqm on behalf of a private landlord. 
Zip took over from Polyflor Australia last month.
Kalb said Savills initially sold the property for $3.68 million to an owner-occupier, who had residual space to lease out after moving in.
“The refit encompassed significant office space and a high-quality showroom, which suited the tenant perfectly,” he said.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Zip's industrialist founder Michael Crouch passed away this month at the age of 84 after a battle with cancer.
Crouch had sold his majority share of Zip.
Raised in Sydney, Crouch aged 28, acquired a small hot-water company in Sydney called Zip Heaters which had 12 employees.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
He applied innovation with his range of appliances with Zip's heaters easily fitted directly above the kitchen sink or bath
When he learnt a large block of units in Sydney was installing instant hot-water heaters, he conceived of the idea of instant boiling water, according to an obituary in the Australian Financial Review.
He first developed a cumbersome unit that sold only a few hundred, so he refined it and made a neater appliance he called the "Miniboil" - a white box on the wall with the red tap in office tea rooms.
Not only was the product more convenient because staff weren't waiting around for the jug to boil, Crouch's design delivered boiling water more efficiently. The first big contract was with the Commonwealth Bank.
</div>
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Zip Industries secures new premises through Savills

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GUEST OBSERVER
While hotels in Sydney and Melbourne are experiencing unprecedented trading performance, there was a relative dearth of sales activity in 2017 with national transaction values down 35% compared to the 2016 calendar year.
There were no significant hotel sales recorded in Sydney’s core CBD and only a small number of investment grade hotel transactions in Melbourne’s CBD.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/19/transactions.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/19/transactions.jpg" alt="">
Since the peak of transaction sales set in CY 2015, there has been a precipitous decline in the total dollar- value of hotels transacted across Australia. Many owners seem to be opting to hold their hotels for fear of being cashed up without the ability to re-enter the market; which is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/19/transactions2014.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/19/transactions2014.jpg" alt="">
In 2018, we anticipate that Sydney and Melbourne markets will continue their strong trading performance given record international and domestic tourist numbers and visitor spend, and relatively muted supply growth.
There continues to be a fairly substantial (and apparently growing) price gap between Buyers and Sellers. This “gap” is accentuated in Perth and Brisbane where Sellers consider Sydney and Melbourne cap rates as being applicable to their markets.
We see counter cyclical opportunities in 2018 in Brisbane, which we consider has bottomed and will bene t from the Commonwealth Games and activities associated with the Queens Wharf development, as well as a number of other signi cant public infrastructure projects and large scale private developments. Conversely, Perth has additional new supply still to enter an already soft market, which in the short term will lead to further downward pressure on both occupancy and room rate. Likewise, this should give rise to buying opportunities for well capitalised counter-cyclical investors.
We are expecting developers in Sydney and Melbourne to exit their hotels to take advantage of robust capital values, lack of availability of existing investment grade hotels, and to capture the ubiquitous and deep pools of capital still searching for hotels in these key markets. The Developers exit point will be either a site sale with associated DA, turnkey sale with fund through obligations or project take out at completion.
Yield compression continues as the dearth of opportunities drives up pricing and leads to tighter yields (refer Graph 1):
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/19/savills1.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/19/savills1.jpg" alt="">
This lends weight to Savills Hotels often quoted notion of a global synchronisation of real estate investment yields, particularly in gateway markets like Sydney and Melbourne.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/19/yield.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/19/yield.jpg" alt="">
With the evolving situation regarding Australian Prudential Regulation Authority regulations, the spotlight on international bank capital adequacy ratios and the implementation of the so called “Basel IV” accord (arguably just a completion of the Basel III reforms), bank lenders in the Australian market will continue to scrutinise more carefully hotel assets, forecast cash flows and borrowers for the strength of their covenant. 
The likely effects include:
1. Assets or development projects which are not showing generous returns (and in the case of developments, a strong positive delta between total development cost and on completion value), adequate security (in essence, more modest loan to value ratios), serviceability and interest coverage will be rejected by Australian trading banks
2. Borrowers themselves will be heavily scrutinised – those with experience in hotel investment and ownership in the market, as well as healthy balance sheet positions, will obviously be preferred by traditional lenders and are therefore more likely to re-emerge as the most active buyers
3. Non-bank lenders will have an opportunity to supplant themselves over Australian banks and provide a range of debt products from ordinary senior debt to a range of structured debt solutions. This in itself should assist with a further maturation of the Australian hotel investment market
Direct overseas buyers and overseas equity (managed by local Australian funds) from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore continue to be the main sources of capital scouring the Australian market for hotel opportunities; however, local investors should not be disregarded and have been active players in the market, particularly in the second half of
We also foresee a return of traditional US, UK and European private equity and fund managers as active players in the local hotel investment landscape in 2018 and beyond.
Michael Simpson is the managing director of Savills Hotels.
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Lack of Australian hotel sales in 2017 mask opportunities in 2018: Savills

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2018 is shaping up to be a solid year for the Australian retail investment market if 2017 figures are anything to go by.
According to Savills Quarter Times report, national retail investment volumes reached a 10 year high at $9.17 billion in 2017, with almost half of the total value invested in the $200 million + segment, a trend which hasn’t been seen since 2007.
While overall volumes appeared to moderate during the first half of 2017, major investment volumes quickly recovered and the final quarter closed strongly. 
According to Katy Dean, Associate Director, <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/research/australian-research.aspx" target="_blank">Research &amp; Consultancy, Savills Australia</a>, although investment volumes in 2015 got close to $9 billion, Australian retail investment in 2017 ($5m+) outshines any level seen in the last decade. 
 “Of the surveyed markets, NSW and QLD were the headliners, recording significant rises in investment volumes on a year-on-year basis. 
“Investment volumes in NSW accounted for 45 per cent of national volumes at $4.124billion, almost double the volumes seen in 2016. QLD accounted for almost 30 per cent of the total tally at $2.712billion, a 28 per cent rise on the volumes recorded in 2016. 
“VIC accounted for 20 per cent of national volumes at $1.466billion, however following a surge in 2015 and 2016, volumes were lower for the year ending 2017. 
“WA and SA account for around 9 per cent of the total and while volumes in SA dropped to $230million in 2017, down from $394million in 2016, WA volumes increased 5 per cent to $614million, up from $582million”.  
Ms Dean went on to say that November was the most active month of the year, setting the pace for December which saw a continuation of the high volume, mostly in NSW and QLD, making it the second most active months of 2017. 
“That surge through November and December, has provided a significant boost to the yearend volumes and created a brighter outlook as we start 2018” she continued. 
According to Steven Lerche, National Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/sales-and-investment/retail-investments.aspx" target="_blank">Retail Investments, Savills Australia</a>, 2017 saw the retail property market fuelled by low interest rates, rapid population growth and large volumes of foreign capital. 
“Market conditions remained strong across all sectors but the biggest winners have been the non-discretionary neighbourhood centres and freestanding supermarkets - both of which, have been hotly contested.
Mr Lerche said most active investors are onshore REIT’s, Funds, syndicates and private. Offshore Chinese investment has been patchy but they have targeted well located (next to train stations) redevelopment opportunities allowing for integrated living, shopping and entertaining. 
“Large format retail has remained an active sector with yields falling sharply as investors have been keen to secure such assets” he said. 
From a national perspective, Ms Dean said regional, sub regional and neighbourhood transactions were the largest contributors to overall volume numbers, with deals in the regional sector ($2.508billion) mostly responsible for the record-breaking year. The last time regional sales volumes got close to this level was back in 2007 ($2.87billion). 
“On average the market turns over $1.02billion in regional assets annually, with sales in 2017 buoyed by five main transactions with stakes selling in Indooroopilly SC in QLD for $800million, Kawana Shoppingworld in QLD for $186million, Highpoint SC in Vic for $660million, Chatswood Chase in NSW for $562.3million and Rockingham SC in WA for $300million.
“Neighbourhood Centre transactions accounted for 20 per cent of total volumes, $1.840billion across the capital cities surveyed, well above the $1.38billion recorded in 2016.
“After recording $1.629billion, the large format sector was a major standout in regards to investment volumes, reaching its highest level in the past decade” she continued. 
Mr Lerche said despite a shift in retail spending, we expect investment sales volumes in 2018 to remain steady. 
“Yields will remain tight due to the continued historically low interest rates and the private sector is likely to continue to cash out at what they believe to be the top of the market.
“In 2018, we could see similar levels of supply however we do expect a thinner buyer pool. Sydney will remain the defensive location with population growth fueling investment demand.” 
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. Katy Dean is Associate Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/research/australian-research.aspx" target="_blank">Savills Research &amp; Consultancy</a> and Steven Lerche is National Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/sales-and-investment/retail-investments.aspx" target="_blank">Savills Retail Investments</a>. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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NSW & QLD front runners as Australian retail sales volumes reach 10 year high: Savills

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Prospective buyers have the best part of February to secure a permitted development site on the edge of the Box Hill Activity Centre.

Savills are marketing 813-823 Whitehorse Road under an EOI campaign closing Wednesday 28 February. At stake is an approved 994 square metre site with approval for a Bruce Henderson architects-designed apartment tower spanning 16 levels.

Interestingly the site on the corner of Whitehorse Road and Elgar Road went through planning under Mont Albert, although selling brochures list the project in Box Hill; likely in order to boost buyer interest.

<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/image16_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Whitehorse Road. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="750" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_11.jpg?itok=kRUt704Y" title="Hero perspective from Whitehorse Road. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective from Whitehorse Road. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>Approved within the tower are 89 apartments above retail and commercial spaces. Savills state the apartments are majority two and three bedrooms, with expansive view over the CBD. 

With a slim Box Hill TAFE site and Kingsley Gardens between 813-823 Whitehorse Road and the CBD, those uninterrupted views are likely to stay.

Applicant Doyen Tower Pty Ltd lodged plans for the project during December 2016, with the tower finding favour via VCAT.

<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/image18_23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level retail. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_23.jpg?itok=sAUgoee_" title="Ground level retail. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level retail. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>In the interim City of Whitehorse rejected the proposal during April last year.

As is often the case, revised plans were submitted for the development during the approvals process. <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/vcat-approves-16storey-apartment-building-in-mont-albert/news-story/52b4246e043853bb0c782cdeb9c3069e">According to the Herald Sun</a>, VCAT approved the tower at 813-823 Whitehorse Road during October despite the council’s decision to reject the application.

<blockquote>
We are satisfied that the substituted plans have effected significant improvements and that the proposed building (with some tweaking via the permit conditions) will be a very positive addition to this streetscape/activity centre and sit in an appropriate manner alongside its nearest neighbours.
<cite>VCAT tribunal</cite>
</blockquote>

Planning machinations aside, the eventual buyer of the site will be able to deliver the glazed tower which will effectively become a gateway project for those travelling north along Whitehorse Road.
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silvermb

Mont Albert's premier development site goes to market

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Maribyrnong is increasingly taking some of Footscray's limelight in terms of development activity throughout Melbourne's western suburbs, which flows all the way to the creation of a new 5 star hotel.

Edgewater Estate within Maribyrnong is clear to host the suburbs first high-end hotel. Late last year Council voted in favour of a new eight-storey hotel and apartment extension above the stalled Club Edgewater project at 31 Edgewater Boulevard.

Architects Hachem describe the project as a 5-star luxury hotel, which is a far cry from its original intended purpose as a licensed gaming facility under the guidance of the Western Buildings. That particular build stalled as a result of the partnership between the developer and sporting club falling through.

<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/img_4487.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="31 Edgewater Boulevard currently makes for a sorry state."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4487.jpg?itok=ABq9YB3V" title="31 Edgewater Boulevard currently makes for a sorry state." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>31 Edgewater Boulevard currently makes for a sorry state.</figcaption></figure>Originally slated for 10 levels, but reduced during the planning process to dual 8 level buildings above a common podium, 31 Edgewater Boulevard is expected to accommodate roughly 60-70 hotel suites within its unique exterior. Also present is a function room, restaurant, bar, cocktail lounge, cinema and pool for hotel residents, plus an additional pool, cinema, retail spaces and a commercial gym for residents and guests alike.

Hachem's finish for the building includes grey and gold tinted glazing shrouded by polycarbonate louvers. Edgewater's prospective hotel may in time join Quest who have taken a considerable presence nearby at 2 Wests Road.

<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/image85_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Imagery of a completed Quest Maribyrnong apartment. Image: Quest"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image85_1.jpg?itok=y2M2BkDy" title="Imagery of a completed Quest Maribyrnong apartment. Image: Quest" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Imagery of a completed Quest Maribyrnong apartment. Image: Quest</figcaption></figure>The first hotel/serviced apartment operator of any note with Maribyrnong, Quest serviced apartments will include 78 keys over 8 levels and will adjoin Summus Apartments. Quest is slated to open on July 2nd.

The Quest portion of the entire development has been offered for sale with JLL handling the transaction; Quest has committed to Maribyrnong for a 15 year period with rolling 5-year options thereafter.

Incidentally, Summus Apartments and Marque Maribyrnong have topped out simultaneously, ushering in the structural completion of the suburb's first two high-rise apartment buildings. Summus is in the hands of Brady Group who is acting as head contractor, whilst Marque is under the control of developer and builder JMC Group.

<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/image84_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marque and Summus are now structurally complete."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="244" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_9.jpg?itok=rDPfnPKi" title="Marque and Summus are now structurally complete." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marque and Summus are now structurally complete.</figcaption></figure>These two projects along Wests Road are at the periphery of what will likely over time become an expansive high-density enclave. Apartments.com.au covered Maribyrnong's prospects of heading toward a higher density outcome <a href="/news/maribyrnong-on-the-radar">here</a>.

With the likelihood of further sites bound by Wests Road and Rosamond Road heading toward residential outcomes, development sites in the precinct have also become more prevalent. Currently, 8 Sloane Street is up for sale and follows on from the recent sale of 151-153 Rosamond Road.

Both sites are under the guidance of Savills and are zoned mixed-use, with both touted as capable of accommodating developments in excess of 10 levels.
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