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>.

Joel Robinson

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

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Savills

<html><body>
SPONSORED POST
Designing a workplace that meets the needs of a diverse workforce is a challenge. What appeals to Millennials may not appeal to Baby Boomers when it comes to a functional work environment. In the 80s we saw the rise of the ‘cubicle farm’, which slowly but surely has faded out to the now open plan layouts that we see in offices. However, to accommodate for different working styles, whether they are generational needs or personal preferences, companies need to provide alternative working areas within an office that go beyond the employee’s desk. The overall design of an office has a major impact on employee productivity and wellbeing, so how do we take all of these factors into account when fitting out an office space?
The Layout
Different generations have different needs when it comes to effective working environments, so how can we design work spaces that cater to such a widespread demographic? In recent years we have seen a shift towards open plan offices, with 70 percent of companies opting for this type of layout. However, according to research conducted in 2019 by Savills titled ‘What Workers Want’, 30% of employees find that this type of layout has a negative impact on their productivity.
Buildings, a journal published by MDPI, found that perceived productivity in open-plan offices was impacted by seven factors including: amount of interruption, noise levels, work area aesthetics, furnishing, cleanliness, ability to adapt the work area, and personal control over lighting levels.  
These are factors that Associate Director of Project Management at Savills, Simon Gazeley, takes into consideration when working with a client to fit out an office space. “Starting by surveying your staff to understand what works and what can be improved upon, plus setting up focus groups to steer the design is highly beneficial to the process. By understanding your peak occupancy ratio, you can release space for alternative settings rather than empty workstations,” Mr Gazeley commented.
For different industries, different layouts will benefit the employees and their overall productivity. For those working in offices where employees are constantly taking phone calls, one-person quiet rooms are beneficial to minimise the distraction to others. Whereas for creative industries where staff are frequently collaborating, less formal, flexible spaces are more appropriate for productivity, rather than staff brainstorming around a boardroom table. “Optimise the building’s attributes by creating focus areas in the darker and quieter spaces, with a variety of furniture settings from high tables, booths, lounge chairs, acoustic screens and the like,” Mr Gazeley said. 
For Millennials in particular, restrictive work environments are perceived by many to hinder their ability to work effectively, so common-use spaces are a real asset when it comes to optimising productivity. “Providing a variety of work settings for different tasks, whilst being cognisant of ensuring equitable access where the office is not fully agile is key to limiting disruption to others, whilst boosting productivity,” Mr Gazeley said. 
Key findings from the ‘What Workers Want’ study by Savills indicated that within the workplace, employees place the greatest value on having the option to work in a variety of spaces, and being provided with quality IT infrastructure. The same study revealed that above all other factors, 37% of employees were dissatisfied with the provision of quiet spaces within their workplace. 
The Technology 
New trends and updates to technology occur frequently – what once seemed like a novelty has become an integral part of daily life, and more so a part of working life. With a heavy reliance on technology, it makes sense to incorporate technology into the design of an office space. However Mr Gazeley points out that with all technology implemented, it should be planned for change and upgrade as it quickly becomes superseded and improved. 
The relationship between technology and architecture has been dubbed ‘Techiture’, with technology embedded in inanimate objects. By digitising buildings, we are able to gather data on the trends of the people who inhabit them. An article by the Kinnarps Trend Report points out that this enables architects to see how employees use the different spaces in their offices. “This is a game changer for the design and construction industry when it comes to designing workplaces that are tailored to the staff, and upgrading or reconfiguring spaces that are not well utilised,” Mr Gazeley said. 
The Wellness Factor
With the average person spending one third of their life at work, we are seeing employers placing greater value on overall employee wellness. While most employers offer their staff discounted health or mental health benefits, research shows that the physical working environment has the biggest impact on overall wellness. With many considerations to take into account, the WELL Building Standard has been established to ensure employee wellbeing is met. Seven factors are taken into account including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. 
Studies have shown that simple factors such as adequate lighting positively impacts employee mood and productivity. According to research conducted by global management software company, Ceridian, dimly lit areas have a negative impact on the brain, with employees who work in poorly lit spaces more likely to suffer from poor moods. “In developing buildings and designing fit-outs, access to daylight or views such as atriums are highly desirable. Built zones tend to be located in NLA farthest from the perimeter, whilst circadian rhythm lighting is currently cost prohibitive in many workplaces, good human centred lighting design should always be adhered to,” Mr Gazeley said. 
The Australian HR Institute says poor air quality reduces cognitive ability and leads to employees feeling fatigued and even suffering from headaches. Air quality can be easily improved by having greenery in the workplace, plus plants also help to absorb noise pollution.  We are seeing nature brought indoors with the trend of vertical gardens and greenery walls taking off, with Gazeley agreeing that Landscape Architects are becoming a key consultant in many large workplace design teams. 
An alternative way to bring the outdoors in is by using natural textures and materials, which is also shown to have a positive impact on wellbeing. Using different types of timbers and incorporating natural lighting is said to make the indoor environment have a calming effect on people. Research is indicating that highly productive workplace design predominately embraces organic shapes intended to bring spaces together without visual barriers. 
Working ergonomics seamlessly into the design of an office space is important not just for aesthetic reasons, but because being seated for prolonged periods of time has a negative impact on a person’s health. The comfort factor of the WELL Building Standard considers different working areas, and places value on ergonomics. “While sit-to-stand workstations may not last the test of time, as workspaces become more agile they represent current best practice when combined with other initiatives to ensure an active workforce. As the cost premium is reducing, we are seeing the ratio increase in current fit-outs,” Mr Gazeley said. 2019 Research by Savills indicates that 6% of employees prefer to work at a standing desk. 
Companies are starting to introduce designated recharging or wellness spaces into their offices, with Google and the Huffington Post going as far as providing high tech sleep pods. With employees clocking up an estimated 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime, providing a space where they can recharge for 20 minutes will be a benefit to how employees utilise their time overall. A wellness area should be a separate space to a staff breakout or kitchen area, where employees can de-stress, switch off their phone, or even meditate. “Even small part floor workplaces can assign a small private quiet room for multiple uses, with the contents of these rooms or spaces being quite modest,” Mr Gazeley said. 
In Conclusion 
Having the correct balance of office layout mixed with technology, plus incorporating the factors that contribute to overall employee wellness helps to accommodate for the multi-generational workplace of today. Taking these combined elements into account helps to maximise the potential work spaces within an office, and in turn boosts overall employee productivity. Considering generational needs and differed working styles will lead us to being able to design workplaces of the future with maximum functionality. 
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. Simon Gazeley is an Associate Director within the Savills Project Management team. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/">savills.com.au</a>.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Workplace fit-out fundamentals that accommodate our multi-generational workforce: Savills

<html><body>
Sydney has ranked sixth on the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Rental Index for H1 2019.
Prime residential rental growth across leading world cities slightly picked up pace during the first half of 2019, rising 0.9% to take average year on year growth to 1.3%.
Continuing a four-year long pattern of low level, but steady increases, resulting in the first uptick in average yields since late 2014 as capital value growth stalled, according to the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Rental Index.
In the year to the end of June 2019, capital values across the Savills index slowed to 0.7% annually, pushing yields up to 3.2%.
"While there are variations at an individual city level, the trend across both prime rents and capital values in leading world cities is broadly stable," says Sophie Chick, head of Savills World Research.
"Very few cities are seeing annual rental growth above 2%, a trend we expect to persist, given prevailing global political and economic headwinds.
"In the sales market, these forces translate into weakened sentiment and delayed decision-making, which has caused price growth to stall.
"But at the same time, although this pushes some demand into the rental markets, squeezed corporate relocation budgets continue to put pressure on rents.
"This means that while rents are outperforming capital values, we expect both markets to stabilise rather than continue to move apart, thus limiting the scope for yields to push out further."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/16/Savills%20Prime%20Residential%20Rental%20Index%20-%20H1%202019.JPG" alt="">
The latest data from the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Rental Index of 21 cities shows that only seven cities – Los Angeles, Barcelona, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai - saw annual rental growth above 3%.
"Leading world cities will continue to be magnets for an increasingly global young, affluent workforce and this will support demand for prime rental properties," says Chick. 
Los Angeles was the standout city in the first half of the year, with rental growth of 4%, taking yields to 5.2%, the highest in the index. Similarly, Berlin saw rental growth pick up pace in H1 2019, but strong capital price growth kept yields close to the index average at 3.1%.
Sydney has seen an influx of new stock, but affordability constraints in the sales market has kept rental demand high, allowing rents to tick up 1.4% year on year. Dubai, by contrast, which has also seen high levels of new stock, but a slowdown in global trade and financial markets continued to suppress rents in the first half of 2019, continuing the trend seen since 2014.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sydney ranks sixth on Savills' prime residential rental index

<html><body>
The Ray White Randwick office premises just off Randwick high street have been listed for sale through Savills.
The premises had initially been listed by the Ray White office, however the ground floor space at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-randwick-503291458" target="_blank">126-128 Avoca Street</a> failed to sell when asking $1.5 million.
Savills agents Tom and Nick Tuxworth, as well as David Hickey, are now marketing the property for a September 12 auction.
Ray White Randwick have a lease in the 145 sqm office space until December 2021 which yields $94,000 per annum gross.
Holding a prominent corner location on Avoca and Alison Road, the floor area is spread across three separate titles which provides future subdivision potential.
It has an 18 metre corner frontage with exposure to high levels of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

Savills list Ray White Randwick office

<html><body>
A land parcel at 18 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise has been listed.
The 3,239 square metre holding already has development approval for 486 units over 56 levels.
Across the 486 units, 873 bedrooms may be constructed.
It comprises a total net selling area of 43,489 square metres.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/8/5/Savills%20LUXE.JPG" alt="">
The land package is listed for $25 million.
Christopher Jones and Robert Dunne of Savills are marketing the property.
</body></html>

Surfers Paradise site with development approval listed for $25 million

<html><body>
SPONSORED POST
We all know that the Sydney lockout laws were introduced by the Government of NSW in 2014 with the objective to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence.  
The legislation requires 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks at bars, pubs and clubs in the Sydney CBD entertainment precinct. 
But did you know that since this time, pedestrian traffic has dropped by 40% in Kings Cross, falling from a Saturday peak of 5,590 per hour between 1am- 2am in 2010, to a Saturday peak of 3,888 between 12am - 1am in 2015. 
According to data from Liquor &amp; Gaming NSW, 418 licensed premises in Kings cross and CBD have closed since 2014, 242 new licenses – net loss of 176 venues and a 19% revenue loss for clubs. 
With reduced foot traffic, mass venue closures, high vacancy rates and challenging head winds, the retail sector is currently experiencing an upheaval as owners are now forced to look for alternative options to generate income. 
The saving grace is yet to come for owners, tenants and consumers with the CBD and city fringe area having five key changes proposed to the late-night trading planning controls:
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li7">A 24-hour city centre – extend the late night management area along George Street across the city centre and increase maximum trading hours from 5am to up to 24 hours.</li>
<li class="li7">Increase hours for low impact venues in local centres – align the controls with NSW Government rules and allow lower impact venues, including small bars, to trade until 2am.</li>
<li class="li7">New areas for new communities – identify late-night trading areas in suitable urban renewal precincts. These include Barangaroo, Walsh Bay, Green Square town centre, Danks Street, East Village shopping centre and an arts focused industrial heritage warehouse area in Alexandria. </li>
<li class="li7">Extend existing areas – recognise venues in Chippendale, Redfern, Surry Hills and Lankelly Place in Potts Point, which have emerged since the planning controls were reviewed in 2007. </li>
<li class="li7">
Encourage performance, culture and unlicensed businesses – a. Allow unlicensed shops and business, such as bookshops, clothing stores, drycleaners and hairdressers to trade up to 24 hours in city living or late night management areas and up to 2am in local centres. b. Describe dedicated performance venues, such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas with up to 250 patrons, as lower risk premises and allow these venues an additional trading hour at closing time. c. Allow venues that host performances one additional trading hour at closing time on the night of the performance. </li>
</ol>
We all know something has to change to help these areas continue to evolve, so hopefully these proposed changes happen sooner rather than later… 
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. 
David Hickey is a Senior Executive in the Metropolitan &amp; Regional Sales team. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/">savills.com.au</a>.
 
</body></html>

Sydney’s lockout laws need a key change: Savills

<html><body>
Two investment properties in Riverland, South Australia are being offered to market by Savills for sale either together or individually.
Located at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/29-kernich-street-renmark-west-sa-5341-2015428286" target="_blank">29 Kernich Street, Renmark West</a> (pictured in title) and <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/38-kuhlmann-road-old-calperum-sa-5341-2015428287" target="_blank">38 Kuhlmann Road, Old Calperum</a>, the two sites are leased long term to Better Drinks Co Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Asahi Beverages.
For sale through Peter Isaksson, Steve Bobridge and Andrew Nagy of Savills Australia, each property is integral to the operations of Better Drinks and Asahi in Renmark.
The 29 Kernich Street property offers an office and factory facility comprising 3,474 sqm with a canopy of 630 sqm, totaling 4,104 sqm, together with concrete and gravel hardstand areas.
It sits on a site area of approximately 40,420 sqm with a street frontage of approximately 258 metres.
The guide price is $6.25 million. for the Primary Production – Horticulture Policy Area 4 zoned property.
The current annual rental is $468,856 pa plus GST plus outgoings.
38 Kuhlmann Road (pictured below) offers an office warehouse of approximately 2,400 sqm on a 5,958 sqm site with a street frontage of approximately 66 metres.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/29/Renmark%202.JPG" alt="">
 
There is also a modern cool storage facility, which was constructed in 2002 and was extended in 2011 and 2018.
The property is zoned Industry- Calperum Policy Area 2.
The current annual rental is $238,76 7pa plus GST plus outgoings. The guide price is $3.25 million.
According to Peter Isaksson, Director at Savills Australia, “Both properties are located some 5 km from the Renmark township, the largest of the Riverland towns and a major SA Regional Centre."
“The area is highly regarded with the cultivation of fruit, vegetables, wheat and wool. In addition, tourism is also an important component of the township.”
Mr Isaksson went on to say both properties offer a five year plus five year right of renewal to The Better Drinks Co Pty Ltd, with leases expiring in February 2033 and October 2027 for 38 Kuhlmann Road and 29 Kernich Street respectively.
“This supports the long term secure nature of the offerings and there is a likelihood of expanding the Kernich Road site which the 4ha land holding can well accommodate.”
Both properties are being offered for sale by private treaty combined or separately through Savills Australia, with expressions of Interest closing August 7 2019.
</body></html>

Savills marketing Adelaide home's of Better Drinks Co

<html><body>
The Sydney CBD home of the BBQ King Restaurant has been listed for sale with price expectations of around $25 million.
The six storey heritage building at 76-78 Liverpool Street at the southern end of the CBD has undergone a full scale renovation since last trading for $6.3 million in 2010.
It followed updates in 1982 and 1999 to the building that dates back to 1906.
Some time in 1911 the building became occupied by the Government Printing Office.
Their occupation of the building was brief and machinery merchants Benson Bros Ltd and steel merchants Sanderson Bros &amp; Newbould Ltd.
It was used as a warehousing facility for businesses associated with nearby Darling Harbour Goods Yard and Wharves.
Now it comprises a basement, ground floor and four upper levels with 1,500 sqm of lettable area on its 350 sqm site.
It is split in to two retail spaces and four office levels.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/9/BBQ%20King%20Sydney%202.jpg" alt="">
The ground floor tenancy was designed and refurbished for BBQ King before they took the space three years ago.
BBQ King relocated to the Liverpool Street property in 2016, having first opened in Chinatown in 1983.
Savills Australia agents Jordan Lee and Andy Hu are marketing the property.
Jordan Lee says the southern precinct is a lively sector of the Sydney CBD with its mix or retail, office, residential, entertainment, educational and hotel uses.
“BBQ King is a famous dining destination that all locals know and love and its location at 76-78 Liverpool Street is strategically positioned to benefit from the master planned Barangaroo and Darling Harbour Live projects.
“The beautiful Heritage façade catches your eye and you can even see the chefs cooking in the kitchen” he said.
Hu said they expect interest from a range of buyers, both locally and offshore, looking for a safe haven investment.
He said the a popular tenancy such as BBQ King is "just the icing on the cake for a property such as this.”
 
</body></html>

Savills list BBQ King Sydney building for around $25 million

<html><body>
A private investor has purchased a Toowong property in Brisbane’s inner suburbs for $1.46 million.
Exclusive marketing agent Will Carman of Savills negotiated the deal of the Toowong property, located at 104 Sherwood Road.
Set on 809 sqm, the property has an existing Development Approval in place.
The existing DA allows the property to be developed with a total approved floor area of 1,157 sqm over three storeys.
However, Executive of Commercial Sales Will Carman said the buyer has plans to obtain a new Development Approval to build six town homes over three levels.
Mr Carman said, “This move by the buyer shows the strength that we are seeing within the detached dwelling market, rather than units"
The sales campaign attracted a high level of interest, with 154 interested parties identified, and seven formal offers received.
The property is located approximately 4 km from the Brisbane CBD, close to the thriving local commercial and shopping precincts.
“Toowong is a highly sought after suburb within the Inner West, as it provides great access to retail amenity and the nearby university,” Mr Carman added.
</body></html>

Savills successfully market Toowong property with development approval

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
Tuesday, 2 July saw the Reserve Bank of Australia ease rates again by 25bp to 1%, the second such easing in consecutive months and to a record low. 
The RBA argues it is needed to “support employment growth and provide greater confidence that inflation will be consistent with the medium-term target”. The RBA is also uncertain about the “trade and technology disputes…affecting investment and means that the risks to the global economy are tilted to the downside”. The RBA is sending a clear message that it wants the economy to tighten up on spare capacity to weather any storms in the future.
However perhaps the underlying reasoning could be the continuing benign economic growth at 1.8% (below trend), subdued consumption due to protracted low wage and income growth and declining house prices (the RBA with APRA did trigger this one through tighter macro-prudential rules). While the RBA acknowledges employment growth has been strong and the participation rate is at a record level, there is still spare capacity with unemployment at 5.2%. Historically full employment has been seen with 5% unemployment, but this metric appears to have now been contracted…is 4% unemployed now deemed the sweet spot?
Underlying Inflation is also deemed below ideal at 1.4% March 2019 (RBA is targeting between 2-3%), with the target to be circa 2% by 2020 and “a little higher after that”.
This is positive for Australian Property overall, but in particular for Office where, with the RBA’s backing, business is encouraged to invest into its future, resulting in stronger employment growth and as such stronger Office space demand across all sub-sector types.
Savills believes Office supply is becoming tight in the major cities and in particular Sydney and Melbourne. Rental growth, tightening vacancy rates and reducing incentives are beginning to bite into spare capacity in the CBD’s and having a flow-on effect into the major suburban CBD’s of North Sydney, Parramatta, St Kilda and some more decentralised locations. Our latest 2Q analysis highlights CBD net face rents are now at post GFC highs across all grades, while yields are at all-time lows.
Brisbane and Perth are also seeing demand driven tightness emerging, with asset price stabilisation and appreciation, helped by vacancy rates falling.
We expect national Office to continue its capital valuation uplift, supported by rent growth and falling vacancies and incentives, which in time will result in further yield compression as investors rebase their investment returns requirements to an Australian environment of low for longer interest rates. Of course Global money has had this funding advantage for some time, which will add to the competition for assets and the further decentralisation of capital to select suburban CBD’s – North Sydney is an example of uplift by proximity.
Industrial Property will also continue to see capital value growth as the second derivative to lower interest rates boosting economic activity and a more confident consumer. Logistics will be the primary beneficiary here, supported by supply constraints around population densities especially relevant to Sydney and Melbourne markets.
From a Retail perspective, the RBA and the Government is wanting to encourage the consumer to spend. The Federal Governments Tax Cut Policy passed yesterday in the lower house and is now to be presented to the Senate will, if passed, give further impetus to the consumer to spend. In the last 5-7 years, the consumer has changed its spending patterns influenced by online e-tailing; low income growth; employment frequency (casual versus full-time) and what we deem the “Canberra Effect” – Governmental policy indecision and political disruption of the last 10 years and its psychological impact on the electorate. We see the RBA move coupled with Tax Cuts as a positive pivotal moment for retailers and Retail asset values going forward.
But it’s worth noting that RBA Governor Lowe stated that “Given the circumstances, the board is prepared to adjust interest rates again if needed to get us closer to full employment and achieve the inflation target”. 
So the RBA would further adjust rates if required! 
The RBA is clearly pursuing a path to pump prime the economy to boost confidence, employment and spending. It is targeting all time low rates to partner with the Federal Governments Tax Cuts Policy, passed yesterday in the lower house and now in the Senates’ hands, to give the electorate circa $158bil back into their hip pocket over the next 5 years. If passed in the Senate, those earning up to $90,000 would get an extra $1,000 back in tax within weeks, that could be spent at your local Mall or on a domestic holiday (The Aussie dollar may constrain the overseas holiday).
In Summary, the RBA’s easing to record lows and if the Senate passes the proposed Tax Cuts Policy with little amendment, Retail could see a much need boost into Christmas which in turn will boost landlord rental streams and stabilise asset values. Industrial, particularly logistics, will also benefit as retail recovers. 
However, Office Property will be the near term winners, as business investment prompts employment growth and the demand for Office space tightens an already limited supply base. Rental growth will continue and further cap rate compression will eventuate, as investment returns requirements allow for further asset purchases.
Phil Montgomerie is the head of research at Savills.
</body></html>

RBA rate cut to record lows is good for property: Savills

<html><body>
An industrial investment in Kunda Park has been offered to market through Savills.
The 10 meter high span building with office space has been offered for sale fully leased.
Featuring a net lettable area of approximately 2,556 sqm, Heka Diprose Pty Ltd currently occupy Unit 1, 49 Enterprise Street, and are secured on a five year lease with a further four x five year options.
Set on a 3,156 sqm site, it is being offered for sale by Scott Gardiner and Jason O’Meara of Savills.
Director of Savills, Scott Gardiner, said the property ticks a lot of boxes for the current tenant, so he is expecting Heka Group will stay on a long term lease.
“This is a superb industrial investment opportunity zoned medium impact industry in the heart of the well-established Kunda Park Enterprise Estate,
“Properties of this size, scale and positioning on a solid lease rarely come to the market,” Mr Gardiner said.
The current net rental is $240,000 per annum, subject to annual rental increases of 3% with adjusted as at 1 August to $247,200 per annum.
The property was built in 2004 with high end industrial warehousing and office space across two levels, plus it has car parking accommodation for 26 vehicles.
Director of Savills, Jason O’Meara, said Kunda Park is a highly sought after location for investors and tenants, given its strategic location just west of the Bruce Highway and ease of access to key road links such as Maroochydore Road.
Improvements to the property include two x ten tonne cranes, large oven, spray booth, and a sand blasting room, plus strengthened mezzanine floor.
Neighbouring tenants include Toll, One Steel, Kelly Green Crane Hire, Stoddart Group, and Country Chef.
</body></html>

Savills

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Savills

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News